Page 161 of Vendetta Vows

"All the cars have keys in them and you'll find a gun in the glove compartment," Daria says, her voice clipped with disapproval. "Each vehicle is tracked, of course. Ruslan Vitalyevich will know the moment you leave the property."

I nod, scanning the options before settling on a modest-looking black sedan. "That won't matter by then."

She follows me as I walk to the car. "The guards at the gate are trained not to question anyone leaving from the garage," she explains. "They will not give you any trouble."

I open the driver's door, then pause. "Thank you, Daria."

Her weathered face softens slightly. "You will break his heart by doing this, Aurora."

"I know," I whisper, my voice cracking. "Believe me, I know that."

The crushing weight of guilt settles on my chest. After everything Ruslan has done to protect me, I'm choosing to abandon his protection and head straight into danger, straight into the arms of the monster we both know will destroy me.

"Tell him..." I swallow hard, trying to find the right words. "Tell Ruslan this isn't because of him. This has nothing to do with how he's treating Mikayla or anything that's happened between us. I'm doing this because Hannah is my friend, and I can't let another person die because of me."

I grip the car door tighter, my knuckles turning white. "Hannah has been there for me when I had no one else. I can't abandon her to the monster who destroyed my life."

Daria's stern expression softens.

"Tell Mikayla, Sofia, and Stella goodbye for me too." The words catch in my throat as I force them out. "Tell them... tell them I'm sorry I couldn't stay longer."

God, those girls. In such a short time, they've wormed their way into my heart. Sofia with her gap-toothed smiles. Stella with her timid but inquisitive gaze. And Mikayla—brave, fierce Mikayla—who's standing in that office right now, being interrogated by the uncle she both loves and fears.

Tears begin to well in Daria's eyes.

In all the time I've known her, I've never seen her express anything beyond stern disapproval or tight-lipped approval.

"Don't cry," I whisper, reaching out to touch her arm. "Please don't cry for me."

The sight of her tears nearly breaks my resolve. If stoic unshakable Daria is crying, then I truly am walking to my death.

She reaches out and takes my trembling hands in hers.

"You are brave, Aurora Castellanos," she says. "Foolish, perhaps, but brave. Not many would walk willingly toward their nightmare to save someone else."

I try to smile, but it feels more like a grimace. "I've been running from this nightmare for seven years. It's time I wake up and confront him head-on. Ruslan taught me that."

Daria pulls me into a fierce, unexpected hug. Her arms are thin but strong, like steel cables wrapped in silk. But her embrace is gentle and soft, and it reminds me of home and safety.

"Good luck," she whispers against my hair. "The pakhan... he will come for you."

"I'm counting on it," I whisper, though we both know it might be too late by then.

The lump in my throat makes it impossible to speak. I give her one final nod, climb into the car, and start the engine.

The key is in the ignition as promised. When I turn it, the engine comes to life with precision. Through the windshield, I see Daria press a button on the wall, and a section of the concrete wall begins to slide upward, revealing a ramp to the outside world.

I draw a deep breath, shift the car into drive, and press the accelerator. As I ascend the ramp, sunlight floods the car, blinding and unforgiving.

I grip the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turn white as I pass through the wrought iron gates of Ruslan's estate. The guard doesn't even look at me—just as Daria promised—and I feel a pang of guilt at the betrayal I'm committing.

But I have no choice. This is my mess. My monster. My responsibility.

With trembling fingers, I dial Hannah's number and put it on speaker. Each ring feels like an eternity, my heart hammering in my chest.

"Jamie, you're calling early." Kristofer's voice fills the car, sending a chill down my spine. "I'm not sure if that means you're eager or desperate."

"I'm on my way," I say, my voice steadier than I expected. "I'll be there on time."

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