As I stepped into the grand foyer of the Blackwood mansion, the weight of the night's events settled on my shoulders. The sprawling estate loomed around me, its opulence contrasting sharply with the turmoil in my mind. I needed to regroup and strategize-there was too much at stake, especially after my encounter with Alynna.

I moved silently through the halls until I reached our designated meeting room. As I pushed the heavy door open, I found Lucas already inside, his brow furrowed in thought. We locked eyes, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between us. We both knew the implications of last night's events, and the necessity of keeping certain details under wraps, especially now that the family was discussing them around the table.

The meeting room buzzed with tension as members of the Blackwood family gathered around the long table, their expressions grave. I sat beside Lucas and exchanged a knowing glance with with him again.

"Alynna Shinryu escaped from the attack!" Harold exclaimed, slamming his palm on the table.

"We had everything set in place. This could ruin our plans!" Margaret chimed in, frustration clear in her voice.

Lucas and I exchanged a quick glance, our hearts racing. We both knew we had intervened to help Alynna, and now we had to keep our cool. Any slip could lead to dire consequences.

"Someone must have assisted her," Lucas speculated, furrowing his brow to maintain his act. "This isn't just a simple escape. They had inside knowledge. We need to find out who it was!"

"Maybe there are other Shinryu lurking around L.A.," Harold suggested, leaning forward. "They've been quiet for too long. This could be their way of retaliating against us."

"Let's not jump to conclusions," I interjected. "We need to find out what happened before throwing around accusations. We can't afford to let our enemies gain the upper hand." I spoke with authority, trying to calm the crowd and deflect any suspicion that might fall back on us. They knew I was the heir of the Blackwood family, and that bought me some time.

"Agreed," Lucas added, keeping his tone just loud enough for everyone to hear.

Before anyone could say anything else, one of our staff hurriedly ran inside the meeting room and whispered to me. I nodded in agreement as he left the room.

"Listen," I announced to everyone at the table, "one of our allied groups has failed to secure an agreement with someone in their contract, which could jeopardize one of our plans."

I paused, gauging the room. "But this is not a big complication. I'll handle it myself. You all can return to your business and tasks without any further delays. We need to keep moving forward, not let this setback hinder us."

The murmurs around the table shifted, uncertainty giving way to a renewed sense of purpose.

"Right," Margaret said, her tone less frantic now. "If you're confident, Gabriel, then we trust your judgment."

"Absolutely," Lucas added, shooting me a look of understanding.

"Then let's get to work," I said, my voice strong and steady.

Everyone left the room except Lucas and me. He stepped a little closer, creating just enough space for us to speak in low tones.

"Let's keep our heads down," I whispered, my heart pounding. "For now, focus on damage control." A rising urgency coursed through me; I had to ensure our secrets remained hidden. "I need to find a way to keep Alynna safe without drawing suspicion, and time is running out."

"Agreed. This stays between us," Lucas replied, his voice equally hushed. I nodded, the weight of our shared responsibility heavy in the air. "We need to stick together on this."

"Always," he said, a fierce loyalty shining in his gaze as we both prepared to leave the room.

I pulled into the parking lot of the mall, urgency coursing through me. Intel had pointed to this location as the site where one of our alliances planned to settle a score-an execution of a contract gone sour. I couldn't let this happen. The fallout would create unnecessary complications for the Blackwoods, and I wanted to avoid headaches at all costs.

My plan was to make an advance attack, eliminate these rogue elements before they could carry out their dirty work. As I slipped through the entrance, I kept my movements low-key, blending into the crowd. That's when I suddenly spotted a familiar face, her-Alynna.

She strolled along the walkway, completely unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows. My heart raced as she entered the same mall. I had to remain invisible, careful not to draw her attention while I maneuvered closer to my targets.

With a deep breath, I focused on my mission and roamed the mall with purpose. I ducked into an art store, thinking it would provide the perfect cover while I scouted for the men I needed to confront. As I scanned the area, I noticed them gathering outside, a group of alliance members huddled together. They're heading toward the escalators and about to reach the second floor. I have to make a move now and not let them slip away, but just as I approached, my gaze flickered seeing Alynna entering the art store- my heart sank.

She seemed so at ease, lost in her own world. I was supposed to be focused on the mission, but every time I caught a glimpse of her, it felt like a distraction I couldn't afford. She moved with a grace that drew my eyes, and my thoughts drifted to the dangerous path she was on. But I couldn't linger. My priority was to prevent the assassination and maintain the integrity of our family's plans. The intel had hinted at something big happening here, and if I didn't act swiftly, the repercussions could be catastrophic.

As she's purchasing something on the counter, I decided this is my time to leave. I made my move hoping she wont turn back soon and catch me. I had seen one of the alliance members just outside, and it was time to blend into the crowd without drawing attention. As I was about to exit, I smelled from my back that she was about to take the exit too, I have brushed past Alynna! I felt a rush of adrenaline. I didn't want her to see me, not now, not here. I walk hurriedly, shadowing her discreetly and focusing on the man I had to track. I kept my head down, hoping to slip away unnoticed.

Just as I rounded the corner, I heard a piercing scream that shattered the mall's usual ambiance. My heart raced. Alynna's instincts kicked in, and she sprinted toward the escalator, leaving her lunch behind.

"Damn it," I muttered, torn between my need to protect her and the urgency of my own mission. I couldn't let her get caught up in whatever chaos was unfolding.

I moved swiftly, blending into the crowd, scanning the faces for any sign of trouble. As I reached the second floor, the scene was pandemonium-a lifeless body sprawled on the polished floor of the elevator. Blood pooled beneath the victim, and people rushed past me, panic in their eyes.

Alynna pushed her way through the throng, her eyes wide with shock and determination. I was struck by her resolve. This was no ordinary situation for her, and yet, she moved with the confidence of someone who knew how to handle herself. I had to be careful-she couldn't see me here, not with the risk of her discovering what I was involved in.

As I assessed the scene, I spotted the men responsible for the hit slipping into the crowd. My instincts screamed for action. I couldn't let them escape, but I also couldn't afford to let Alynna see me confronting them. With each second that ticked away, the tension built. I have to act fast.

Just then, I saw Alynna burst through the mall's glass doors, the cool air catching her hair. She seemed driven by instinct, the way she dashed for a waiting taxi. I followed her at a distance, careful to remain out of sight. My heart raced as the taxi peeled away, chasing after the black car that had just sped off.

She was already ahead of me, focused on her target.

I couldn't let her risk herself in this situation. Without a second thought, I slipped through the glass doors and head toward my motorbike parked a few blocks away. I revved the engine, feeling the power beneath me as I pulled out onto the street. My mind race with the knowledge I had of the alliance members and their planned hit. I knew the routes they typically took and where they liked to disappear after a job. I had to get to Alynna first; she was following the trail of danger that I was trying to contain.

I quickly calculated my route, deciding to take a series of side streets that would allow me to cut her off without drawing attention. I maneuvered through traffic, the wind whipping against me, urging me forward. As I took a left onto a quieter street, I could see the taxi ahead, its tail lights glowing red as it stopped in front of a sleek black car parked outside a luxurious restaurant. I knew this place all too well-it was a common haunt for the alliance members who orchestrated the hit.

I parked my bike in the shadows, watching as Alynna slipped out of the taxi and walked toward the restaurant, completely unaware of the danger lurking within. This was it. I needed to act fast. I could see the men who had carried out the assassination in the distance from the restaurant's glass window, huddled together, likely discussing their next move. I had to get Alynna away from this scene before she stumbled into their path.I moved quickly, slipping into the alley behind the restaurant, my heart pounding as I strategized my next move.

As I stood in the shadows, the reality of my situation hit me hard: I couldn't let Alynna see me-not now, not like this. I was about to walk into a nest of vipers, and the last thing I needed was for her to spot me and complicate matters further.

Before I even reached the back alley, the sounds of chaos erupted around me: gunshots echoed through the air, chairs toppled over, and the unmistakable shatter of dishes filled my ears. My heart raced as I realized trouble was brewing, but I had to conceal my identity before stepping into the fray. I quickly pulled a black mask from my jacket pocket, the fabric hugging my face snugly while leaving only my sweat-soaked blonde hair and eyes exposed.

Hurrying through the backdoor of the restaurant, I burst into the kitchen, where chefs and cooks were already in a panic, rushing to escape the madness unfolding outside. The smell of sizzling oil mingled with the chaos, and I maneuvered past them, positioning my gun firmly in my grip. Every instinct urged me forward; I had to get to Alynna before it was too late.

I slipped through the kitchen entrance, the scene that greeted me left me momentarily stunned. From my concealed spot, I saw her- Alynna, moving with deadly precision through a circle of dangerously looking guards, dispatching each one like a clockwork. She was a blur of speeed and force, her strikes landing with surgical accuracy. One person tried to lunged at her, but she dropped him with a powerful kick to the chest, sending him flying backward. Another cosed in from behind, but she spun, meeting his advance with a crushing punch that dropped him instantly.

As I watched Alynna hurriedly corner the man in the gray hat, her hand gripping his collar with relentless force, my eyes caught movement fom the edge of the fray-a huge looking man covered blood around his face raised his gun, aiming right at Alynna's back while she remained focues on the man she was interrogating. Instinct took over me. I raised my own gun in precision, swiftly aim at the man's chest. My finger squeezed the trigger, and the gunshot echoed through the room as the bullet pierced through the chest of my target, his body drop to the ground with a sickening thud, blood pounding arround him.

Alynna spun at the gunshot, but before she could react, I fired again, this time aiming for the man gasping for air in her grip. The buller pierced through his forehead, and his body crumpled. Alynna stood up, her gaze locking onto me, her expression flashing from the shock to something that felt dangerously close to recognition. I felt a strange chill as her eyes, with blood dripping from her head , met mine - those piercing, steely eyes focused in an instant on my own, as if like she's a different person from the one I enjoyed meal last night at my own cabin.

Knowing I couldn't let her examine me too closely, I have to move fast. As much as I hate my next move, its necessary. I closed the distance between us and deliver a swift powerful punch to her stomach. She gasped, stumbling back, caught completely off guard. Guilt crawled at me as I looked down at her, then lifted her into my arms. I know one day she will understand why I did this- its for her own safety. I have to get her out of here, and based on the current situation, I know she will not come with me this time if I attempt to invite her conscioulsy, she is in a complete different state of mind- the kind of assassin who wouldn't want to stop until she's the last one standing and breathing in the room.

After dealing with the last of the troublemakers, I quickly dialed Lucas, keeping my voice low but urgent. "I need you to bring a car-something discreet-and take my bike back to the cabin," I told him, my gaze flicking back to where Alynna lay, unconscious but unharmed. "And hurry."

Within minutes, Lucas arrived with an unmarked sedan, blending perfectly into the night. He gave me a questioning look as he took the bike, but he knew better than to ask questions now. With Alynna safely bundled in the back seat, I settled behind the wheel, checking the rearview mirror for any signs of pursuit. It was imperative that I get her back to her apartment without anyone noticing-especially her butler, Sean. The last thing I needed was for anyone to start asking questions, even if they were on her side.

Driving through side streets and taking less-traveled routes, I navigated the city with precision, evading cameras and keeping to the shadows. The weight of secrecy was heavy, and every stoplight felt like an eternity, but finally, we arrived. I parked a short distance from her apartment complex, ensuring the car was out of view. Carefully, I carried her through the quiet building, making sure not to draw attention from any late-night residents or staff.

As I approached Alynna's apartment, I immediately paused as I notice a figure just ahead, stepping out in a hurry. Sean. He was closing the door behind him, his expression tense as he pocketed his phone and strode down the hallway. He's probably out looking for Alynna.

I waited until he disappeared around the corner before continuing, careful not to make a sound. Lucky enough, I found a spare key inside her jacket pocket. I silently unlocked the door and slipped inside, closing it softly behind me. Navigating through the dimly lit space, I found her bedroom and gently laid her on the bed, adjusting the pillows to make her comfortable. The contrast between the fierce assassin she'd been earlier and her current vulnerable state struck me.

Just as I was about to slip out, I noticed Alynna beginning to stir, her body shifting as a faint groan escaped her lips. She was waking up, and I had only seconds to react. Without a second thought, I ducked into the nearest hiding spot I could find-the dresser. I held my breath, steadying myself as I crouched within the confined space, the faint scent of her perfume filling the air around me.

Alynna gasped, jolting fully awake just as footsteps sounded down the hall. The door opened, and Sean hurried in, his voice low with concern. "Alynna, are you alright? What happened?" he asked, moving to her side.

Still groggy, Alynna winced, clutching her side. "I... I don't know. Everything's just a blur," she murmured, her tone edged with pain.

Sean's brow furrowed. "You were gone for hours. I had a feeling something was wrong. I went out moments ago but I came back here when I noticed a strange car parked a few blocks down-a car I haven't seen before. Thought it might be connected."

Alynna sighed, struggling to sit up. "I'm fine, Sean, really. Just... needed to get away for a bit, and things got out of hand."

I kept my breathing steady, listening closely as their conversation continued. Every movement, every word echoed around me in the confined space of the dresser.

Sean's eyes narrowed as he took in the sight of blood staining Alynna's clothes and face. His expression darkened with concern. "But Alynna," he said carefully, "you have blood all over you."

Alynna shifted uncomfortably, brushing a hand over her clothes. "It's not mine, Sean. I ran into one of Blackwood's alliances" she replied, her tone tense.

"What?" Sean exclaimed. "Why didn't you call me?"

Alynna rose to her feet, and panic surged through me as she took a small step toward the dresser. My heart raced, and I tensed, barely daring to breathe, praying she wouldn't decide to open the doors where I was hiding.

"Everything happened so quickly," she replied. "I'll explain everything tomorrow."

"I hope you can. You have another agenda to prepare for tomorrow night and after, your first day of school," Sean reminded her, and it struck me, too. What agenda? and also ... what school?

"I know, I know." Alynna insisted, urging Sean to leave her room. After the sound of the door clicked, I heard a deep sigh escape her as she finally thought she was alone. She sank onto the edge of her bed. Though her eyes still held a fierce glint, I could tell she was exasperated.

From my hidden spot behind the dresser, I gazed from the edged tiny window as Alynna began to strip off her bloodstained clothes, leaving only her undergarments. Stains marred her skin, but even in this vulnerable state, she exuded an undeniable grace.

"What happened?" she murmured to herself, brows furrowing in confusion. "How did I get back here? That man... he just punched me and everything went dark."

Her voice was laced with disbelief, and I could feel the weight of her confusion. Despite the gravity of the situation, I couldn't help but admire her. She looked almost ethereal, her light skin softly glowing in the room's light, highlighting the contours of her figure. Though not skinny, it was clear from her physique that she had undergone rigorous training. Her posture was impeccable, showcasing a toned neck, chiseled collarbone, and an attractive silhouette. From her modest cleavage and defined chest to her small waist, balanced hips, and toned legs, every aspect of her body spoke of strength and grace. She wasn't too tall, nor was she particularly short, but I was reminded of how I used to tower over her. I shook my head, forcing myself to focus. I was here to keep her safe, not to indulge in the distraction of her beauty.

Just then, she approached the dresser, and my heart raced. I held my breath as she reached for the door, barely craking it open. I could see her hand brush against the clothes inside, her fngers grazing over fabric. My pulse quickened, but she only grabbed the first hoodie her hand touched, and relief washed over me as she closed the door again.

With her back now turned as she made her way to the bathroom, I seized my moment. I carefully emerged from my hiding spot, every step measured and silent. My heart raced, but I had to move quickly, ensuring that I wouldn't be discovered. As I took the opportunity to sneak out of Alynna's room while she was in the bathroom, I carefully turned the doorknob, trying not to make a sound. But as I opened the door, I nearly collided with Sean, who stood frozen in the hallway, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

"Blackwood," he said, the word laced with recognition. In an instant, he shifted into a defensive stance, ready to attack.

I was equally stunned, unable to move as our eyes locked. It was clear he knew who I was and where I had come from. Tension crackled between us, and my instincts kicked in, preparing for a confrontation if he made a wrong move.