Chapter 83

• A loud, authoritative voice echoed through the air, "STOP!" The sound was like a slap in the face, jolting everyone into attention. The guards' fingers hesitated on the triggers, and the protesters' cries for mercy momentarily ceased.
• As one, the crowd turned to see who had intervened. Adeline, a determined look etched on her face, strode confidently towards Zarek, flanked by a phalanx of police officers. Sebastian and Avery exchanged a hopeful glance, their eyes fixed on Adeline as she confronted Zarek.
• Zarek's face contorted in a mixture of shock, anger, and frustration. "What the fuck are you doing, Adeline?" he spat, his voice venomous.