Chapter 7 The Silent Strike

• The air in the small, hidden room grew thick with tension. Serria’s heart raced, but she forced herself to remain still, listening to the quiet hum of Mark’s phone as he received new information. He was in full survival mode now—his every move calculated, his eyes scanning every corner for danger.
• Serria stood by the boarded-up window, her hand resting on the cold, splintered wood as she stared out into the night. The city beyond felt like a distant world now, a place full of memories that she couldn’t afford to care about anymore. Her father’s empire was closing in on her, and she could feel the weight of every decision she had made. The journal—their only weapon—was safely with Mark, but it felt like nothing would stop her father from hunting her down.
• Mark spoke quietly into the phone, his voice barely above a whisper. His brow furrowed as he listened intently, and Serria could see the muscles in his jaw tighten in response to whatever was being said on the other end. Her nerves were starting to get the best of her, but she knew that right now, waiting was the only thing they could do.