Beneath His Shadows

The night air was thick with tension. A deadly silence settled outside the hideout.Then_

BOOM.

The front gate exploded.

Xavier Kane stepped through the smoke, his black cloth billowing, his eyes glowing with cold fury. His men followed, moving like shadows, gun drawn, face emotionless.

Damian walked beside him, scanning the area "Celeste won't go down so easily", he muttered.

Xavier didn't respond. He was already moving.

Inside, alarmed blared. The hide out was in chaos. Guard scrambled to the positions weapons raised_

They didn't stand a chance.

Xavier's men took them down swiftly, silent gunshots cutting through the noise. One by one, Celeste's defenses crumbled.

Elena's Escape Attempt

Elena twisted her wrist, trying to loosen the rope. Are heart pounded and she heard gunfires outside.

He came for me.

Celeste's noticed "You're wasting your time", she said smoothly, pouring herself a drink."Even if Xavier gets in, I can still kill you before he reaches this room".

Elena lifted a chin "Then do it".

Celeste's smirked " You're brave. I like that ".

She sipped her drink, unfazed by the chaos outside. " But bravery won't save you ".

CRASH.

The door burst open.

Xavier stood in the doorway. His eyes found Elena instantly—and for a split second , everything else disappeared .

Then he turned to Celeste, his face blank, deadly.

" Let her go ".

Celeste signed, swirling her drink. " You really do care about her, don't you ".

Xavier didn't answer. His gun was already pointed at her.

Celeste smirked. " If I die , my men kill you both".

Xavier titled his head. " Who said I would kill you quickly".

Her smirk faltered.

Before she could react, Damian appeared behind her, knife at her throat.

" Game over", He whispered.

Celeste stiffened. Her fingers twitched towards her hidden gun–

Xavier shot first.

The bullet hit her hand, making her drop the weapon.

She hissed in pain, clutching her wound.

Xavier was already at Elena's side, cutting the ropes. His fingers brushed against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine.

" Are you hurt? " His voice was low, controlled-but she heart the slight edge in it.

She took her head, though her heart was still racing.

Xavier stood, grabbing her wrist. " Let's go".

They turned to leave, but Celeste voice stopped them.

"This isn't over ."she said,panting " You know, that, right?."

Xavier glanced back, his expression ice-cold.

" It wasn't over the moment you took her "

Then he walked out, dragging Elena with him.

The Aftermath

The ride back was silent.

Elena sat beside Xavier in the car, her hand trembling slightly. The night had been a blur of Violence, fear, and....him.

She glanced at him. His face was unreadable, his jaw clenched.

Finally she whispered , " You came for me ."

Xavier's grip on the steering wheel tightened. " Of course, I did ."

Her heart stuttered.

" Why?" She asked, her voice nearly audible.

Xavier didn't answer immediately. But when he did, he made her breath catch.

" Because you're mine."