Shadows at the Gate
They all waited, fingers clenched, hearts ready.
The air in the mansion was heavy — the kind that made every breath sound like thunder. Outside, rain whispered against the glass, matching the quiet storm brewing inside.
Clara stood near the window, her reflection faint beside the dim light. Ethan's men had been sent out to track Eleanor's last location, but no one had returned with news. Damien leaned against the wall, jaw tight, his phone glowing faintly in his hand.
"She should've been back by now," Clara murmured, her voice trembling. "She said she was only going to the charity wing."
Ethan ran a hand through his hair. "I know." His tone was calm, but his eyes—cold steel—betrayed his worry. "I sent Aiden's men to check the route."
Damien's brow furrowed. "Aiden's men? You're trusting him now?"
"He owes me," Ethan replied shortly. "And right now, I'll take any help we can get."
Clara turned sharply. "Aiden? The same man who once kidnapped me?"
Ethan looked at her, guilt flashing in his gaze. "Yes. But this time, he's not our enemy… at least not tonight."
Before Clara could respond, the door burst open. One of the guards stepped in, rain dripping from his coat. "Sir — we found the car. Mrs. Eleanor's car was abandoned near the southern road. The driver's missing too."
Clara's knees weakened, and Damien quickly reached out to steady her. "She wouldn't have left on her own," Clara whispered. "Someone took her."
Ethan's voice hardened. "Isabella."
The name cut through the air like a blade. Damien's gaze snapped toward Ethan. "You think she's behind this?"
Ethan didn't answer immediately. His fists clenched. "She's been hiding something. Eleanor must have found out."
Just then, another sound echoed — a phone buzzing on the table. Ethan grabbed it, the number unknown. He hesitated for a heartbeat before answering.
"Ethan Gray," he said coldly.
A soft laugh came from the other end — a woman's voice, sharp and elegant. "Still as composed as ever, Ethan. I was hoping to hear panic in your voice."
"Isabella," Ethan hissed.
"Ah, so you guessed." Her tone dripped with amusement. "Tell Clara not to worry — Eleanor is alive. For now."
Clara's heart stopped. "What do you want?" she shouted, unable to hold back.
Isabella chuckled lightly. "Oh, my dear Clara, I only want what's fair — everything you took from me."
Before Ethan could reply, the line went dead.
Silence fell again, thicker than before.
Damien exhaled sharply. "She's playing a dangerous game."
Ethan turned to his men. "Find her. And this time—don't fail."
As they left, Clara stood frozen, her hands trembling. Her mind spun — Eleanor, Isabella, Aiden, Victor… every shadow from the past seemed to be returning at once.
Damien's phone buzzed again, and his eyes darkened as he read the message. "Ethan… Victor's name just surfaced. He's back — and he's working with Isabella."
Ethan's expression shifted from shock to fury. "Then this isn't just a scheme."
Clara swallowed hard. "It's war."
Outside, lightning split the sky, lighting up the mansion for a brief second — and in that flash, Ethan's face looked carved from fire and grief.