Chapter 19 - Ashes of the Dynasty
Before Victoria could slam her thumb down onto the detonator, a sharp crack split the night air. Elias Thorne’s sniper rifle, positioned on the jungle ridge above, found its mark with clinical precision. The detonator flew out of Victoria’s hand, spinning through the air before splashing harmlessly into the dark ocean waves below.
Victoria screamed, clutching her bleeding shoulder as she collapsed onto the stone terrace.
Liam didn't hesitate. With a primal roar of protective instinct, he lunged forward, thrusting the heavy grey blanket containing baby Leo directly into Avery’s outstretched arms.
“Take him!” Liam shouted, tears finally breaking free from his eyes, cutting jagged paths down his dust-covered cheeks. “Avery, please... take our son. I’m sorry. God forgive me, I am so sorry.”
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Avery pulled Leo tightly against her chest, the overwhelming warmth of her baby erasing the lingering nightmares of the past month. She looked down at her son, his tiny chest rising and falling peacefully, completely unaware of the war that had just been fought over him. When she looked back up, Liam was standing between her and his mother, facing the approaching tactical units sent by Elias.
“It’s over, Liam,” Avery said, her voice devoid of hatred, holding only the hollow echo of closure. “The empire is gone.”
