THE TEMPTRESS

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•STEPHANIE•

Reality hit me like a ton of bricks, bringing me back to the harsh truth of the situation. My arm went limp, and my legs buckled beneath me. I collapsed to the floor, knees giving way, unable to tear my eyes away from Luca's lifeless body slouched in the chair. The crimson hole in the middle of his head stared back at me, his vacant eyes fixed on nothing in particular.

You'd think I should feel some sort of satisfaction, right? I'd finally achieved the revenge I'd longed for, ending the life of the man who'd wreaked havoc on my family and turned his empire upside down.

But there was nothing.

No sense of accomplishment—just a void blossoming in my chest, spreading through my body as Luca's life slowly drained away. It took over my senses, leaving me with a hollowness that even my vengeful act couldn't fill. It stung, sure, but the pain only fully registered when a sob broke free from my throat a moment too late.

Tears streamed down my face as my whole body trembled. A movement caught my eye, and I turned to see Kaden limping toward me. Seeing his condition, the result of my own actions, intensified my sobs.

I shot him with that arrow, causing him pain.

He knelt down beside me, gently holding my face in his hands.

"It's alright, baby. Look at me."

I struggled to meet his gaze and was surprised to see compassion in his eyes.

How can he sympathize with me after I just took his father's life?

"Don't worry. You did what needed to be done. I don't blame you for it."

I wished his words could warm me, but the emptiness engulfing me left me numb.

He embraced me, and I noticed a slight wince as he adjusted to the arrow still lodged in his shoulder. Whispering reassurances, he ran his fingers through my hair.

"I just ended your father's life... and you're saying it's okay?" I blurted out, and he pulled back, studying me.

"He deserved it. I don't feel a shred of sadness for him. Considering what he did to your family and the pain he put you through all these years, he deserved much worse from just a bullet to the head"

I wanted to feel relieved that he was on my side, grateful for his support. But I couldn't feel a thing, and I despised myself for it.

Even if I can't really process any emotions right now, they're pretty clear due to the emotional breakdown I'm going through.

Suddenly, there's this loud explosion from the other side of the warehouse, and both of us just jump. Men armed to the teeth immediately show up, forming a circle around us.

"Stand down! Don't shoot!" Kaden shouts at them, then winces in pain.

I look at him, and his face is getting paler by the minute, lips turning a weird shade of blue. His shirt's got an even bigger stain, and it's pretty obvious he's losing a lot of blood.

"You need to go to the hospital," I tell him, and his eyes lazily meet mine.

"I'm fine, but I want you to come with me."

I clench my jaw, slowly standing up. His hand drops from my shoulder and hangs limp by his side.

"I can't do that Kaden."

"Stephanie, baby, I'm not going to hurt you or let anything happen to you. I already told you, I forgive you," he says weakly, and I notice his eyes drooping.

"It's not that," I reply. "I just need some time alone to process some stuff right now."

"Steph-" he starts, shuffling around to get on his feet.

His face twists in pain, but he manages to stand and face me. He's begging me to stay, but I can't give him what he wants. Not right now, at least.

I take a couple of steps back, and all his men automatically raise their guns, ready to shoot me down.

"No! Hold your fire!" Kaden commands them, his voice more firm despite his condition.

Then he looks at me, and his eyes soften.

"Steph, please."

I summon the energy to give him a small smile before turning around and heading towards the entrance. His men have completely surrounded us, and one stands in my way, trying to stop me from leaving. I shoot him a glare, but he doesn't budge.

"Let her go," I hear Kaden say from behind me.

The last teardrop slides down my face just as the man finally steps aside to let me through.

Without a second glance back, I walk out of the warehouse, free and unharmed, finally getting my family the justice they deserved.