HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 45

A Price for Justice

Amidst their enemies, Lucas, Lia, and Kevin stood resolutely, bound by their determination to end De Vega's reign of terror and secure justice. As the door creaked open, revealing the dark expanse of the mansion, they braced themselves for the unknown. Memories of past battles flashed through Lucas's mind, reminding him of the stakes they faced.

"Stay close," Lucas whispered, scanning the shadows. "We can't afford any mistakes."

The oppressive silence amplified every creak and rustle as they advanced cautiously, their senses sharp for danger. A glimmer of light ahead drew them onward, weapons ready. As they approached, the figure on a table strewn with maps and documents came into focus.

"De Vega," Lucas muttered, recognizing the silhouette that loomed before them.

De Vega slowly turned, a malicious smile curling his lips. "Well, well, well," he taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "Look who's decided to join the party."

In an instant, De Vega drew and fired, narrowly missing Lucas. Chaos erupted as bullets flew. Lia and Kevin took cover, returning fire to gain the upper hand.

Driven by adrenaline and justice, Lucas charged at De Vega. They grappled fiercely, each struggling for control, memories of the innocent lives De Vega had destroyed fueling Lucas's rage.

"Lia, Kevin, help Lucas!" Maria's voice rang out from the entrance, startling them all. She had followed, her expression determined as she aimed her gun at De Vega.

As the tide turned, De Vega smashed Lucas into the ground. Before he could recover, Maria fired; the bullet struck De Vega's shoulder, forcing him to drop his weapon.

"Now, Lucas!" Maria shouted.

Lucas seized the moment, lunging forward to tackle De Vega to the ground. With swift precision, he disarmed and subdued him, pinning him down. Relief washed over him, but anger simmered beneath the surface as he stared into De Vega's eyes.

"It's over," Lucas said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. "You're finished, De Vega."

De Vega sneered defiantly, though the fire in his eyes began to wane. "You think this changes anything?" he spat. "There are more like me. You'll never stop us all."

"We'll see about that," Lucas replied firmly, tightening his grip. "But for now, it's over."

Suddenly, De Vega twisted and caught Lia off guard. She stumbled back, and De Vega seized the opportunity, pushing her forcefully against a nearby table. Lucas's head throbbed as fragmented memories clawed at his consciousness, just out of reach.

"Lucas, watch out!" Lia's shout snapped him back to the present. De Vega had grabbed a knife and was slashing wildly. Lucas ducked, narrowly avoiding the blade, but the pain in his head intensified, blurring his vision.

Pushing through the discomfort, Lucas attacked De Vega, disarming him. They wrestled fiercely, crashing to the floor. De Vega landed a solid punch on Lucas's jaw, but Lucas's resolve only strengthened. He managed to pin De Vega down, twisting his arm behind his back.

"Lia, help him!" Kevin's voice cut through the chaos as he dealt with another assailant. Gunfire echoed around them, intensifying the turmoil. Lucas felt the pressure mount in his head as memories clawed to break free.

Just as Lucas seemed to gain the upper hand over De Vega, a gunshot shattered the room. Time slowed as Lucas turned to see Maria clutching her stomach, blood staining her hands. She staggered, her eyes wide with shock.