Beneath the Canvas

Chapter 15: The Gathering Storm

POV: Lucas

Lucas stood in his office, staring out the large window that overlooked the city. The night was thick with tension, the air heavy as if the city itself sensed the impending conflict. His mind was racing with plans, contingencies, and the overwhelming need to keep Emma safe.

Viktor had called an emergency meeting with their closest allies—those who could be trusted to stand with them when the storm hit. Lucas knew they were running out of time, that Blackwood wouldn't wait much longer before making their move. They had to strike first, and they had to do it with precision.

"Lucas," Viktor's deep voice cut through his thoughts as he entered the office. "Everyone's here. We should start."

Lucas nodded, turning away from the window and steeling himself for what was to come. "Let's get this done."

As they walked down the hallway to the conference room, Lucas's thoughts drifted back to Emma. She had been so strong, so unwavering in her support, but he could see the fear in her eyes. He hated that she was being dragged into this, that the life he had tried to leave behind was now threatening the one person who meant everything to him.

When they entered the room, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The men gathered around the table were hardened, experienced in the darker side of life. They knew what was at stake, and they were ready to fight.

"Thank you all for coming," Lucas began, his voice calm but authoritative. "I won't waste time—Blackwood is making moves against us. We've confirmed that they've started targeting our operations, and it's only a matter of time before they come after something more personal."

There were murmurs of agreement around the table, but everyone was focused on Lucas, waiting for his plan.

"We're going to hit them where it hurts," Lucas continued. "Viktor and I have identified key locations—places that are critical to Blackwood's operations. We take them out, we cripple their ability to retaliate. But it won't be easy, and it won't be without risk."

One of the men, a seasoned veteran named Gregor, leaned forward. "What kind of risk are we talking about?"

Lucas met his gaze, his expression serious. "We'll be going after heavily guarded targets. We'll need to be fast, precise, and prepared for anything. But if we succeed, we can force Blackwood to the negotiating table—or end this once and for all."

The room fell silent as everyone considered the weight of Lucas's words. They all knew the stakes, and they all knew what they were signing up for.

"We're with you, Lucas," Viktor said, his voice resolute. "Whatever happens, we're in this together."

Lucas nodded, grateful for the loyalty of the men around him. But even as they laid out their plans and assigned roles, his thoughts kept drifting back to Emma. He had to make sure she was protected, no matter what.

POV: Emma

Emma sat in the living room, trying to focus on her sketchpad, but her mind was elsewhere. She couldn't stop thinking about the conversation she and Lucas had shared the night before. The weight of his words still lingered in the air, making it hard to concentrate on anything else.

The world she had stepped into was one she barely recognized. The danger, the threats, the constant fear—it was overwhelming. Yet, despite all of that, she couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Lucas had become a part of her in a way she never thought possible, and she was willing to face whatever came their way if it meant being with him.

But the fear was real, and it gnawed at her constantly. Every time Lucas walked out the door, she worried that it might be the last time she saw him. The thought of losing him was unbearable, and it made her wonder if she was strong enough to endure what was coming.