MEETING THE DARKNESS

19

Three days had passed since Dia's conversation with Viktor, and the whirlwind of wedding preparations had blurred the lines of her life. Between the bustling arrangements and her looming college deadlines—only three months left—she felt like she was juggling too many things at once. Yet, the reality of her situation was sinking in deeper than ever. She was not just preparing for a marriage of convenience; she was stepping into a world fraught with danger and uncertainty.

The morning of the third day started with a sense of unease. As she sipped her coffee, her phone buzzed with messages from her friends, all inquiring about the wedding and eager to help. But Dia's mind was elsewhere, fixated on the rising tension surrounding the OCTI threat. She had barely settled into her routine when a sudden chill ran down her spine, a gut instinct warning her that trouble was near.

Later that afternoon, as she walked back to her apartment from class, the streets felt oddly quiet. Dia quickened her pace, glancing over her shoulder. The shadows seemed to stretch and move, her heart racing with the dread that OCTI might be lurking again. Just as she turned a corner, a group of fifteen masked men stepped into view, blocking her path.

Fear coursed through her veins, but she took a deep breath, her instincts kicking in. She was no rookie; she had trained for situations like this. But as she assessed the situation, she realized there were too many of them—far more than she could handle alone.

Without wasting a moment, she pulled out her phone and dialed Viktor's number, her heart pounding as she whispered, "Viktor, I need your help. They're here... again."

"Where are you?" he asked, his voice sharp with urgency.

"On Maple Street, just past the cafe. I'm cornered. I can't hold them off alone," she replied, glancing back at the advancing figures.

"Stay where you are. I'll be there in five," he assured her before hanging up.

Dia knew she needed to act fast. She quickly called Sid, her loyal second-in-command. "Sid, I'm in trouble. OCTI is here, and I need backup—now."

"I'm on my way, Dia. Just hang tight," he replied, already aware of the unfolding situation thanks to her earlier warning about her impending marriage.

As she waited, her instincts flared. She had to hold her ground. The fifteen masked men advanced, their eyes glinting with malice. "Well, well, if it isn't the infamous Scarlett Ghost. You've been a thorn in our side for too long," one of them taunted, brandishing a weapon.

Dia squared her shoulders, determination flaring in her chest. "You'll regret this," she warned, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her.

Just then, she heard the roar of an engine, and moments later, Viktor's car screeched to a halt. The door flung open, and he stepped out, exuding an air of dominance that demanded attention. "Step away from her!" he commanded, his presence electrifying.

Viktor wasted no time, drawing his weapon and taking aim at the nearest assailant. The air crackled with tension as he fired a warning shot, the bullet ricocheting off the ground. The men hesitated, clearly taken aback by the sudden appearance of the mafia king in training.

"Did you really think you could take her without a fight?" Viktor sneered, the corners of his mouth lifting in a confident smirk.

Dia felt a surge of relief at his arrival. "Viktor, I—"

"Save it," he interrupted, his gaze locked on the attackers. "We're about to show them what happens when they cross us."

At that moment, Sid arrived, flanking Viktor and positioning himself beside Dia. "I got your back," he said, eyes sharp and ready.

"Let's show them why they should fear the Bloodmoon Triad," Viktor declared, moving fluidly into position, with Dia and Sid ready at his side.

With a nod of understanding, they charged at the OCTI members. The ensuing battle was fierce and chaotic, the air filled with shouts, gunfire, and the clash of bodies. Dia fought alongside Viktor, her training kicking in as she unleashed a flurry of well-practiced moves. She ducked and weaved, her heart pounding in her chest as she took down one assailant after another.

Viktor was a force of nature, his strength and agility apparent as he dispatched enemies with ruthless precision. Sid moved with equal skill, covering Dia's blind spots and ensuring she remained safe.

Despite the overwhelming odds, they fought fiercely. With each enemy that fell, Dia's confidence grew. Together, the trio was a well-oiled machine, moving in sync to take down the fifteen attackers one by one. The tide was turning, and the OCTI men realized they had underestimated the strength of the Bloodmoon Triad.

As the last of the masked men fell, Dia stood panting, adrenaline surging through her. Viktor turned to her, a triumphant grin on his face. "See? I told you I'd always have your back."

"You were right," she admitted, feeling a mix of gratitude and admiration. "But this is far from over. They won't just give up."

"They're underestimating us," Viktor replied, his voice steady, though the tension remained palpable. "We need to make a statement—show them that crossing us has consequences."

Dia nodded, the adrenaline fading, replaced by a newfound resolve. "We'll make them pay for this. Together."

"Together," Viktor agreed, his gaze intense. In that moment, as they surveyed the aftermath of their skirmish, Dia felt an unbreakable bond forming between them, solidified by the chaos of their lives in the underworld.

But even as she stood beside him, a nagging fear lingered in the back of her mind. The war was just beginning, and with her marriage looming on the horizon, she knew that the stakes had never been higher.

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Happy Reading!

With love,

CARA