Lussaria; Her Final Blade

chapter 14

As the vehicle rolled toward the safe house under the cover of midnight, the tension that had filled the car all evening began to ebb. The moonlight spilled over the narrow road, casting fleeting glimpses of the trees that flanked them on either side. Rosa’s head rested against the window, her breath fogging the glass as she gazed out. They had been driving for hours, and the exhaustion was settling in. The hum of the tires on the gravel was the only sound, punctuated occasionally by Nolan’s quiet instructions to Ander.

Then, just ahead, the dense forest gave way to an open clearing, and Rosa saw it—the safe house.

But this wasn’t some run-down shack or hidden bunker. This was a home, a sprawling, modern estate nestled against the woods. The two-story building was elegant, with large windows framed by steel beams, designed to blend into its surroundings while still appearing sophisticated. Soft lights illuminated the driveway, casting a warm glow over the pristine gravel. There were no towering concrete walls or barbed wire, but the sense of security was unmistakable.

Guards in discreet, tailored suits patrolled the perimeter. They carried sidearms, but nothing about them screamed "military." Instead, they looked like high-end security, calm and collected. The entire place exuded an air of controlled confidence.

As the vehicle approached the entrance, one of the guards nodded in acknowledgment before speaking into a small earpiece. By the time they rolled up to the front, the large oak doors swung open, and several more guards stood at attention. They weren’t here to question Nolan—they were waiting for their boss.

Rosa glanced at Nolan. His posture had shifted slightly, more relaxed now. He wasn’t a guest here; he was in charge.

Ander pulled the vehicle to a stop, and the guards stepped forward, opening the doors for them.

“Welcome back, sir,” one of the guards said with a respectful nod.

Nolan gave a brief, almost imperceptible nod in return, his gaze sweeping the estate as if checking to ensure everything was in order. The guard turned to the others. “Prepare the quarters for Mr. Nolan’s guests.”

Rosa stepped out of the car, her legs stiff from the long drive. The night air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees that encircled the estate. She could see more guards positioned strategically around the property, keeping a careful watch, but nothing about the scene felt oppressive. It was secure, yes, but not suffocating.

The interior of the house was just as impressive as the outside—polished wooden floors, minimalist yet luxurious furnishings, and soft lighting that gave the space a calm, inviting feel. A large fireplace flickered at the end of the hallway, casting a warm glow through the living room.

A few staff members, dressed in casual but neat attire, moved efficiently through the space. They nodded respectfully to Nolan as they passed, as if they were accustomed to his presence. This was his domain, and everyone here knew it.

Rosa couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe. She had known Nolan was resourceful, but this… this was something else. The safe house was not just a shelter—it was a sanctuary, meticulously designed to provide comfort and safety while still maintaining an air of discretion.

As they entered, a sharp-eyed woman with sleek black hair, appeared from around the corner. She gave Nolan a brief smile before addressing him.

“Everything’s in place, sir. We’ve heightened patrols on the perimeter since you last checked in.”

Nolan nodded again, his expression impassive. “Good. Make sure they’re briefed on what happened today.”

The woman nodded and motioned to the other guards, who quickly dispersed, leaving just the core group inside. Nolan turned to Rosa, Sonia, and Ander.

“You’re safe here,” he said simply, his eyes on Rosa, though the weight of his words was clear. “You’ll each have your own rooms upstairs. Get some rest—we’ll regroup in the morning.”

As they moved toward the staircase, Rosa took in more of the details. The house, while modern, had a sense of timelessness to it. There were no family photos on the walls, but there were a few pieces of art—abstract paintings and sculptures that suggested a careful, deliberate selection. The kind of taste you wouldn’t expect from someone like Nolan, who seemed more focused on action than aesthetics.

Their rooms were down a long corridor, each door marked with a subtle brass plate. When Rosa stepped into hers, she was greeted by a spacious yet cozy space. The bed was large, draped in soft linens, and a set of glass doors opened out to a private balcony overlooking the estate. She could see the soft glow of the outdoor lights below, as well as a small garden, perfectly manicured and serene. Everything about the place screamed luxury, but it was understated, designed more for privacy and comfort than to show off.

She dropped her bag onto a chair and sank onto the bed, her body finally relaxing after the day’s chaos. As she lay back, staring up at the ceiling, her mind began to race again. The eyes watching her from the woods earlier still haunted her. Whoever had been out there, they weren’t finished with her. She was sure of it.

But for now, in this place, surrounded by Nolan’s quiet yet unmistakable power, Rosa allowed herself to feel a small sense of peace. Whatever came next, they were ready for it.

From somewhere down the hall, she heard Sonia and Ander speaking in low voices, and the soft hum of the security system kicked in, adding another layer of protection. Rosa knew she should sleep, but as she stared out at the moonlit garden, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the calm before the storm.