Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 9: Betrayal

Victor's men, disguised as ordinary townspeople, blended in, watching Lucas's every move. They waited for the perfect moment to strike.

That moment arrived on a sunny afternoon when Lucas, Sophia, and Emily strolled through the town square.

The mercenaries closed in, surrounding the family.

Lucas shielded Sophia and Emily, his mind racing.

"What do you want?" Sophia demanded.

The lead mercenary sneered. "You're coming with us, Lucas. Victor Thompson's orders."

Ethan appeared, his expression cold and detached.

"Let them go," Ethan commanded.

The mercenaries hesitated, unsure.

Ethan's voice hardened. "I'll handle this."

Lucas's eyes narrowed. "Ethan, what's going on?"

Ethan's gaze didn't waver. "Protecting family interests."

Sophia's eyes filled with tears. "Ethan, please. Don't do this."

Ethan's face softened for an instant before hardening. "Take them."

The mercenaries closed in, grabbing Lucas, Sophia, and Emily.

As they were dragged away, Lucas's eyes locked onto Ethan.

"Ethan, brother, why?" Lucas pleaded.

Ethan's response was a cold, hard stare.

Victor's mansion loomed before them, its opulent facade hiding the darkness within.
Lucas, Sophia, and Emily were dragged to a hidden room, deep in the mansion's bowels.
The room was dimly lit, the air thick with malevolence.

Victor sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You should have stayed hidden, Lucas."

Sophia clutched Emily tight, terror etched on her face.
Lucas's gaze never left Victor. "You'll never harm my family."
Victor's smile twisted. "Watch me."

He pulled out a pistol, aiming at Emily.

Sophia screamed.

Lucas's world narrowed to a single focus: protect his family.
With a fierce roar, Lucas burst free from his restraints.
He tackled Victor, wrestling the pistol away.

In a flash, Lucas turned the gun on Victor.
"No regrets," Lucas growled, pulling the trigger.
Victor's eyes widened as he crumpled to the floor.

Lucas stood, pistol still smoking, his heart pounding.
Sophia rushed to him, Emily clinging to her.

"Lucas, oh God..."

Lucas's gaze never left Victor's lifeless body.

"He threatened my family. He had to die."

Ethan stumbled into the room, horror etched on his face.

"Lucas, what have you done?"

Lucas turned, pistol still clutched.

"Ethan, you're next if you harm my family."

Ethan paled, backing away.