VENGEANCE IN THE SHADOWS [KIM MINGYU]

{22} Bound by Design

Chapter 22

"Bound by Design"

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The heavy silence in the room was interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. Two guards entered, their faces pale, glancing nervously between Mingyu and Alara.

"I'm sorry, boss," one of them stammered, lowering his head. "She managed to slip past us."

Mingyu's gaze remained fixed on Alara, his expression cold and unyielding. Without a word, he reached inside his jacket, pulling out a gun with a calm precision that sent chills down Alara's spine.

"Mingyu..." Alara whispered, fear creeping into her voice. But he didn't respond. His hand was steady as he raised the gun, his expression a mask of ruthless focus.

The guards barely had a chance to react before a single shot rang out, echoing through the room. One guard fell to the floor, motionless. Alara gasped, pressing her hand to her mouth as horror washed over her.

The second guard staggered back, wide-eyed, but Mingyu's gaze was merciless. He fired again, and the guard crumpled beside his fallen comrade.

Alara's heart pounded as she looked at Mingyu, her voice barely a whisper. "You... you killed them. Just for letting me go?"

He turned to her, his eyes dark and unflinching. "They failed you," he said simply, tucking the gun back into his jacket. "And I don't tolerate failure."

Alara's voice trembled as she backed away. "You're insane," she choked out, struggling to catch her breath. "You can't just......kill people....because of me."

Mingyu took a slow step closer, his gaze never leaving her. "But I just did it." He said softly, a dangerous edge in his voice.

Alara's back pressed against the wall, her breathing shallow as she looked at the lifeless forms on the floor. She flinched when he took a step toward her, instinctively shrinking away.

Seeing her reaction, his expression softened, the cold intensity in his eyes shifting. His jaw relaxed, and he lowered his hands slowly, his gaze steady and careful as if he were trying not to frighten her more.

"Alara..." he murmured, his voice dropping to a low, almost soothing tone. "Little dove, I didn't mean to scare you." He took another cautious step, reaching out but pausing just before he touched her, giving her the chance to back away.

Alara trembled, her eyes wide as she met his gaze, still haunted by the scene she'd just witnessed. "Don't come closer," she whispered, her voice shaking. "You... you just killed them like they were nothing."

He tilted his head, his eyes flashing with an unsettling blend of regret and determination. "They failed you. I warned them. I warned everyone that you're not to be left unprotected."