Evelina

(xxx)

Evelina

"Klaus, I'm not in the mood for your twisted games," I said, my voice laced with annoyance despite the hammering of my heart.

He smirked, a cruel glint in his eyes. "You're in no position to make demands, Queen. Last time, I underestimated you. This time, I hold the perfect card." His gaze flicked toward Elizabeth, who whimpered softly in his arms. "So, shall we begin? Or would you rather wait for your husband and friends to join the fun?"

Panic threatened to overtake me, but I swallowed it down. Tony and the others showing up would only give Klaus more leverage. More weaknesses for him to exploit.

"Now," I said through gritted teeth.

His grin widened. "Perfect. Though I think we'll wait a moment longer."

I barely had time to react before I heard the faint crunch of footsteps behind me. Tony's voice reached my ears, low and steady, like the calm before a storm. "Get your hands off my wife, Klaus."

Klaus turned toward Tony, his smile growing. "Ah, the cavalry arrives. And the rest of the squad too, how delightful."

Men appeared from the shadows, surrounding Tony, Lexi, Liv, and Jan, their movements quick and deliberate as they restrained them.

"Shall we begin the game now?" Klaus asked, turning back to me. His tone was casual, almost conversational, but the cold malice in his eyes made my stomach churn. "There's only one rule: do exactly as I say. And answer my questions honestly. Simple enough, yes?"

"That's two rules," I muttered involuntarily, the habit of correcting slipping out at the worst possible time.

Klaus ignored me, holding up a pistol with a single bullet chambered. "Ever heard of Russian Roulette?"

I nodded, my fists clenched.

"This, however, has a little twist. You'll choose someone. Either pull the trigger on them or play a round of truth and dare. If you shoot and they survive, they're free. If you choose truth or dare, you must succeed. Fail, and they die. Oh, and don't get any ideas..." He glanced at Elizabeth. "Your daughter's life depends on your cooperation."

My jaw tightened, rage bubbling beneath my fear. "Fine," I said, my voice icy.

Klaus's smirk deepened. "Good. First round. You get to pick who goes first."

Without hesitation, I said, "Alexa."

He raised a brow. "Interesting choice. Truth or dare?"

"Truth."

His smirk twisted into something darker. "If you had to kill one person here to save the rest, who would it be?"

A sharp, clear answer formed in my mind. I smiled coldly, knowing it would infuriate him. "You."

Klaus's eyes narrowed, his grip on the gun tightening. "Do you want your friend to die?"

"I answered truthfully. Just like your father, you're not a man of your word."

His expression darkened further. "I meant someone in this room."

"Aren't you in this room?" I shot back.

For a moment, silence hung in the air, thick and heavy. Then he sneered and barked, "Lass die Alexa los." One of his men grudgingly untied her. (Let Alexa go.)

Alexa stumbled toward me, her eyes fierce despite the fear etched on her face.

Klaus grinned again, recovering his composure. "New rule—you can only choose truth twice. Pick your next person. Discuss with your friend if you wish."

I turned to Alexa, her eyes locking onto mine with an intensity I hadn't seen before. She leaned in, her voice a whisper. "Choose Tony. Shoot him in the head."

"What?" I whispered back, horrified.

"Trust me," she urged, her voice steady. "Do it, Eve. Trust Tony."

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding. "Antonio," I said, louder this time.

Klaus clapped his hands in mock delight. "Excellent choice. Now, what's it going to be?"

I hesitated, my voice trembling. "Shoot."

Tony's eyes softened as I approached him, the gun heavy in my hand. "I love you," he said quietly. "And I trust you. Completely."

A lump formed in my throat as I raised the gun. My hand trembled as I met his gaze. "I love you too," I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

Closing my eyes, I pulled the trigger.

The deafening sound of the gunshot echoed through the room, followed by a sickening splatter. Warm droplets hit my face, and I froze, unable to breathe.

Then Tony screamed—a raw, guttural sound of pain that shattered me.

Behind me, I heard Lexi shout my name, but before I could process anything, something cold and metallic pressed against the back of my head.

"Such a disappointment, Queen," Klaus hissed.

Darkness descended as I crumpled to the floor, my last thought a desperate plea: 'Please, let Tony and Lizzy be safe.'