Chapter 8 - The Price of BetrayalThe gunshot echoed deafeningly inside the glass enclosure.
But it wasn't Emma who fell.
With preternatural speed, Declan had drawn his weapon from his holster and fired through his own coat pocket. The bullet struck Viktor square in the shoulder, spinning the security chief around and sending his pistol clattering across the stone tiles.
Before Viktor could recover, Declan was on top of him, slamming the traitor’s face into the floor with brutal, calculated force until Viktor went limp.
Meredith stumbled backward, her hands trembling as she stared at her brother. Declan stood up slowly, blood spattering his jacket, his eyes locked onto her with a terrifying, dead calm.
"You wanted to institutionalize my children, Meredith?" Declan asked softly, stepping closer to her. "You wanted them to know what it feels like to lose everything?"
The glass doors burst open behind them. Federal agents in tactical gear, led by armed local police, flooded into the conservatory, their flashlights cutting through the amber light.
"Federal agents! Drop your weapons!" an officer shouted.
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Declan slowly lowered his gun and kicked it away, raising his hands. But he didn't look at the police. He looked straight at his sister as federal cuffs were slapped onto her wrists.
"You're going away for a very long time, Meredith," Declan whispered as they dragged her past him. "And the bear won't be able to protect you there."
