Chapter 4 - THE LIBRARY AMBUSH AND THE SHATTERED GLASSThe doorknob rattled violently. A heavy shoulder slammed against the wood, sending a shower of dry dust raining down from the ornate molding above.
"The side door's locked! Kick it!"
Elelliana backed away into the shadows of the towering mahogany bookshelves, her breath coming in ragged, terrified gasps. She looked around frantically for a weapon, a phone, anything. Her hand brushed against a heavy leather-bound encyclopedia.
With a deafening crash, the heavy oak door splintered inward, the deadbolt snapping like a toothpick.
A figure in black tactical gear stepped into the room, sweeping a laser-sighted carbine across the dark aisles. The green beam swept across the floor, climbing higher, closer to where Elelliana crouched behind a velvet armchair.
"I know you're here, little girl," a harsh voice sneered, the man's boots clicking slowly on the hardwood floor as he stalked down the aisle. "Don't make this messy. Mr. Thorne sends his regards."
Mr. Thorne. The name hung in the air like poison.
Just as the intruder’s boots stopped inches from the back of the armchair, the shadows above him erupted.
From the darkened balcony railing directly overhead, a dark form dropped out of the gloom with the lethal grace of a striking panther. Nathan Sterling landed squarely on the intruder's shoulders, his weight driving the man violently face-first into the floorboards with a sickening crunch. The carbine skidded across the room, clattering into a row of books.
The second intruder rushed through the broken doorway, leveling his weapon at Nathan, who was already subduing the first attacker with ruthless, professional precision.
"Drop it, Sterling!" the second man screamed.
Before the intruder could pull the trigger, a sharp, deafening crack echoed through the library. A plume of plaster exploded from the wall inches from the intruder's head.
Framed in the shattered doorway stood Marcus, holding a vintage hunting rifle with absolute, unblinking steadiness.
"Drop the gun, or the next one goes through your chest," Marcus said, his voice entirely devoid of emotion.
The intruder stared at the barrel of the rifle, swallowed hard, and slowly let his weapon slip from his fingers, crashing to the carpet.
Nathan stood up slowly, brushing dust from his dark sweater. His knuckles were raw and bloody, but his eyes were ice cold. He looked past the captured men, his gaze locking onto Elelliana, who was trembling behind the armchair.
He walked over, knelt down, and gently pulled her out into the light.
"Are you hurt, El?" he asked, his voice shaking slightly for the first time.
She shook her head, tears finally spilling over her lashes. "They... they said Mr. Thorne sent them. Who is Mr. Thorne?"
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Nathan’s jaw clenched so hard a muscle twitched in his cheek. He looked up at Marcus. "Victor Thorne just made his move. He thinks he can take everything I’ve built by targeting a child."
Nathan pulled Elelliana into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. "He has no idea what he just woke up."
