The echo of gunfire shattered the ancient peace of the chapel, reverberating through the stone walls like the screams of fallen ancestors.

Above them, chaos had broken loose.

Xavier turned to his guards. “Get her to the safe room.”

But Elena didn’t budge.

“I’m not hiding.”

“This isn’t the time to make a statement,” Xavier growled, stepping forward.

Her spine straightened. “Then make me leave.”

His jaw ticked. For a second, fury and admiration warred in his eyes. Then he stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You have no idea what’s coming. Marcus won’t just kill you—he’ll use you. Your blood. Your name. He’ll twist your legacy into something monstrous.”

“I...