BREAKING THE CHAINS
Serena stared at the ankle monitor around her leg.
House arrest.
A cage with softer bars.
She smiled slowly.
"You think this can stop me?"
With a sharp movement, she smashed the device against the edge of a metal chair.
Crack.
The screen went dark.
She grabbed her jacket and slipped out the back door.
---
Elara Is Being Followed
Elara walked slowly through the park, her bodyguard a few steps behind.
She stopped suddenly.
"That man again," she whispered.
The same cap.
The same walk.
Her heart raced.
"Call Lucien," she said urgently.
---
Lucien Realizes the Trap
Lucien was in a meeting when his phone rang.
"Elara?"
"Lucien… I think she's here."
His blood ran cold.
"I'm on my way. Don't move."
He ran out of the building.
---
Serena's Final Move Begins
Serena watched from across the street, hidden behind sunglasses.
"So beautiful," she whispered.
"So fragile."
Her hand tightened around something inside her bag.
---
The Chase
Elara noticed the man getting closer.
"Stop following me!" she cried.
People turned to look.
The man suddenly changed direction and disappeared.
Her bodyguard relaxed.
"False alarm."
But Elara's chest still felt tight.
"She's playing with me," she whispered.
---
Lucien Arrives
Lucien rushed toward her, breathless.
"Are you okay?"
She nodded, tears in her eyes.
"She's close. I can feel it."
He pulled her into his arms.
"We're leaving. Now."
Across the street, Serena watched them go.
"Run," she whispered.
"It makes it sweeter."