THE STRIKE
Elara walked briskly down the sidewalk, her bodyguard close behind.
Lucien's eyes scanned every shadow from the rearview mirror of their car parked nearby.
"This feels wrong," Elara murmured.
"It's too quiet."
Lucien didn't answer. His grip on her hand was firm.
---
Serena Strikes
From the shadows across the street, Serena crept forward.
Gun in hand, her eyes locked on Elara.
Her finger rested lightly on the trigger.
"This ends tonight," she whispered, a manic smile spreading across her face.
She took a step forward.
---
The Near Miss
Just as Serena raised the gun to aim, a crow cawed loudly nearby, startling her.
Elara froze. Her eyes widened in terror.
Lucien's instincts kicked in instantly.
He lunged forward from behind a nearby pillar.
The gun fired—but instead of hitting Elara, Lucien grabbed her wrist mid-shot, spinning Serena to the ground.
---
Lucien's Fury
Lucien shoved Serena against the pavement, taking control of the gun.
"Do you have any idea what you just tried to do?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
"You threatened my wife. My unborn child. My family."
Serena laughed wildly.
"You think this ends with me?!"
Lucien's eyes darkened.
"This ends now."
---
The Final Shot
Serena lunged at him, trying to grab the gun back.
Lucien didn't hesitate.
One shot rang out.
Serena collapsed to the ground, screaming in shock and rage.
The crowd around them gasped. The police, who had been monitoring Serena's movements, rushed forward and handcuffed her.
---
Elara's Relief
Elara ran into Lucien's arms, trembling.
"You saved me," she sobbed.
Lucien held her tightly, pressing his forehead to hers.
"Always," he whispered.
"No one hurts you ever again."
---
Serena's End
Serena screamed and raged from the ground.
"You think this is over?! You'll regret this!"
The officers dragged her away. Lucien's face remained stone-cold, but his hand never left Elara's.
---
The Calm After the Storm
That night, back at home, Lucien and Elara sat together, finally safe.
Elara rested her head against his chest, smiling through tears.
"Our nightmare is finally over."
Lucien kissed her forehead.
"Yes… finally over. Just us now. Our family."
The city lights glittered outside as they held each other, free at last.