The alarm continuously echoed through the villa. I stood frozen in the middle of the room. My heart was racing.
The room suddenly felt
smaller... tighter... like the walls were closing in. I froze for a second. Then-
Footsteps echoed somewhere beyond the door. My breath caught.
Was it him ? Or something else ?
I stepped back immediately as the door handle moved. The door opened.
And for a second, relief flooded through me.
"Rudra...."I said quietly.
But the word died in my throat. It wasn't him.
Two men stood there. They were the same men. The ones who had come earlier.
The ones who said-
"We came here to take what was ours."
Their eyes locked onto me instantly.
"Found her" one of them said.
My body went cold. I stepped back but they stepped inside instead.
"No..." stay away from me, I said.
Before I could move one of them lunged forward. I tried to run. But his grip caught
my arm.
"Let me go !" I struggled.
You are coming with us, he said coldly.
I tried to push him but he was stronger.
The second man moved toward the door.
"Make it quick" he said.
Panic rushed through me. I struggled harder, trying free my arm out of his grip. But I can't. "Stop struggling," he muttered . Then he started dragging me toward the door.
My mind screamed for help... for him...
And just when I thought no one is coming.
A gunshot.
The sound tore through the room.
Everything froze.
The man holding me suddenly stopped moving. His grip loosened slightly.
For a second no one moved.
Then-
His body went stiff. Slowly his eyes dropped to his chest. Blood...
My breath hitched. For a second I couldn't even process what was happening.
His hand slipped from my arm.
Before I could even react", he collapsed .
I stumbled back instantly.
The second man turned sharply, reaching for his weapon. But he didn't get the chance.
Another shot.
He dropped to the ground.
And then I saw him. Standing at the door.
Rudra. Gun in his hands. Eyes dark.
For a moment he didn't move. He just stood there like he was making sure that I was okay. My hands are trembling.
My voice broke, "Ru... Rudra."
That was enough. In the next second-
He moved. Fast.
Closing the distance between us, his hands grabbed my arms.
His eyes scanned my face then my shoulders like he was checking for injuries.
Are you hurt ? he asked. His voice was low.
I shook my head quickly. I'm okay.
For a second he didn't react. He just looked at me. Like he didn't believe.
Then suddenly-
He wrapped his arms around me. I froze.
I could feel his heartbeat. Fast.
You didn't listen, he murmured.
But it didn't sound like anger. It sounded like something breaking through it.
"I tried...." I whispered.
His grip tightened slightly.
You don't understand, they won't stop coming, he said.
I closed my eyes for a second. Not because I was scared.
But because for the first time...
I felt safe in the middle of danger.
Then I slowly opened my eyes. My hands were still holding onto his shirt, like letting go wasn't an option.
But that moment didn't last. Footsteps rushed outside. Rudra's expressions changed instantly. Back to cold. But his hands didn't leave mine.
Stay behind me, he said.
Before I could respond the door burst open.
Arin and Eric rushed in.
They've broken through the inner gate," Arin said quickly. My heart dropped.
Inner gate…? That means—
they were getting closer.
Rudra didn't panic. He never does.
We don't have much time, Rudra said.
Then he turned to me. His gaze softened.
If anything happens don't trust anyone, he said quietly.
Anyone ? Before I could ask he stepped back. Creating distance again.
"Arin, take her to the safe route." Rudra said without looking away from me.
My heart skipped. Safe route…?
Arin nodded.
"Come rhea," said to me.
I didn't move. My eyes stayed on Rudra.
You are not coming ? I asked softly.
"I'll be right behind you," he said.
But something about it—
didn't feel true.
Before I could say anything, another loud explosion hit the villa harder than before...