Chapter Eight – Crossroads of Blood and Fire
War wasn't just outside.
It was inside.
And it would burn everything I loved.
The city was a cage tightening around my throat, every shadow whispering threats.
I stood on the rooftop of the compound, watching lights flicker in the distance, thinking about the brother I'd never really known.
Adriano.
Enemy or lost blood?
Mercy met me at dawn, face tired but eyes sharp.
"I have a contact inside Berlin's underground. He owes me a favor."
"We need more than favors. We need a way in."
She handed me a small flash drive.
"Here's the layout of Adriano's compound. Security, schedules, exits. He doesn't trust anyone."
I nodded.
"Neither do I."
Giovanni showed up, unexpectedly.
"You're planning a war with a ghost?"
"A ghost who's already killed more than a dozen of our men."
Giovanni's laugh was cold.
"We're family."
I leveled a look.
"Family doesn't kill family. Not without reason."
"Then find your reason before it finds you."
That night, Mercy and I ran through the plan.
Silent infiltration. Fast strikes.
No room for mistakes.
Her hand brushed mine, fingers cold.
"You trust me?"
I didn't answer.
The next morning, the city exploded.
Gunfire echoed as Adriano's men struck the first blow.
Our war had gone public.
At the crossroads of blood and fire,
only the strongest survive.
And I was ready to burn.