Chapter 40: Turned Trap The grand hall, lit by a dim chandelier, cast elongated shadows the walls. The truce meeting was set to begin, and tension was palpable. Ava, her face a mask of stood next to Liam, who kept his gaze steady, every his body taut with anticipation. “Stay Liam whispered, his eyes scanning the room. “I don’t trust this. Ava nodded, her brushing the of her dagger. “Neither do I. But we need to play their game, least for now. The competitor, Viktor, entered with a smirk that milk. His entourage, equally sinister, out eyes cold and calculating. “Ava,” Viktor extending a hand. “How nice to see you again. Ignoring his gesture, replied coolly, “Let’s to business. We’re to discuss terms. Viktor a dark, sinister sound. “Oh, but of course. Always so practical. ” He to a table in the middle of room. They took seats, the air thick unspoken threats. The truce document lay between them, a facade of civility masking the brewing storm. Just Viktor opened his mouth to speak, a series of loud echoed the hall. The doors open, men armed with weapons stormed in. “Ambush!” shouted, flipping the table for cover. “Ava, down!” Ava her dagger at the ready. room erupted into chaos. Viktor’s clashed with Liam’s, and the once a battlefield. “Stay close,” Ava ordered, her voice firm. She fought her way through the her movements precise deadly. Beside Liam with lethal efficiency. Amidst the Viktor’s eyes onto Ava. “You think you little girl?” sneered, drawing blade. met gaze, her burning with fierce resolve. “I don’t Viktor. They clashed in a whirlwind of steel and fury. Ava’s training, honed by years of hardship, her every move. She struck with precision that left Viktor reeling. “Your legacy ends here,” Viktor hissed, his attacks growing more desperate. Ava blocked a vicious swipe aimed head countered with a swift kick his midsection. “You’re wrong. It begins anew. Liam, battling caught sight struggle. She spun time deflect a blow from one of Viktor’s henchmen. Liam joined her, and they formed an unbreakable front. “You can’t defeat us both,” said, his voice low growl. “This now. With strikes, they Viktor to retreat. Each blow landed was to their unyielding spirit and the bond they had forged trials. Viktor, cornered and outmatched, glanced around desperately. “This isn’t he spat, into the shadows. the dust the remaining enemies the grand hall eerily silent. Ava and Liam stood the wreckage, breathing heavily victorious. did it,” Ava murmured, the weight of the battle finally lifting from her shoulders. Liam placed a reassuring hand on her arm. But this isn’t the end. We need to expose Viktor’s crimes and ensure he never threatens anyone again. Ava nodded, her resolve unwavering. “We will. For my family. everyone he’s hurt. As they made their out hall, Ava a small envelope amidst the debris. up, her name scrawled across it in handwriting. “What’s that?” Liam asked, peering over her shoulder. “I don’t know,” Ava replied, breaking seal. Inside was a single of message cryptic yet chilling. “This battle the beginning. The true threat lies hidden, closer than you think. Ava’s eyes widened she read the words. “There’s more to this,” she her heart pounding with a new of urgency. Liam frowned, his protective instincts kicking in. “What does mean?” “I Ava said, her racing. “But we to find out. There’s another threat out we have to stop it.