Chapter 38 : "Web of Shadows"

Yunus pressed the earphones, furrowing his brow in confusion. "More security here and at home," he ordered, slipping into his car and driving straight back home.

Upon his arrival, the atmosphere at home was tense. Ethan, Hazel, and Isabella were on high alert. Isabella covered Lucian, instructing him to face his bed. "What is going on?" Mrs. Isabella asked, concern lacing her voice. Yunus handed Hazel a gun, urging her not to hesitate to use it. As she held the gun, memories of a man with a viper snake tattoo flooded her mind.

"No, no, no," she whispered, dropping the gun. "Miss Hazel!" Isabella exclaimed, picking up the gun and urging her to run toward a room with Lucian.

Meanwhile, Ethan maintained vigilance, suspicion in his eyes as he moved with his gun raised. A man opened a door, and Ethan quickly hid behind it. As the man stepped forward, Ethan fired.

On the other side, Hazel and Isabella shielded Lucian, covering his ears as they hid in a small wardrobe. "What is happening?" the innocent boy asked. "Stay here, cover your ears, and promise not to come out, no matter what," Hazel instructed. Lucian obeyed, nodding his head. She closed the door, and Isabella questioned, "Where are you going?" Hazel replied, "you need to hide. They're here for me, and I need to show them what I'm capable of. Please, hide."

Back to Ethan, he stepped out of the room and realized most of the security men were dead, indicating that the opposition was more numerous than he had anticipated. He heard the struggle of the door attempting to open. He shot at the door, and the opponent fired back. He managed to roll away, but his arm was hit.

Switching back to Hazel, she hid, reacting swiftly upon spotting the barrel of a gun. As the man approached, she seized the opportunity, kicking him in the stomach and pointing her gun at his head.