?<strong>Chapter 897:</strong>


    Before she could respond, he pulled her into a tight embrace. The scent of blood lingered on his chest, sharp and unmistakable.


    Allison slipped her arms around his waist and murmured, “I’m back.”


    The freezing air outside bit like a harsh winter storm, but Ken’s warmth wrapped around her, shielding her from the chill. It was both steadying and reassuring.


    Allison let out a small sigh of relief. “Have all the researchers and test subjects been secured?” she asked.


    “Rx, everything’s under control,” Ken assured her. He gently wiped a streak of blood from her cheek with his thumb. “Lilian’s already in the car. All that’s left is to destroy theb.”


    Ken had barely finished speaking when Gordon showed up, nked by his team.


    “I took care of everything on the cruise,” Gordon said. “Kylo’s team is handling the mayor’s men as we speak.” His eyes flicked briefly to the interaction between Ken and Allison, but he said nothing and focused on the situation. “Allison, we need to move. Now.”


    “Good work,” Allison replied with a curt nod.


    Before anyone could say more, her earpiece buzzed with static. Amya’s worried voice broke through urgently. “The news says the military on Fleeinnd is on its way,” Amya reported. “They’re probablying to seize Lilian and the other test subjects.”


    Allison had always intended to reveal the test subjects to the public. She believed that, whether the police or the military took over, they would handle the situation properly. But Lilian was a special case — Allison needed her alive for questioning.


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    “How long do we have?” Allison asked, her brow furrowing.


    “Ten minutes,” Amya answered after a deep breath. “They’re bringing heavy weapons meant for counterterrorism. If you stay armed, they’ll treat you as a threat.”


    “Got it,” Allison said. The low, distant hum in the air told her the military was getting close.


    Ken, sensing how little time was left, jumped into action and started organizing the evacuation.


    Before they could finish, the sharp crack of gunfire broke the air. A pained shout followed almost instantly. “My leg!” someone screamed.


    A guard by the van went down.


    Allison looked up just in time to see a ck SUV pulling closer, the shooter in the passenger seat. She recognized that vehicle immediately. Verruckt hade back.


    “Set off the explosives. Now!” shemanded.


    “On it,” Ken replied, hitting the button without hesitation.


    Boom!


    A muffled st echoed from the basement, quickly followed by a deafening roar. Theb’s foundation shattered, and the whole building began to crumble.


    Crash!


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