Chapter 1616:


    “If escape is impossible, then weplete the objective,” the driver hissed, his voice warped by something unhinged and absolute. A dangerous glint ignited in his eyes — unsteady, yet resolute. His hand dropped to his sidearm. He tore it free and snapped the slide back, the metallic crack cutting through the suffocating tension.


    “We have no confirmation on Kolton’s condition. If that woman managed to restore him —” His grip tightened around the weapon. “Then he bes a liability. Loose ends cannot be allowed to exist. He has to die. Our operation may have copsed, but the truth cannot surface. It ends with him.”


    The other operative stiffened, shock dissolving as purpose flooded back into his features. “You’re right. For the Master of Shadows — it’s time to give our lives for the Master!”


    Together, they pressed their hands over their chests, the ritualistic gesture performed in perfect synchronization.


    If death awaited them here, they would drag Kolton into the darkness with them.


    “Go!”


    A savage cry tore from their throats. Both doors flew open as theyunched themselves into the open, bodies exposed beneath the merciless storm of gunfire.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Shots exploded from every direction, the sound deafening. Bullets tore through the air, voices barkedmands — but neither man faltered. Reason no longer existed. Only one thought consumed them: reach the rearpartment, open it, and end Kolton before anyone could stop them.


    “Cover me!”


    A round tore through one operative’s shoulder, jerking his body violently — yet he pushed forward as if he felt nothing, dropping low and throwing himself into a desperate roll toward the truck’s rear.


    ??e????l?? ???????????????? ??? ??а???o??e????.c??m


    ck!


    His trembling fingers seized thetch mechanism and forced it open with frantic strength.


    “Your life ends here, Kolton Cooper.” Hatred twisted his expression as the doors burst open beneath his pull, his arm already raised, gun barrel thrust forward into the darkness within.


    But everything unraveled the instant the panels swung wide.


    There was no unconscious body lying in wait. Only darkness — and within it, something had been watching.


    “What the —” The word barely left his mouth before realization crashed into him, his pupils dting violently as his mind failed to catch up with what his eyes were seeing.


    From within the shadows, a figure exploded forward with predatory precision. A slim hand shot out and seized his wrist, fingers tightening with brutal force that allowed no resistance.


    Crack!


    The sound of fracturing bone echoed with sickening rity.


    “Ahhh!” Agony tore from his throat as his weapon slipped from his useless hand, ripped away before he could react.


    Maia caught the pistol without hesitation, her movements smooth and merciless. She rotated on her heel in a single fluid motion, arm lifting steady and controlled, aim locking without a waver.


    Bang!


    The shot cut through the chaos. The bullet struck dead center, tearing cleanly through his forehead. A violent spray of crimson erupted outward. His body jerked once — eyes still wide, disbelief etched permanently into his frozen expression — and he copsed backward. Death imed him before understanding ever could.


    .


    .


    .