"What''s happening? It smells awful."


    I mped my hand over my nose and mouth.


    The thick scent of blood was overpowering, like I''d walked into a ughterhouse.


    It mingled with the salty tang of the sea.


    "Something''s off."


    Alec could sense it too.


    "Ma''am, they''ve ughtered so many of our people!"


    The leader of the group, a rugged old-timer, looked grim. "These were brothers


    who stood by us for years! The Silent Shadows are heartless!"


    The west pier was a chaotic mess of bodies, scattered haphazardly.


    Sophie fought to keep her emotions in check, speaking with restraint, "Have the police arrived yet?"


    "They''re on their way!"


    Another bodyguard chimed in, "When I got here, all our men were down. Do The Silent Shadows even care about Devonport?"


    Adler frowned, "Is this just a show of force, a deration of war?"


    "This isn''t good!"


    Sophie suddenly realized something, raising her hand, "Run!"


    At hermand, the surrounding bodyguards quickly retreated.


    The lead bodyguard stepped protectively in front of Sophie and Jenna.


    Suddenly, a massive explosion boomed from the sea.


    "Mom!"


    The sight made my face go pale with fear.


    Just as I was about to rush forward, Alec stopped me, "Are you nuts? That''s demolition!"


    Alec pulled me back as we ran.


    The explosions were relentless.


    It felt like they were trying to blow up the entire west pier.


    Alec and I had never seen anything like this.


    The boats at the west pier were blown sky-high.


    Metal fragments were flying everywhere.


    I saw my mom still in the thick of it; one wrong move and this st could be fatal.


    My heart skipped a beat.


    As the smoke slowly cleared, Colby emerged, shielding Sophiepletely in his arms.


    I stood there, stunned.


    Colby''s cloak enveloped Sophie entirely, and soon a group of bodyguards arrived. They were carrying dismantled bombs.


    Adler ranted, "Damn it! If you knew


    about the


    bombs, a heads-up would''ve been nice! We


    blown to bits!" Content


    "Yeah, Colby, good thing we were quick on our feet or we''d be toast."


    Jenna dusted off her clothes.


    They looked a bit roughed up but unharmed.


    Alec and I were speechless.


    I suddenly realized the stories my uncles told at dinner were too soft.


    They never mentioned that Devonport, twenty years ago, was a war zone. "Sorry, we werete."


    Colby''s voice was deep and steady.


    I had never seen my dad look so impressive.


    He was


    his usual casual attire,


    dressed instead in a crisp militare


    uniform, likely the


    outfit of the Costello family


    Sophie asked, "Were they trying to blow up the entire west pier?"


    "Yes."


    Colby replied, "With the war looming, this was probably a show of strength."


    "Making such a racket, they must be insane!"


    Adler''s face darkened, "Those bastards,e the day after tomorrow, I''ll make them pay!"


    While Alecand I were still too stunned by our parents to


    stunnquards suddenly


    two


    ove


    They dragged us forward.


    This time, we didn''t even try to resist.


    We just wanted a closer look at our parents.


    "Why is it them again?"


    Adler frowned, "Where on earth did you twoe from?"