The legendary stories of Alyssa and Jasper had spread far and wide. Of course, Finnegan had heard of them. Now that he was finally about to meet them in person, he couldn''t stop his heart from racing.


    "Finnegan, if I survive tonight, I hope we can stand side-by-side in court in the days toe. Let''s testify against Justin and Sheryl and expose their horrendous crimes," Remy said.


    He smiled again, even wider than before. He had never smiled at the base. Only now did Finnegan realize how genuine and bright Remy looked when he did.


    He continued, "If I don''t make it out of here tonight, please seek retribution against them on my behalf. Can you do that?"


    Holding back his tears, Finnegan replied, "Remy, if you want my word... then you have to make sure you get out of here alive."


    A shrill, bone-chilling whistle tore through the air, hurtling toward them.


    "Be careful!"


    Thanks to his quick reflexes, Remy shoved Finnegan aside. "They''re here for us. Go, quickly! Otherwise, we are all going to die here!"


    Finnegan steeled himself, tightened his hold on Amber, and sprinted down the mountain with all his strength.


    Veins throbbing at his temples, Remy slipped behind a tree. A split secondter, consecutive shots struck the ground beside him.


    Several subordinates in protective suits advanced slowly, guns raised, their muzzles sweeping in different directions. Two beams of harsh light cut across the top of Remy''s head and scanned the area around him.


    Without warning, he leaned forward. His piercing gaze was unnervingly steady- terrifyingly so.


    Three consecutive gunshots were fired, and three subordinates copsed instantly.


    "He''s over there! Fire in that direction!"


    Remy''s aim was deadly urate, but he had only a pistol. His enemies carried machine guns capable of unleashing relentless bursts of fire.


    Though the hail of bullets forced him to stay low, he seized a one-second opening to retaliate, sessfully shooting three more men.


    Yet there were over a hundred subordinates, at the base, and the storage was stocked with firearms and explosives of every kind. Even a lone lion, no matter how fierce, could not survive a pack of hyenas determined to tear him apart.


    Death was inevitable. It was only a matter of time.


    A stray bullet tore into Remy''s left shoulder, and blood began to pour out.


    His breathing grewbored. Sweat soaked his bangs, and the arm holding his gun trembled uncontrobly.


    By now, Finnegan had probably reached the foot of the mountain with Amber and met up with Jasper and the others.


    Truth be told, Remy had never


    1.n


    nned to leave this ce alive. From the moment he joined Justin''s camp and stepped into theboratory base, he had been mentally prepared. He had always known this ce would one day be his final resting ce.


    "Jasper, Cyrus, Alyssa..."


    He closed his eyes, murmuring each name etched deep in his heart through his pale lips. A faint smile of relief curved across his face. "It


    seems was never meant to stand, by your side in this life."


    If there were another life after this... he would want to be part of their family. A true


    blood rtive. If only he were given another chance.


    Just as Remy prepared to rush out for one final, suicidal counterattack, a violent gust swept through the forest.


    A thunderous roar followed from above, heavy with terrifying authority. The gale forced the gunmen to stagger backward, making it nearly impossible for them to keep their eyes open.


    Standing firm against the wind, Remy gathered his strength and lifted his head toward the helicopter hovering overhead.


    In the next second, his dark eyes red with light. His pupils trembled as he caught sight of Jasper''s bright gaze.