Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

When Irene stepped out of the dimly-lit room, the sky was already streaked with hues of dusky orange and purple, signaling the close of day.

A messenger ran up to her, panting with urgency. "We've got intel. Dustin's making some major moves."

"And it looks like someone tried to ambush Mr. Kenzo. They missed and fled, but Mr. Kenzo's hurt."

Irene's eyebrow arched as she quickened her pace, her loyal follower trailing closely behind. After a few steps, she suddenly asked, "Any word on Sarah?"

"Ms. Irene, still nothing. It's strange, considering our tight security. No idea how they slipped through."

Irene didn't reply, instead casting a glance back towards the dark room they had just left. "Alright, let's get everyone fired up. Those who want to make history, those itching for chaos, it's time to gear up."

Her words electrified the crowd around her. They were all outlaws, wanted by various nations, hungry for the thrill of rebellion. The promise of a showdown had them buzzing with excitement.

A smirk curled on Irene's lips. She knew Dustin and his crew wouldn't drop bombs from the sky. The base, strategically located at the juncture of several countries, couldn't risk that kind of commotion. An explosion would definitely get the neighbors' attention. No, this would be a firefight or close combat. And her people were experts at both.

Back in her room, Irene found Kenzo waiting, seemingly unbothered by the assassination attempt. He was casually reading, his face a bit paler but his calm demeanor unchanged.novelbin

"Honey, where are you hurt?" she asked.

Kenzo turned a page, glancing at the twilight outside. "The organization's tied to the crown, but will the royals actually get involved?"

"Does it really matter?" Irene shot back. "We chose this path, no turning back. Haven't I treated you well? I'm all in, ready to go crazy with you."

She nestled into his arms, leaning up for a kiss. Kenzo stayed stoic, his response to her kiss detached but not unkind.

Gasping for breath, Irene squinted

up at him. "Arthur's been looking for

a reason to come after me. If not

now, the later. We're doing what all

the world can't accept. We're outcasts here, nothing to lose. But you, darling, when will you make

your move against Brielle

Her fingers traced lazy circles on his chest. "Among us, you're the only one with ties. The rest of us are free."

"What about Jaired?" Kenzo asked, pulling her closer.

Silence hung between them before Irene whispered, "He's different from us. Born with nothing to lose."

With that, she pushed him onto the bed. "Let's make the most of the time we have left."

Soon, the room was filled with the sounds of their passion.

Jaired arrived just then, pausing at the door before deciding to walk away.

Over at the castle, Dustin and King were mapping out their strategy. The atmosphere was tense, nobody sure what tricks the organization's lunatics might pull.

They were united by the promise of sharing the Lynch family's spoils and the lucrative deals offered by their wealthy backers. Taking down the organization meant dividing the bounty among themselves.

King held Isaac close, perhaps seeking comfort in the child's presence Isaac, usually

uncomfortable in crowded settings, listened intently this time. He

alive.

needed to know if Brie still

He hoped she was.