The morning sun filtered through the windows of Dylan's estate, but the light felt cold—detached. Outside, everything looked peaceful, but inside the mansion, war was brewing in silence.
Heaven stood on the balcony, overlooking the gardens. She wore a pale blue robe, her hazel-brown eyes distant. There was no denying it—something in Dylan had shifted. He was gentler around her, more open... but more closed off to the world. As if the man once ruled by pure vengeance had found something precious enough to protect.
She turned when she heard the door open.
"You're up early," Dylan said, entering in a black shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows. His eyes found hers immediately.
"I couldn't sleep," Heaven admitted.
He moved to stand beside her, slipping an arm around her waist. "What are you thinking about?"
"The future," she said quietly. "And how it's still unclear."
He didn't answer right away. "It always is," he finally said. "But if you're in it, I'll find a way to make it better."
She leaned against him. "You mean that?"
He nodded. "I never say things I don't mean, Heaven. Especially not to you."
—
Elsewhere in the City
Richard paced the length of his new hideout. The warehouse was old, forgotten—but outfitted with tech and weapons. His empire was smaller, but it was fueled by rage, ambition, and betrayal. The scar Dylan had left on his pride hadn't faded—it had burned deeper.
Seth Navarro stood in the shadows of the room, arms crossed. Younger, calculating, and lethal. He watched Richard with an unreadable expression.
"So what's the plan?" Seth finally asked.
Richard turned, a twisted smile on his face. "We don't just take his throne... we take everything. His ports. His men. And that girl—Heaven."
Seth's eyes narrowed. "You think she's his weakness?"
"I know she is."
Seth said nothing for a moment. Then: "If she's smart, she'll leave him."
Richard sneered. "She won't. She's just like the rest—addicted to the power, the protection. But she'll be useful. One way or another."
Seth didn't respond, but inside, his curiosity deepened. Dylan Martin wasn't an easy man to destroy. And something about this war didn't feel straightforward.
—
Back at Dylan's Estate
Dylan sat in his private study, the air thick with smoke from his half-burned cigar. Mason and Jayden stood before him.
"We confirmed it," Mason said. "Richard's teamed up with Seth Navarro. They've recruited men from the East docks. Three of our suppliers have switched sides."
Dylan's expression didn't flinch. "Then we cut them off. Burn their routes. I want our loyalists protected—and I want Navarro's name in the dirt."
Jayden shifted uncomfortably. "And Heaven?"
"What about her?" Dylan's tone turned icy.
"They know she's important to you," Jayden said carefully. "She's not involved in this war, but they may still target her."
Dylan stood slowly, his presence commanding. "If anyone lays a finger on her, I'll erase their bloodline."
The room fell into silence.
—
Later That Night
Heaven sat curled on the bed, reading. She looked up when Dylan entered. He was tense—coiled like a spring.
She set the book down. "Bad news?"
He didn't answer right away. Instead, he crossed the room, sat beside her, and reached for her hand.
"You're safe here," he said.
"Dylan... what's going on?"
"They're coming for everything," he muttered, brushing a thumb over her knuckles. "And they'll come for you too."
"I'm not afraid," she whispered.
"You should be," he said, leaning closer. "But I promise you this, Heaven—I'll kill every last one of them before I ever let them touch you."
Their eyes met.
The war had started. And now... there was no turning back.
But in the center of that storm, two hearts burned brighter than the hate that surrounded them.