Chapter 11
The bright, luminous colors of the mansion were entirely extinguished, replaced by the chaotic strobe of red emergency lights and the deafening, rhythmic staccato of heavy gunfire echoing from the eastern wing. The sharp smell of cordite and burning wood filled the air as Cameron pulled Liora down the corridor. He moved with absolute, predatory grace, his customized automatic weapon raised, keeping her safely tucked behind his broad, tailored shoulders. As they reached the heavy oak doors separating the main house from the family wing, a massive explosion rocked the foundation of the estate. The shockwave threw them both against the carved ivory-paneled walls. Dust and debris rained down from the ceiling. Through the ruined doorway, the bright tactical lights of three heavily armed Shaw mercenaries pierced the darkness. They were moving aggressively down the corridor, aiming their assault rifles directly at the door to Milo’s room. "Did you forget whose house you entered?" Cameron asked the empty air. He stepped out from cover, pulling Liora tightly against his side. The roar of his weapon was deafening in the enclosed space. The first mercenary collapsed backward, his chest armor shattered by the armor-piercing rounds. The second man spun wildly, his weapon firing blindly into the cascading crystal chandeliers before he hit the polished marble floor. The third assassin panicked, scrambling to escape the absolute slaughter. "Are you running so soon?" Cameron asked, rising to his full height. He fired a single, decisive shot. The third man crumpled. The hallway fell into a terrifying, ringing silence.
