BONDED BY HATE

The night sky was painted in shades of obsidian, moonlight barely breaking through the thick clouds. A chilling silence cloaked the abandoned sewage tunnel as Dylan, Jayden, and a small group of elite men crept through the darkness beneath the city.

Water dripped steadily from the old pipes above them. The sound of boots against damp concrete echoed faintly, yet the team moved like shadows, barely disturbing the air around them.

"We're approaching the breach point," Jayden whispered, checking his wrist tracker.

Dylan gave a single nod. His expression was unreadable—cold, determined, and dangerous. This wasn't just about saving Noah anymore. It was personal. It was about sending a message to Richard.

As they reached a rusted metal grate, Dylan motioned for one of his men to begin the silent breach. Sparks flickered as the lock was cut cleanly.

They were in.

---

Meanwhile – Richard's Control Room

Richard stood in front of a massive screen, watching every camera feed closely. His jaw clenched.

"Sector 7 is offline," one of his guards reported nervously.

"Then they're here." Richard turned to Elena. "Activate the sentries. Lock down Level 3. Let's see how far Dylan's willing to go."

He walked up to the glass wall of his control room, overlooking a large underground training facility. "He always did love the dramatic entrance."

---

Back in the Tunnels

Gunfire broke the silence.

"Ambush!" Jayden shouted, ducking behind a stone pillar as bullets ricocheted off the walls.

Dylan didn't hesitate. He surged forward, taking out two guards with precise headshots, then signaled the others to split and flank the enemy.

The firefight was brutal but swift. Dylan's men were faster, smarter, and far better trained. Within minutes, the path to the holding cells was clear.

Dylan kicked open the steel door and stepped into a dim hallway lined with cells. He didn't have to search long. He found Noah in the last cell, chained but alert.

"Noah," Dylan said.

The boy's eyes lit up. "You came."

Dylan didn't respond. He shot the lock and pulled the boy into his arms.

"We're not safe yet. Stay close."

---

Heaven's Room – Hours Later

Heaven sat by the window, hugging her knees. Every passing second felt like an hour. Her heart wouldn't settle.

Suddenly, a black SUV roared into the compound.

She rushed out, nearly slipping on the polished floors. Her breath hitched when she saw them—Dylan walking toward her, blood splattered on his black shirt, holding Noah tightly.

He set the boy down just as Heaven reached them. She wrapped Noah in her arms, sobbing with relief.

Dylan stood silently, watching them.

"You… kept your word," she whispered, glancing up at him.

Dylan turned, as if avoiding her eyes. "I always do."

---

Back at Richard's Base – Moments Later

Richard stood in the ruins of his cell block, smoke still rising from the broken walls.

He lit a cigarette, unbothered.

"That was round one," he muttered. "Now… let's start the war."