Chapter 55
Celestina let out a small sigh, pulling her shawl closer. “Well, that was… eventful,” she said, glancing up at Kael.
“Eventful is one word for it,” Kael replied, his tone laced with humor. “You handled it well, though. The whispers didn’t get to you.”
She smirked. “They got to me. I just didn’t let anyone see it.”
As they approached the waiting car, the palace driver opened the door for them with a polite nod. Kael instinctively scanned the surroundings, his body tensing as his eyes darted toward the darkened edges of the parking lot.
“Get in,” he said, his voice low but firm.
Celestina hesitated. “Kael, is something wrong?”
“Just get in the car, Celestina,” he repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.
She slipped into the back seat, her heart beginning to race. Kael shut the door behind her but didn’t get in. Instead, he stepped back, his hand resting on his concealed holster as he continued to survey the area.
The stillness was shattered by the sharp crack of gunfire.
“Down!” Kael shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos as he drew his weapon.
Celestina ducked instinctively, her hands covering her head as the driver scrambled out of the line of fire. The car’s windows cracked under the impact of the bullets, shards of glass falling like rain.
Kael moved with precision, positioning himself between the car and the direction of the shots. His eyes zeroed in on the source—a shadowy figure perched on a nearby rooftop, barely visible against the dark sky.
He fired back, his movements fluid as he used the car door for cover. “Driver, call for backup!” Kael barked, his voice sharp.
The attacker shifted position, and Kael took the opportunity to grab the car door handle. “Celestina, we’re moving!”
“What?” she cried, her voice shaking.
“Stay low. Follow me,” he commanded.
Kael pulled her out of the car, keeping her shielded with his body as they moved toward the nearest building. The sound of gunfire echoed around them, each shot sending a fresh wave of adrenaline through Celestina’s veins.
“Why are we leaving the car?” she managed to ask, her voice barely audible over the chaos.
“They’ll target the car first,” Kael explained, his tone clipped. “We’re safer on foot.”
They reached the side of the building, its brick walls providing temporary cover. Kael pressed a hand to his earpiece. “This is Kael Veridan. Shots fired outside the gala venue. One VIP with me—need immediate support.”
“Understood, Veridan. Backup en route,” a voice crackled back.
Celestina clutched his arm, her breath coming in shallow gasps. “Kael, who’s behind this?”
“I don’t know,” he said, his eyes scanning the area. “But they won’t get to you. Not while I’m here.”
The sound of footsteps drew Kael’s attention, and he immediately stepped in front of Celestina. A second assailant emerged from the shadows, a pistol glinting in their hand.
Kael didn’t hesitate. He surged forward, his movements swift and controlled. He disarmed the attacker with a well-placed strike to the wrist, the weapon clattering to the ground.
The attacker lunged at him, but Kael anticipated the move, using their momentum against them. Within moments, the assailant was on the ground, immobilized.
Kael turned back to Celestina, his expression intense. “Are you okay?”
She nodded, her voice trembling. “Yes, but—”
Before she could finish, another shot rang out, this one closer. Kael grabbed her arm and pulled her behind a parked car.
“Stay here,” he ordered, his voice firm.
“Kael, no!” she protested.
“Celestina, I can’t protect you if you’re in the line of fire. Please, stay put,” he said, his tone softening for just a moment.
