Chapter 89
The gentle sway of the yacht and the glittering reflection of moonlight on the water did little to calm Celestina’s nerves. The air was thick with tension, and every passing moment felt like the calm before an inevitable storm. Kael sat across from her at the elegant dining table set up on the deck, his demeanor deceptively warm.
“You’ve been quiet tonight, Celestina,” Kael said, pouring her a glass of wine. His smile was soft, but there was something sharp behind it—something that made her stomach twist.
“I’m just tired,” she replied, forcing a small smile of her own.
Kael tilted his head, studying her with unnerving precision. “You’ve been tired a lot lately. I hope you’re not doubting me again.”
Her grip tightened around her glass, but she kept her tone light. “Of course not. I’m just trying to adjust. It’s been… overwhelming.”
Kael reached across the table, his hand brushing hers. The gesture would have seemed tender to an outsider, but to Celestina, it felt suffocating. “You’ll see, my love. Soon, everything will fall into place. You just need to trust me.”
Her throat tightened, but she nodded, knowing she couldn’t afford to show hesitation.
Hours later, as the yacht cut through the dark waves, Celestina stood at the edge of the deck, the cool sea air brushing against her face. Her mind raced, replaying Kael’s words and the strange calmness he carried. Something was coming—she could feel it.
A faint sound behind her made her turn sharply. Dimitri emerged from the shadows, his expression tense but determined.
“Dimitri,” she whispered, relief flooding her voice. “You’re here.”
“Of course I’m here,” he replied, his voice low. “Did you think I’d let you face him alone?”
She stepped closer, her hands gripping his arms. “It’s worse than I thought. He’s been too calm, too confident. I think he knows more than he’s letting on.”
Dimitri’s jaw tightened. “Then we’ll have to be careful. Do you have the drive?”
Celestina nodded. “It’s still hidden. But Dimitri, I’m scared. He’s always one step ahead.”
Dimitri placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We’ll get through this, Celestina. No matter what, we’ll end it tonight.”
Before she could respond, a slow clap echoed through the air.
“Touching,” Kael’s voice drawled from the shadows.
Celestina froze, her blood running cold as Kael stepped onto the deck, flanked by two armed guards. His calm smile sent a chill down her spine.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t see this coming?” Kael asked, his tone almost amused. “You’ve always underestimated me, Dimitri. And you, Celestina—such a poor liar.”
Celestina’s chest tightened. “Kael…”
He held up a hand, silencing her. “No need for excuses. I’ve been expecting this little reunion for weeks.”
Dimitri stepped in front of Celestina, his posture tense. “Let her go, Kael. She has nothing to do with this anymore.”
Kael laughed softly, shaking his head. “Oh, Dimitri. She has everything to do with this. Celestina is the key to everything I’ve worked for. And you? You’ve been nothing but an inconvenience.”
Kael’s smile widened as one of his guards stepped forward, holding a small device in his hand.
“Would you like to explain this, Dimitri?” Kael asked, gesturing to the device.
Dimitri’s eyes narrowed. “What is that?”
Kael’s gaze flicked to Celestina, his voice dripping with smugness. “It’s a tracker, cleverly hidden on one of your men. Turns out loyalty is such a fragile thing, isn’t it?”
Celestina’s world felt like it was collapsing. “You had someone on the inside?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kael nodded, his expression triumphant. “It wasn’t hard, really. People will do anything when the price is right.”
Dimitri clenched his fists, his fury barely contained. “You think you’ve won because of one traitor? This isn’t over, Kael.”
Kael raised an eyebrow, his calm demeanor unshaken. “Oh, but it is. You’ve played your hand, and now the game ends on my terms.”
As if to punctuate his words, Kael gestured to his guards. They stepped aside, revealing a figure tied up and gagged at the center of the deck. Celestina’s breath caught in her throat as she recognized the golden hair and sharp features.
“Liora,” she whispered, her voice filled with shock and confusion.
Kael spread his arms, as if presenting a grand finale. “Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Liora thought she could outmaneuver me, but I’ve always been ten steps ahead.”
Liora’s eyes were wide with fear as she struggled against her bonds, muffled sounds escaping through the gag.
“What are you doing?” Celestina demanded, stepping forward.
Kael’s smile turned cold. “What I should have done a long time ago. Cleaning up loose ends.”
He turned to Celestina, his expression softening in a way that made her stomach churn. “But first, my love, we have a decision to make. Shall we finally end this, together?”
