Then Maxine’s voice came through the speakers one final time—steady, but weary. “I’ve already sent your daughter out of the base. Go meet her outside. Someone will guide you through another passage.”

Following the guards’ escort, the group exited the underground world through a different route, never once encountering Miguel’s forces.

They didn’t cross paths with Miguel’s advancing army, yet the sounds of war were everywhere—a brutal chorus of gunfire, explosions, and desperate shouts reverberating through the rock walls.

When the group finally emerged into daylight, the harsh brightness nearly blinded them. And there—just ahead—stood a figure cradling a small bundle.

Elliana’s breath hitched. She rushed forward and gathered the baby into her arms. One look at the tiny, perfect face was enough—she knew. This was her daughter.

Tears welled up, spilling freely as her body trembled with joy. After all the days of loss and torment, she was finally holding the daughter she’d been forced to live without.

Cole came running, wrapping his arms around them both in a fierce, wordless embrace. For a heartbeat, the world stood still.

Their daughter was safe, and that was all that mattered. Then Elliana’s phone buzzed with messages from Adah.

Elliana was bombarded by Adah’s messages.

“Elliana, how are things on your end? Did you feel that quake? It was Miguel—he just blew open the mountain gate and stormed in with his squad. They’re clashing head-on with Maxine’s people right now.”

“I overheard some of his men talking—Miguel has been hunting for the Griffiths’ main base for ages, but never found it. Today, he tailed us here and even saw us use the two bracelets to unlock the stone door.”

“He held back on purpose, waiting for us and Maxine to tear each other apart so he could sweep in afterward. What he didn’t expect was that we didn’t fight Maxine at all.”

Read it first on g?lno?els.c?m

As Elliana finished reading, a cold, wicked smile curved her lips. Miguel—the eternal schemer—had finally misplayed his hand. She could almost picture his face when he burst in, expecting chaos, only to find calm. The fury must’ve been eating him alive. The Evernight Alliance under Miguel’s command was a powerhouse, yes, but a direct brawl with the Serpent Society would be a bloodbath on both sides. Still, Miguel had already made his move. There was no backing out now.

He had trespassed into Maxine’s stronghold—she wouldn’t forgive that kind of insult. It wasn’t in her nature to show mercy. His grand plan to profit from the supposed feud had gone up in flames.

Maxine, for her part, hadn’t seen the ambush coming either. Caught off guard, she was forced to strike back with everything she had. Now, both factions were locked in a brutal, unplanned war of attrition.

A new message from Adah blinked on Elliana’s screen. “Elliana, what are our orders? Who do we engage?”

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