Chapter 384: The Soldiers Entered

“Mr. Sheldon Oliveson? We’re Endralsia’s special forces. We came to get you out.”

“Command, Area A is secured. Hostages located.”

“Good. Move them out through the sewers.”

“Yes, sir!”

They were here to rescue them.

No one expected Endralsia to strike so fast or break through so cleanly.

Hope burst across the crowd as tears streaked down their faces.

Only Tobias and Dominic felt dread sink into their stomachs. Their transmitters must have been cracked. Someone had done it, and neither of them knew who.

In the control room, the leader barked out orders. The monitors glowed steadily. No alarms were flashing, yet unease scratched against his nerves until he could barely breathe. For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what it was.

“Confirm the system is locked down."

“You’re sure Hotel Morloss’ network is under our control?”

“No signs of intrusion,” the tech answered in a tight voice. He knew lives depended on him. Even one mistake could be fatal. His skill was known worldwide. With full control in his hands, not even Queen could breach the system. Unless someone inside was feeding them help. That was the only variable. That was the only danger. He searched hard for that shadow.

“Captain, Endralsia has sent three reporters, and their equipment’s at the gate.”

“Good. Check if they’re clear.”

The hostages gave them leverage. Endralsia would not risk killing billionaires tied to the nation’s economy. The state would never allow that.

“Yes, sir.”

Victory felt close enough to touch.

A sharp chime split the air. A grenade rolled across the floor.

“Damn it!”

He reacted fast, but not fast enough. Fire swallowed the room, tearing through walls and hurling bodies like rag dolls. The explosion roared so loudly that it shook the air. Screens shattered, and glass rained to the ground. He dove behind a table, alive by chance, though his left arm was gone. Blood poured from the wound. Every pulse of pain was stealing his breath. His men were down, and his control room was shattered. His command was gone.

“How could Endralsia storm us so openly? They are throwing the hostages aside."

He grabbed his radio.

“Start smoking the hostages!”

Silence answered him.

“Do you hear me? Respond!”

Nothing came back. Dread flooded his chest until he could not think.

Gunfire tore through the halls, closing in like a tide. With shaking hands, he lifted his pistol. He drew in one long breath, pressed the barrel to his temple, and pulled the trigger. The shot ended it. He never lived to learn how Endralsia had mapped his soldiers down to the last man, turning Hotel Morloss into their hunting ground while his men became prey.

The scene turns to Slosa.

Tilda read Manfred’s message and raised her hand. She flashed an “OK” to the Comets.

“Hell yeah!”

The squad erupted in cheers, clapping and shouting as the weight finally lifted. Another message blinked across her screen.

“This mission made the higher-ups notice you. Queen, they’ll want to bring you into the fold. Get your people ready.”

"I’ll tell my team,” she answered. A squad this strong, bound tight with loyalty, was too sharp to ignore. Tilda expected this. Any group with true power would eventually draw the eye of the state. The day would come, but it was not today. For now, she would let her team taste victory.

The scene turns to the Jensons’ place.

They had prayed day and night for Blair and Dominic. When news came that both were safe, their hearts finally let go of the weight. They booked flights without delay and rushed toward Endralsia. Even Santiago, grieving in Motrar after Tilda broke him, scrambled to catch the closest plane. Only Darell could not come. He was buried in a closed set, chasing his title as Best Actor, which meant he was out of reach. The Jensons arrived in Endralsia and ran straight to the hospital. There they found Blair and Dominic alive.

“My love, are you alright?” Russell’s eyes locked on Blair the instant he saw her. He was known for his obsession with his wife. He ran to her and clutched her hands, his whole body shaking with relief. Tears blurred his sight as he realized she had survived.

“I’m fine, honey. Look at me. I’m standing right here. You don’t have to cry.” Blair’s eyes glistened as she gripped his hand back. She felt the weight of their fear pressing in, yet her heart swelled with warmth at seeing them safe by her side.