18- For you I will fight.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across Alexander’s estate, the atmosphere in the kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods. Eleanor and Alexander laughed and chatted as they worked side by side, creating a feast for the senses. But just as Eleanor was about to reach for the flour, an unsettling shift in the air made her instincts kick in.

Eleanor's heart raced, a primal sense of danger igniting her senses. She glanced at Alexander, who was focused on mixing the ingredients, his brow furrowed in concentration. The sense of foreboding grew stronger, and without thinking, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms tightly around him from behind.

“Alexander, I—” she began, but before she could finish, the sharp crack of a gunshot pierced through the peaceful atmosphere.

In an instant, Eleanor felt a sharp sting as something grazed her arm, and she gasped, pulling away to see blood seeping through her skin. The world around her spun, the kitchen fading into a blur as adrenaline coursed through her veins.

“Eleanor!” Alexander shouted, spinning around to face her, panic flooding his features. His eyes darkened as he took in the sight of her injury, but he barely had time to react before the sound of commotion erupted from outside.

Before they could process the chaos, one of Alexander’s men burst into the kitchen, adrenaline coursing through him. “Sir! We’ve got him!” he yelled, breathless and fierce.

Eleanor’s breath caught in her throat as she turned to see two of Alexander’s men dragging Azazel, her father, into the kitchen. His face was twisted in rage and disbelief, a stark contrast to the serenity of the estate. “You think you can keep her from me?” Azazel spat, fury bubbling beneath the surface. “I will tear this place apart!”

“Get him out of here!” Alexander barked, stepping protectively in front of Eleanor, his body tense with anger and concern. The sight of her bleeding, combined with the revelation of her father’s betrayal, ignited a fire within him.

“Are you okay?” he asked urgently, his eyes flicking to her injury before searching her face for signs of fear or pain.

“I’m fine,” Eleanor managed to say, though her voice trembled. “It’s just a scratch.” She could see the fury radiating from Alexander, and she reached up to cup his face, grounding herself in the warmth of his presence. “I’m okay.”

“Damn it, Azazel!” Alexander shouted, his voice echoing in the kitchen. “You want to destroy everything I’ve built? You want to take your daughter back? You’ll have to go through me first.”

Azazel laughed darkly, a sound that chilled Eleanor to her core. “You think you’re strong enough to protect her? You’re just a pawn in a game far beyond your understanding.”

As the men dragged Azazel away, Alexander stepped closer to Eleanor, his gaze fierce and protective. “Stay here. I’ll deal with him.”

Eleanor shook her head, unwilling to be sidelined. “No, Alexander. This is my fight too. I won’t let him control me any longer.”

His eyes softened, but determination hardened his features. “I won’t let him hurt you again. We’ll do this together.”

Eleanor nodded, adrenaline coursing through her. “Together.”

As they stepped outside to confront the chaos unfolding, Eleanor felt a renewed strength within her. They were stronger as a team, united against the storm that was Azazel. She could sense Alexander's unwavering resolve, and it fueled her own.

The battle for their lives, their love, and Eleanor’s freedom was only just beginning, and they would face it head-on, side by side.

As chaos unfolded around them, Eleanor's heart raced with a mix of adrenaline and determination. She caught a glimpse of Azazel slipping away from Alexander's men, his eyes wild with rage as he sought to strike one final blow. Instinct kicked in, and she couldn't let him get away again, not when everything was at stake.

Without a second thought, Eleanor reached for the gun that had been left unattended on the kitchen counter. Her hands shook slightly, but her resolve solidified. She stepped forward, aiming the weapon with precision, her breath steadying as she focused on her target.

“Stop right there!” she shouted, her voice strong and unwavering.

Azazel turned, a snarl on his lips as he raised his weapon at one of Alexander’s soldiers. Time slowed as Eleanor pulled the trigger, the deafening sound of the gunshot echoing through the estate. The bullet struck Azazel squarely in the head, and he collapsed to the ground, lifeless.

Eleanor stood frozen for a moment, the gravity of what she had just done washing over her. A mix of disbelief and relief coursed through her. She had taken a life—her father’s life. But it was a necessary act, one that would free her from the chains of his manipulation.

As the reality of the situation sank in, she turned to the soldier, her expression shifting from shock to concern. “Are you okay?” she asked, rushing over to him.

The soldier blinked in surprise, still processing the chaos. “I’m fine,” he replied, his voice steadier than he felt. “I didn’t expect you to—”

“I know,” she interrupted, her voice firm but laced with vulnerability. “But he was going to hurt you. I couldn’t just stand by.”

“Eleanor,” he said, his tone softening, “you saved my life.”

Just then, Alexander rushed back into the kitchen, having heard the gunshot. He surveyed the scene, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of Azazel's lifeless body on the floor. The air was thick with tension and the acrid smell of gunpowder.

“Eleanor!” Alexander exclaimed, rushing to her side. His gaze shifted from her to the fallen man, understanding dawning on him. “You did this?”

“I had to,” she said, her voice steady but trembling slightly. “He wouldn’t stop. I couldn’t let him hurt anyone else.”

Alexander's expression softened, and he reached for her, pulling her into his arms. “You’re safe now. You did what you had to do.”

Eleanor melted into his embrace, her heart racing. “I was scared,” she admitted, her voice muffled against his chest. “I didn’t want to hurt him, but I couldn’t let him get away again.”

“I know,” he whispered, brushing her hair back gently. “You’re stronger than you realize. You stood up for yourself and everyone here. You’re not that girl he could control anymore.”

As they stood together, enveloped in each other’s warmth, Eleanor felt a sense of calm wash over her, despite the chaos surrounding them. She had finally taken a stand, not just against Azazel, but for her own life and happiness.

“Let’s get the estate secured and take care of everything,” Alexander said, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. “You’re not alone in this, Eleanor. We’ll face the aftermath together.”

Eleanor nodded, determination reigniting within her. She had found her strength, and with Alexander by her side, she knew they could conquer anything that came their way. Together, they would build a life free from the shadows of their pasts.