Chapter 42 Chapter 42 The sky over Ravenska was beginning to darken, with gray clouds hanging low above the line of fir trees. A thin mist cloaked the homestay's yard, casting faint shadows from the neatly aligned trees. The night air was damp and silent, as if holding its breath, waiting for something to break the stillness Inside the homestay, e scomed normal. A guard sat in the front room, staring at a small screen in his hand, occasionally glancing toward the window. Outside, two more guards stood on either side of the main gate. The outdoor lights were dimly lit just enough to provide visibility, but not too bright to disturb the mood of the night. Everything appeared ordinary. Calm. Controlled. But upstairs, something was moving-slowly. Aliana stood inside her room, already changed into a different outfit a sleeveless black top, lightweight dark trousers, and silent shoes. Her long hair was now tied up and tucked neatly into a thin knit cap. No jewelry. No scent. No light-reflecting surfaces. She opened the large wardrobe in the corner of the room and pulled at the back wall-revealing a small hidden panel she had once inspected upon arriving. Inside it was a small bag containing essential tools: a penlight, a short folding knife, a thin nylon rope, and a magnetic bypass key. Her stops were calm and precise as she walked toward the window. She first switched off the room light, then opened the window halfway and peeked outside. This window faced the side yard-an area mostly out of reach from surveillance cameras due to the shadows cast by large fir trees. Alana slowly lowered herself down, hanging from the window frame. Her feet landed on a narrow ledge separating the first and second floors-barely wide enough to stand on, but not a problem for Aliana. She crept down the wall like a shadow. Her body blended into the color of the stone and the darkness of the night. Every so often, she paused, pressed close to the wall, listening The guards' footsteps below were rhythmic and steady-no change, no awareness. They didn't know. Aliana moved along the side of the building, heading for a narrow drainage ditch that ran beside the homestay. That was where the first opening lay. She pulled the nylon rope from her small bag, hooked one end onto an old iron pipe, and slowly lowered herself down, landing precisely in the cluster of fir shrubs. Her hands and foot moved automatically. No sound. No vibration. She crawled past the neatly trimmed hedges and slid behind a parked SUV with no driver. From there, she scanned the exit route two guards at the gate, one on the upper balcony, and a camera rotating 90 degrees every five seconds, Timing was crucial. As the camera turned away from the blind spot, Allana moved quickly, gliding along the side fence that had a narrow crack. She took a deep breath and slipped her body through the gap. Her clothes tore slightly, but she didn't stop. She was now beyond the homestay perimeter. But she wasn't sale yet. Aliana quickly followed the edge path-an old service route typically used by gardeners or cleaning staff. No lights. Just a damp and slippery dirt track Her steps were fast yet soundless, avoiding brokeri twigs and loose stones. Several times, she had to slow down to avoid making any sound that might echo back toward the guarded area. After nearly two hundred meters through the narrow trail, she reached the edge of the property. There stood a low iron fence separating the homestay from a small wooded zone that led to an old storage building the location her father had hinted at earlier in their coded conversation about the old tree near the eastern shed. Allana jumped lightly over the fence, landing on the wet grass. She didn't stop. Her eyes, sharp and unwavering placed through the Thin mist, follow the path she had memorized perfectly. A few minutes later, Aliana arrived at the forest's edge. Amid the mist and silence, an old fir tree stood fait and lush. Rất là bơm Ritha small wooden shed was viuble, almost pwa-lowed by wild overgrowth:: 1750 19.47 eu, ? 68% Chapter 42 Alana's steps slowed as she approached. She scanned her surroundings first, ensuring there were no engine sounds, no glint from surveillance equipment, and no shadows but her own. Just as she reached the shed door, a deep, warm voice emerged from the darkness. "You're ten minutes late, child." Aliana stopped, then gave a small smile. "I look the back route through the kitchen. Narrow path. Full of rats." From behind the bushes, Gabriel stepped out, wearing a dark coat and his old woolen hat. Behind him, Marisse appeared, holding a small lantern that cast a dim glow were worried you wouldn't come," Marisse said softly. "I had to come," Aliana replied seriously. "We're not finished talking." Gabriel.nodded. "Then come inside. We'll talk more calmly in there." Aliana entered the old shed with her parents. In that quiet place, a conversation no one else was meant to hear was about to begin. Gabriel sat in a rickety wooden chair, his hands clasped tightly, his body leaning forward with a guarded gare. Marisse stood behind him, one hand holding the lantern, the other gripping her husband's shoulder, Allana stood a short distance away, her posture firm and her eyes serious. u," Aliana began without preamble. "There's something you need to know... about Alicia's death." "I didn't come just to see you," Aliana Gabriel and Marisse tensed. Their eyes locked onto her. Allana took a deep breath. Her voice was quiet but steady. "Alicia... didn't die in an accident. She committed suicide. But the reason... is far more horrifying than we imagined." Marisse slowly covered her mouth, her body beginning to tremble "She-"Alians lowered her head for a moment, then looked back at them, her eyes glistening. "She was raped. And a Alicia carried it all alone... unt she couldn't anymore." that she was threatened. Gabriel froze, his expression hardening, Marisse, too, was visibly shaken by the truth behind the death of her adoptive daughter's sister. "My God..." Marisse whispered. "Alicia... went through something that terrible" Gabriel clenched his fists, his gaze freed on Aliana. "Do you I suspect someone?" Aliana hodded slowly. "I don't have solid proof yet. But... I have every reason to believe this wasn't a coincidence. Someone made Alicia sutter until she gave up. And I will find out who." Marisse held her breath, while Gabriel narrowed his eyes. "Who do you suspect?" Aliana was silent for a moment. She looked at both of her parents, then answered, quiet but sharp, "Bianca Lorraine." Gabriel's brow lifted slightly. Marisse looked stunned, but didn't respond right away. They waited for more. "I know it seems like I'm jumping to conclusions," Aliana continued, "but there's some indirect evidence pointing to her. Blanca is the lover of Andrian Velor-the man who was supposed to marry Alicia. She had a strong motive to hurt my sister." Gabriel's brow furrowed deeper. His eyes narrowed, his face grew more serious. "So that's the reason. Gabriel murmured. "That's why you married Andrian, always wondered why you made such a sudden dec plce, " us anything Alara lowered her gaze for a moment, then nodded. 19:47 Wed, 27 Aug & E Chapter 42 couldn't explain it to you at the time. Everything happened so fast. L... just knew I had to be close enough to the Velor family to find the one behind Alicia's death." She looked at her parents gently. "I'm sorry...I must have worried you Gabriel let out a long sigh, his eyes filled with understanding as he looked at his daughter, There was no judgment. "We understand, child. You don't need to apologize, Gabriel said. "What matters now is that we've reunited." Alana gave a small smile. Her heart warmed at their acceptance. A quiet relief settled in, knowing her parents were still the home she could return to. Marisse interjected, her voice low. is there anyone else you suspect besides Bianca?" Aliana paused. She looked at her parents with a conflicted gaze, as though weighing how much truth should be revealed. Finally, she replied with a neutral expression. "Andrian Velor," she said softly. "He was forced into an arranged marriage with Alicia. But even now... he's still involved with Bianca. They both have equally strong motives." Marisse's eyes widened. "What? How could...a married man still be involved with another woman? Gabriel rose from his seat abruptly, his jaw tightening. "He toyed with Alicia? And now, he's toying with you? That bastard! I'll make him pay!" "Please-calm down" Allana quickly grabbed her father's hand, trying to soothe him. "Father, Mother... I know this is hard. But now is not the time to think about my marriage. What matters to me now is finding out who hurt Alicia. The person who destroyed her life, I will make them pay-whether it's Bianca, or Andrian.....or bath." Gabriel stared deeply into his daughter's eyes. His emotions were still flaring, but he saw the unwavering resolve in her. Slowly, Gabriel sat back down in the creaky chair. His fists were clenched on his knees, his voice steadier but no less firm "Then tell us how far has your investigation gone? What have you found?" Aliana looked between her mother and father, then nodded slowly. "There's one name that's come up in my search-Juban Crane." "Julian Crane?" Marisse frowned. "Who is he?" "Julian's a fixer. He gets paid to solve problems-by any means necessary. A few days before Alicia was attacked, Blanca met with him," Aliana replied. Gabriel's frown deepened. "Do you think Julian was the one who hurt Alicia?" Aliana nodded. Her face was tense, holding back emotion. "He may be the one who violated her." Silence blanketed the room again-thicker this time. Marisse covered her mouth, her body trembling with emotion and shock. Gabriel stared straight ahead, his eyes ablaze with barely contained fury. "I almost caught him a few days ago," Aliana continued, her voice now low and heavy with repressed vengeance. "He appeared in Zenith. But someone helped him escape." "Who?" Gabriel snapped, his eyes sharp. Aliana answered without hesitation, "Krestres" "Who is the exactly?" asked Marisse Allana looked at her parents with a firm gaze Krestreint his real name He's known only by the traces he leaves behind - alway: faint, nesily 315 4:47 Wed, 21 Aug Chapter 42 undetectable. A shadow executor. Never appears in official documents. No face, no nationality. But his skill... is undeniable, "Executor?" Gabriel echoed "A specialist in system sabotage, identity manipulation, and clean target elimination," Aliana continued. "Until now, he only appeared in black reports I'm convinced... he's the one who helped Julian escape in Zenith " Marisse sounded skeptical as she replied flatly, "People like that always exist in underground networks. It's not surprising if Bianca hired someone at his level. Aliana nodded, then stepped closer to them. Her expression grew more serious, her tone turning cold. "But what shocked me... is that Kestrel might actually be Sable 13" Silence. For a split second, the air in the shed froze. Gabriel stared at Aliana, his jaw tightening. "Sable-137" "Yes," Aliana nodded slowly. "The one we've never been able to track for over a decade." Marisse gripped the arm of the chair with trembling hands. "Are you sure it's him, Allana? The one who nearly killed you?" Aliana nodded again. There was no hesitation on her face. Gabriel slammed his palm on the rickety table in front of him. "That bastard. He's the one who turned Alexei-our best protégé into a traitor! He tore our family from the inside out, shattered the trust of our entire team for years!! Aliana didn't finch. She acknowledged her father's rage with silent affirmation. Gabriel looked at her, his expression a mix of anger and concern. "If he truly is Sable-13, then you're in danger, child. He's not someone you can handle easily. That man doesn't work like ordinary assassins. He thrives on chaos, infiltrates structures to destroy them from within." "I know exactly who I'm dealing with, Father," Aliana said firmly. "That's why I need your help. If Krestrel is Sable-13, then this isn't just about Alicia suspect... her death might also be connected to my identity-as Nyx" Gabriel and Marisse exchanged glances, understanding what Aliana meant. "Give us three days," Gabriel said. "We'll pull all of Alexel's records, and every file we ever compiled on 5-13, If Kestrel really is Sable-13, you cannot face him alone." Aliana nodded, her expression softening slightly. She was relieved that her parents were willing to help. But a moment later, she looked at them again with renewed seriousness. "There's something else. More urgent. I think... Andrian is starting to suspect I'm Nyx" Gabriel's brow furrowed instantly, "How?" "How does he know?" Marisse added, her face tightening with worry. Aliana took a breath and recounted what had happened a few days ago. "When I was close to capturing Julian and Krestrel, Andrian suddenly showed up. I don't know how he got there, but... it looked like he was tracking Mys Gabriel's eyes sharpened, but he didn't interrupt. was wounded during that fight. Badly. And then... Andrian accidentally saw the injury " "You were hurt?" Marisse paled. "Why didn't you tell us right away?" 19:47 Wed, 27 Aug M Chapter 42 "I'm fine now, Mom," Aliana replied quickly. Gabriel exhaled heavily, beginning to grasp the situation. "So that's why you're under strict surveillance?" "Yes," said Aliana. "That's also why I came here. I need y I your help to resolve this." -Gabriel looked at his daughter intently, then nodded. "We'll help you. Whatever you do... don't face this alone. We'll always be with you." Aliana nodded, a relieved smile forming on her lips. She knew she could count on her parents. "Thank you, Father. Mother." Freelance photographer Violet Beck is forced into an engagement with CEO Roy Payne. He is everything her wild heart rebels against: proper, predictable, and painfully kind. But love has a way of devel...