Chapter 194:Dangerous Returns

(Emma's POV) My heart pounded painfully against my ribs as I trailed behind Erik Blackwood through the dimly lit corridors of the neutral zone building. The sporadic gunfire outside had subsided, but the eerie silence felt even more threatening. "Stay close," Erik commanded, his voice low and authoritative. I didn't need to be told twice. My fingers clutched the back of his expensive suit jacket like it was a lifeline. Each shadow made me flinch, and every distant sound had me imagining silver bullets tearing through flesh. "Are we... are we safe now?" I whispered, my voice embarrassingly shaky. Erik didn't answer. He simply raised one hand in a gesture that clearly meant 'be quiet.' His tall frame moved with predatory grace, not making a single sound despite his polished leather shoes on the tiled floor. We turned a corner, and suddenly two masked figures lunged from the shadows. Silver blades glinted in the dim light as they charged straight at us. I opened my mouth to scream,