AYLA
She thought she saw Leon last night—or maybe she'd just been thinking about him too much. Eventually, sleep came, but even her dreams weren't safe. His eyes followed her—once fierce, now broken.
By morning, she sat at her vanity, brushing her hair slowly. The maids smiled, unaware her chest felt hollow. Her father had invited her to breakfast. She delayed.
Opening the drawer, she found her mother's old notebook. One page was folded.
"If I die before I can tell her… let her know I loved Viper once. But I chose to raise her far from blood and war. I chose peace."
Ayla closed her eyes. "And I chose war," she whispered.
Footsteps.
"Ayla?" Viper's voice came softly.
She turned to face him. "What is it?"
"I thought maybe… we could go to the city today. Just you and me."
"Like a father and daughter?" she asked.
He hesitated. "Yes."
She studied him—this feared man now trying to act like a parent. "I'll come. But not to pretend."
LEON
Leon stood beside Nico at the safehouse, eyes on the surveillance feed.
"There. She's leaving the estate," Nico said.
Leon saw her get into a black SUV with Viper.
"You going in?" Nico asked.
Leon shook his head. "Not yet. I want her back—but she has to choose."
AYLA
The city buzzed with life. Viper brought her to a quiet café by the bay.
"This was your mother's favorite place," he said.
"You mean before your father tried to kill her?" she replied.
He looked away. "Yes."
"Do you ever wish you chose differently?" she asked.
"Every day."
"And if I choose Leon again?"
He paused. "I won't stop you. But I won't protect you from what follows."
Ayla met his eyes. "Neither will Leon. But at least he won't use me."
LEON
From a rooftop across the street, Leon watched her wipe away a tear.
He ached to run to her.
But for now… he waited.