Fell for the Alpha-less Queen

8 The End of the Game

48 Pearls

As soon as Stephen's threats fell, one of the Montedra military officers standing beside Landon let out a cold laugh. "Dream on. You think our unity is as fragile as your power games? In Montedra, every citizen-from scientists to the people on the streets-is fighting tooth and claw to stop this virus. You don't get to scream from a cage and pretend you're still important.

Tessa ignored the prisoner's ranting. Calmly, she retrieved a transparent vial from her portable cold case and stepped toward the cell.

Stephen's composure cracked. He lunged for the bars, panicked. "What are you doing?!"

"If you're so confident in the virus you created," Tessa said evenly, her tone utterly tranquil, “why not test it on yourself?"

Before he could react, the syringe was already in her hand. With a clean, practiced push, the needle sank into his arm.

Cold serum flowed into his veins. Stephen's eyes flew wide.

"You-! How dare-" He tried to charge forward-

Landon's boot slammed into his chest, launching him into the back wall of the cell.

Without a word, Landon stepped forward again, planting his polished shoe squarely on Stephen's hand. A sharp crack followed by a scream cut through the cell as bone gave way.

you can touch her?" Landon's voice was frigid. "If you're so fond of spreading viruses, then you can enjoy the result

his eyes still burned with venom. "You'll regret this... The moment I die, my backup copy

"You mean this backup? The one hidden in the Council's server? We cracked

Stephen's face went chalk-white.

gave Tessa a look of unhidden admiration. "Ms. Tessa, I heard you've completed the antidote. This entire nation owes you a

my part," she replied, slipping the syringe away. Everyone's

"Let's go."

fingers closed around hers as he gently led her

Michael looked at the crumpled figure on the floor and shook

cries turned into

had lost from

unity. He had lost to Tessa's

1/2

583 The End of

18 Pearls

Landon finally broke the silence. "Tessa... is there any way you can step away from the

halted. She turned to him sharply, panic

one reason Landon would bring this up-one

Her grandfather.