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.

"If you're so

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

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

Stephen's face went chalk-white.

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

only did my part," she replied, slipping the syringe away. Everyone's worked for

"Let's go."

as he gently led her out of

looked at the crumpled figure on the floor and shook his head.

cries turned

he had lost from the

had lost to

1/2

The End of the

18 Pearls

base, Landon finally broke the silence. "Tessa... is there any way you

halted. She turned to him sharply, panic flickering in

There was only one reason

Her grandfather.