Chapter 14 - The Signal
Elena waited in the pitch darkness of the cellar, her heart hammering against her ribs so hard it was painful. Seconds stretched into long, agonizing minutes.
Was it Julian who survived? Or was Marcus's killer waiting for her to make a sound?
Then, three sharp knocks sounded on the iron trapdoor.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Elena held her breath, every muscle in her body locked tight.
Knock... Knock.
Two slow, deliberate beats followed.
Tears of overwhelming relief spilled from her eyes. She reached up with trembling hands and unlocked the heavy iron bolt.
The trapdoor was pulled open, and the warm light of the cabin flooded into the dark cellar. Julian stood above her, framed by the light. He was covered in sweat, dirt, and blood, his shirt torn at the chest, but his dark eyes were burning with undeniable life and fierce protection.
He extended his large, battle-worn hand down to her. "It's over, Elena. They're gone."
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Elena took his hand, allowing him to pull her and the baby up out of the cellar. The moment her feet touched the kitchen floor, she couldn't stop herself—she threw her free arm around his neck, burying her face into the crook of his warm shoulder.
Julian stiffened in surprise for a split second, then his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her close to his heart.
