Liam was just about to open the large ballroom door when every instinct in his body suddenly screamed at him.
Danger.
Without thinking, he spun and wrapped his arm tightly around Ann's waist, yanking her back just in time—
BOOOOM!
A massive fist crashed straight through the wooden door, splintering it into jagged shards.
Ann gasped sharply.
Then—CRACK!
The entire door was ripped off its hinges like it was made of paper, thrown aside with casual force. Dust flew into the air as a massive figure stepped through the ruined entrance.
Liam's eyes narrowed.
One of Boris' guards.
He was tall with thick arms like coiled cables and a face like carved stone. The tight black uniform stretched across his body, emphasizing every muscle, and his eyes glowed faintly with an unnatural red tint.
Ann's body trembled.
Her breath caught in her throat.
She knew that face.
She knew what came next.
And in that moment, she was certain—it was over for Liam.
