Ayla slammed the door shut behind her, the echo cracking through the silence like a gunshot. Leon turned from the window, his eyes narrowing instantly at the storm brewing in hers.
"You knew," she hissed, voice trembling.
He stepped forward, unsure. "Knew what?"
"My brother," she choked out. "You knew Daniel had him and you said nothing."
Leon's face tightened, but he said nothing. His silence only fueled her rage.
"You looked me in the eye," she snapped, tears spilling down her cheeks, "and swore you'd protect him. You swore you'd tell me everything! Instead, you let me believe he was safe while he was being used like bait!"
"Ayla," Leon said quietly, "I didn't tell you because I was handling it. I didn't want you involved—"
"You don't get to decide what I can handle!" she cried. "That's my family, Leon. Not just yours to protect like some possession."
Her hands shook as she grabbed her phone, her mind racing, heart shattering. She didn't wait. She dialed the number Daniel had used.
He answered on the first ring.
"I'll come," she whispered, her voice thick with tears. "Just… let my brother go. Please."
"A wise choice," Daniel murmured. "You'll meet me in one hour. No tricks. Alone."
Leon stepped forward, eyes wide with panic. "What did you just do?"
She turned, shoving him back. "You don't get to stop me. I'm going. I'll fix this. I'll get my brother back."
His voice broke. "Ayla—he'll take you and vanish. I will find him. Don't do this."
"You already lost me," she whispered, tears running freely now. "When you chose silence over trust."
And with that, she was gone.
⸻
Later That Night – Airport Hangar, Private Jet
Daniel stood waiting beside the sleek black jet, a sick smile tugging at his lips when he saw her approaching, alone, rain soaking her coat.
She didn't speak as she climbed the steps. Her brother sat inside, asleep under sedation, breathing but pale.
Daniel leaned toward her with a whisper only she could hear. "You always were loyal. And now you're mine again."
The door shut behind her.
The engines roared to life.
And the country that once held her hope disappeared beneath the clouds.