02/02/2025
THE SANCTUM SERIES
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Becky and Tammy exchanged mischievous glances before each grabbed a hand—Becky pulling Joe, and Tammy tugging Alex—leading them confidently to the centre of the floor. It was clear they had planned this moment.
Joe and Alex hesitated for a heartbeat, but their training quickly took over. With practiced ease, they moved gracefully, floating across the dance floor as if born for the spotlight. The room seemed to watch in awe, the couple’s movements synchronized with the lilting music, their charisma commanding every gaze.
The evening continued in full splendour. Even Benji had swapped his usual casual look for a tailored tuxedo, though he lingered in the shadows. Despite his sharp appearance, he avoided the spotlight, clearly uncomfortable in such formal settings. Yet his watchful eyes missed nothing, ensuring that every detail of the night remained flawless and secure.
It was a night of celebration, elegance, and unity—one that would be remembered for years to come.
Alex and Joe were exhausted from hours of swapping dance partners, their energy nearly spent as they shared the floor with countless guests. They finally stepped aside, leaving Becky and Tammy to enjoy themselves on the dance floor, now being entertained by Benji's surprisingly lively and comical dance moves, which drew laughter from everyone nearby.
The orchestra shifted into a different tone, and the ballroom fell quiet. Then, a male voice, rich and captivating, announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be performing this year’s hit by Mr. Ed Sheeran." His stunning voice mirrored Sheeran’s so perfectly that it seemed the artist himself was there. The room filled with the familiar melody, and an electric anticipation swept through the crowd.
Joe extended his hand to Alex, a small but inviting smile on his face. Without a word, Alex took it, and together they stepped onto the dance floor. As the music soared, they began to move in perfect harmony, gliding effortlessly, their movements fluid and natural. Their chemistry was undeniable, and soon, the other dancers stepped back, forming a wide circle around the pair.
Oblivious to the audience, Joe and Alex danced as though they were the only two in the world. Their grace and ease captivated the room, drawing every eye to their mesmerizing connection. As they passed Becky, they reached out, pulling her into their rhythm. Now the three of them danced as one, spinning and moving in a seamless flow.
Not far off, Tammy reached for Abby’s hand, and the two joined in, mirroring the same grace and joy. Their laughter rang out, complementing the soft, heartfelt notes of the song.
As the final chords faded, the room erupted into applause, the sound thundering and unrelenting. Amid the cheers, Alex and Joe caught sight of Benji. His usually stoic face was softened, his eyes glistening as he quickly wiped away the few tears he couldn’t hide. It was a rare moment of vulnerability, and the two exchanged a knowing look before bowing slightly to their audience, the applause still echoing around them.
Abby hooked her arms through Joe's and Alex’s, laughing softly as the three of them strolled back to their table. The evening had been perfect so far, filled with laughter, dancing, and camaraderie. But just as they neared their seats, a sharp, familiar voice pierced through the air.
“Joe Smith!”
Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Joe turned toward the voice, his senses instantly on high alert. He saw the face—the face he had seen earlier today.
Then came the shout: “DOMINIUM!”
Before Joe could process the words, flashes of light burst before his eyes, the crack of gunfire following a millisecond later. Time snapped back into focus.
Joe saw the red blur swishing in front of him, obscuring his view of the man. In one fluid motion, they drew their weapons. The G***ks seemed like extensions of their hands as they fired in unison. Two shots each, perfectly aimed to the man’s chest. The force of the bullets lifted the man off his feet, his body spinning slightly in the air before collapsing to the polished ballroom floor.
The room erupted in chaos, screams echoing off the walls. Joe’s G***k was still trained on the lifeless figure of the man, his mind racing. Blood pooled quickly beneath the man’s crumpled form, a chilling contrast to the pristine marble floor.
John Brown’s head tilted slightly, his glassy eyes locking with Joe’s. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and with a final, rattling breath, he croaked, “Dominium...”
Then he was still.
Joe's mind was in chaos, every thought colliding with the next. I knew it. I felt it. I didn’t trust him. The realization burned through him like fire: John Brown, the attorney, had tried to assassinate him. But then Alex's voice shattered his spiralling thoughts.
"Joe! Joe!" Alex’s shout was panicked, desperate. "Becky! Becky! She’s hit!"
Joe froze, his entire body going numb. Time seemed to stretch painfully; every sound muffled. Then Benji appeared, swift and precise, kicking John’s weapon away and crouching to check his pulse. He shook his head grimly—John was gone. But Joe didn’t care. He turned toward Alex’s voice and saw him cradling Becky in his arms, her body limp, her dress stained with a darker red.
Tears streamed down Alex’s face as he rocked her, his voice breaking. "Becky… no, please… stay with us!"
Joe dropped to his knees beside them, his hands trembling as he reached out. Together, he and Alex held her, supporting her lifeless body between them. The warmth that had always radiated from her was fading fast, and the weight of her sacrifice pressed down on them like an unbearable burden.
Tammy, Abby, and Benji worked quickly, securing the area. The sound of orders being barked and the commotion of guards in black suits evacuating the guests filled the air. But for Joe and Alex, the world had narrowed to the lifeless figure in their arms.
"She saved us," Alex choked out, his tears mixing with the blood on Becky’s dress. "She—she gave everything for us."
Joe’s chest tightened as his tears began to fall. He brushed a strand of Becky’s hair from her face, his heart shattering. The woman who had been their rock, their protector, their teacher, their love was gone.
They clung to her, their grief overwhelming. Around them, the chaos continued, but none of it mattered. The only thing that existed was the unbearable truth before them: Becky, the one who had always stood by their side, had made the ultimate sacrifice to save them.
And now, she was gone.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVHYNW93
