Chapter 12 

The final battle began at dawn.

Julian’s division attacked the enemy command post.

Marcus led the eastern flank.

Elias infiltrated the Ministry archives.

Clara followed Gideon’s hidden map to an underground chamber beneath the capital.

She found her father there.

And her mother.

Both alive.

But General Vale was waiting.

“You finally came.”

Clara raised the confession.

“You wanted this.”

“No.”

Vale smiled.

“I wanted you.”

Clara froze.

“Why?”

“Because your father destroyed everything for you.”

Vale stepped closer.

“Your family was the only thing he refused to sacrifice.”

“Where is Julian?”

“Fighting a war he cannot win.”

Suddenly, an explosion shook the chamber.

The lights went out.

Gunfire erupted.

Julian appeared through the smoke.

Clara ran to him.

He held her tightly.

For a moment, there was no war.

No conspiracy.

Only them.

Then Vale fired.

Julian pushed Clara aside.

The bullet struck him.

He fell.

“Julian!”

Clara dropped beside him.

Blood spread across his uniform.

Vale smiled.

But before he could fire again, Gideon shot him.

Vale collapsed.

Silence.

Clara held Julian’s face.

“Stay with me.”

His eyes opened.

“I’m trying.”

“You promised.”

“I remember.”

The war ended three days later.

The conspiracy was exposed.

The Ministry collapsed.

The corrupt officers were arrested.

But one person was missing.

The lawyer.

He had disappeared before the final battle.

And nobody knew where he had gone.