Sweet Vengeances
Chapter 26: The Alliance Gamble

Chapter 26: Chapter 26: The Alliance Gamble

As Lily, Ethan, Jack, and Monica went farther into the forest, the first rays of dawn broke through the thick tree canopy. Every muscle ached from exhaustion, but they continued to move because of the adrenaline from the night before. Hours had passed since they had heard gunfire or footsteps, but Victor Kane’s men’s menace lingered like a shadow. Their nerves were jangled by every twig snap and leaf rustle.

Lily turned to look at Ethan, whose keen eyes surveyed the area with hawk-like accuracy. She could feel the strain coming from him, even though his jaw was clenched and his expression was unreadable. He wasn’t to blame. They had to stop running since their options were limited.

Monica’s voice cracked as she tried to keep up, "We can’t keep this up." She had black circles under her eyes and a pallid face. "This type of thing is not my style. Out here, we’re sitting ducks.

Jack’s expression hardened as he turned to her. "What is the other option? March straight into the arms of Victor Kane? You’ve witnessed his abilities.

Monica winced but remained silent. She made Lily feel sorry for her. They were all caught in the crossfire of something much worse than any of them had expected, even if none of them had requested this.

"Jack’s right," Ethan stated in a stern but compassionate voice. "We must relocate and reorganize. However, we must first increase our distance from them.

Monica moaned, but she remained silent. The burden of their predicament hung heavily in the air as the group continued.

They discovered an ancient hunting house tucked away in a forest of trees after another hour of trekking. Though it was hardly more than a shanty and smaller than the one they had left behind, it provided some measure of security.

Jack drew his rifle and walked slowly toward the cabin. He pushed open the door and gestured for the others to remain behind. Cobwebs clung to the corners of the dusty, gloomy room. A little cot was pressed up against the far wall, and there was a solitary table and chair in the middle of the space.

"It’s obvious," Jack said, bringing his weapon down.

The musty stench made Lily’s nose wrinkle as she entered. Even though it wasn’t much, it was still better than nothing.

Monica’s legs trembled as Ethan assisted her onto the cot. With a softer tone than previously, he encouraged her to "rest for a bit."

Lily watched Jack walk around the room while leaning on the table and crossing her arms. His mind was obviously working hard, as seen by his stern look.

Lily broke the silence by saying, "This cannot continue." We’re merely going around in circles. We must have a strategy.

Jack’s eyes met hers, and he stopped pacing. "You believe I’m unaware of that? However, what would you recommend? How about we march into Kane’s headquarters and defeat him ourselves?

Lily refused to give up. "Why not? We can’t run forever. They will catch up to us sooner or later.

To Jack and Lily’s surprise, Ethan remarked, "She’s right." He folded his arms and leaned against the wall. "We must launch an offensive. We will never prevail if we continue to respond to their moves.

Jack scowled, obviously dubious. "And how would you suggest that we accomplish that?"

Ethan’s voice grew low as his eyes darkened. "We attack them using their own strategies. Although he feeds on power and intimidation, Kane is not unbeatable. We identify and take advantage of his shortcomings.

At what Ethan said, Lily sensed a glimmer of optimism. "Are you aware of his weak points?"

After a moment’s hesitation, Ethan nodded. "I have some knowledge. Kane has strong adversaries. We could have a chance if we can form an alliance with them.

Jack didn’t seem convinced. "How can we be certain that these ’enemies’ won’t simply hand us over to Kane?"

"We don’t," Ethan acknowledged. "But we must accept the risk."

Lily took a step forward, her eyes unwavering. "I’m prepared to assume that danger. Are you?

With a groan, Jack combed through his hair. "All right. However, we must proceed cautiously. We’re dead if we take one wrong step.

For the following few hours, the group rested and planned. Ethan disclosed that Marcus Langston, a former colleague who had parted ways with Kane’s business years prior, was one of his main adversaries. Although Langston was notorious for his brutality, there were rumors that he had a grudge against Kane.

"We might have a chance to defeat Kane if we can persuade Langston to assist us," Ethan stated.

"What if he declines?" Lily inquired.

Ethan’s face became stern. "Then, when the time comes, we’ll deal with that."

Jack didn’t seem happy, but he didn’t protest. Rather, he concentrated on charting their path to the isolated home on the city’s outskirts, which was Langston’s last known location.

Jack remarked, "We’ll have to act quickly." "Kane will attempt to stop us if he learns we’re heading to Langston."

The company got ready to leave the cabin as darkness fell. After sleeping, Monica’s appearance improved, but her nervousness persisted.

As they packed their things, she questioned Lily, "Are you sure about this?"

Lily gave a nod. "There doesn’t seem to be any other option. Monica, we must fight back. It’s the sole option.

Monica let out a sigh and lowered her shoulders. "All I can hope for is that we don’t fall into another trap."

Lily remained silent. She was unable to guarantee that they weren’t.

It was a long and perilous trek to Langston’s estate. The group avoided major highways where they may be seen by staying on back roads and rural trails. Each of them was acutely aware of the danger they were entering, and tension hung thick in the air.

It was almost late when they arrived at the mansion. With armed guards on either side of its gates, the expansive estate towered over them.

"What comes next?" With his hand hovering close to his weapon, Jack muttered.

Ethan remarked, "Let me speak." Langston is familiar with me. He refuses to shoot at first sight.

Jack gave a snort. "Comfortable."

After giving him a fierce look, Ethan moved forward with his palms up in a peace sign. With their weapons aimed at him, the guards stiffened.

Ethan yelled, "I have to talk to Marcus Langston." "It’s urgent."

After exchanging looks, one of the guards spoke on a radio. The gates creaked open a moment later.

Ethan gestured for the others to follow him, saying, "Come on."

As they got closer to the mansion, Lily’s stomach roiled with anxiety. This was their only opportunity to change the situation.

A towering, imposing man came down the stairs as they entered the large lobby. It was impossible to ignore the sense of authority he exuded from his icy gaze and keen features.

Marcus Langston remarked, "Ethan Blake," in a smooth but dangerous voice. "It has been a while."

"Too long," Ethan said in a circumspect tone.

Langston looked around the gathering, briefly focusing on Lily before going back to Ethan. "Why have you come here?"

"We need your assistance," Ethan stated plainly.

A gradual smile formed across Langston’s face as he lifted an eyebrow. "Aid? Considering when we last saw one another, that is a brave request.

Ethan did not recoil. "The past is not relevant here. It has to do with Victor Kane.

Langston’s smile vanished when Kane’s name was mentioned. His face was unreadable as he took a step closer.

"I’m paying attention to you," he said. "But you’d better have a really good reason if you’re going to ask me to fight Kane."

As Lily and Ethan looked at each other, her heart was racing. This was the time that may make all the difference.