The night was too quiet.
Lisa walked ahead of the others, her steps steady, her expression unreadable. The cold wind brushed against her coat, carrying the faint smell of smoke from the explosion.
She sensed the danger before she heard it.
A metallic click.
A shift in the air.
A shadow on the rooftop.
The Shot
A bullet tore through the night and hit her shoulder.
Blood splattered across her coat.
Lisa didn't scream.
She didn't stumble.
She didn't even blink.
Instead, she lifted her gun in one smooth motion and fired back — one shot, clean and precise.
The attacker fell from the rooftop instantly, dead before he hit the ground.
James froze.
Adam's eyes widened.
Alan's expression turned murderous.
Lisa lowered her gun calmly.
"Next time, aim better."
Blood dripped down her arm, but she didn't look at it.
Alan Reacts First
Alan reached her in seconds, grabbing her arm.
"You're bleeding."
Lisa pulled away.
"And?"
Alan's voice dropped to a dangerous tone.
"You were shot."
Lisa stepped past him.
"I handled it."
James and Adam Move In
James landed beside the dead attacker, checking the body.
"He's gone. You killed him instantly."
Adam looked at Lisa's shoulder, his voice tight.
"You need to stop the bleeding."
Lisa walked forward like nothing happened.
"I don't have time to bleed."
James exchanged a look with Adam — half impressed, half terrified.
Why They're Targeting Her
Alan stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
"They're not just attacking random leaders."
Lisa's eyes narrowed.
"I know."
Adam added quietly,
"They're targeting you first."
James continued,
"Because you're the strongest."
Alan finished the thought, his voice low:
"And because you're connected to us."
Lisa didn't deny it.
She was the centre of the power triangle —
the one person tied to Alan, James, and Adam,
the only one who could unite or destroy all three.
Taking her down would shake the entire underworld.
A Message From the Enemy
Adam's phone buzzed.
A video appeared.
A masked figure spoke:
"Lisa… you survived the first shot."
Lisa's expression didn't change.
"Good."
The voice continued:
"We're coming for your throne.
And for the three kings who stand behind you."
The screen went black.
Blood dripped from her shoulder, staining the snow beneath her.
She didn't look at it.
She didn't slow down.
She simply said:
"Let them come."
Alan stared at her, furious and impressed.
James smirked.
Adam nodded once.
The war had officially begun.