Chapter 9 - The Awakening
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Dominic woke up three days later in a sterilized, underground bunker room. The steady beep of a heart monitor was the only sound in the room until he turned his head and saw Sophia sleeping in a chair beside his bed, her hand lightly resting on his arm.
He didn't move. He just watched her. He noted the dark circles under her eyes, the way her hair fell messily over her shoulders. In a life filled with violence, betrayal, and fake smiles, her genuine exhaustion and loyalty were the most beautiful things he had ever seen.
Sophia stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She gasped when she saw him awake. "You're up. I need to get the doctor—"
"No," he said, his voice rough. He caught her hand, stopping her from standing. "Stay."
She sat back down, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You scared us. You almost died."
"It takes more than a coward with a rifle to kill me," he murmured. He pulled her hand closer, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. "Thank you for taking care of me."
Sophia’s breath hitched. "I didn't have a choice. I need you alive so we can be free."
Dominic’s eyes darkened slightly. "Freedom is an illusion, Sophia. There is only survival. And I promise you, I will end this war. But when it's over, I won't let you go."
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Before she could process his words, the metal door swung open. Marco walked in, his face bruised, holding a burner phone.
"Boss," Marco said, his tone urgent. "Alessandro just sent a message. He's called a meeting with the Commission. He wants a sit-down."
