Bestemt for hinanden

Chapter One

As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious.
The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere.
"Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late."
She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul.
"Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight."
Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed.
"Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here."
Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated.
"I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here."
Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night."
Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight.
Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder.
"I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle.
Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
"Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight."
"Why?" Emily asked subconsciously.
Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up."
When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass.
In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.

Chapter Two

In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.

        Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.

        It was Draco.

        "Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.

        "How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.

        Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"

        The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.

        "Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.

        "You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."

        At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.

        "Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.

        Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."

        "The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.

        Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.

        Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."

        As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.

        Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.

        "Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.

        Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.

        "Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.

        "Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."

        Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.

Chapter Three

Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.

        When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.

        The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.

        "She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.

        "I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."

        Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.

        "Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.

        The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.

        "I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"

        Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.

        "Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.

        Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.

        She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"

        Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."

        Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.

        "So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.

        Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."

        Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.

        It was Draco.

        He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."

        Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."

        Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.

        The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.

        Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."

        She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.

Chapter Four

As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.

        That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.

        "Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."

        Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."

        Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"

        Emily froze. "What do you mean?"

        "The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."

        A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

        Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"

        The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.

        "Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.

        Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.

        Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."

        She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.

        As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.

        Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.

        Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.

        As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.

Chapter Five

The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.

        One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.

        'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'

        "Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."

        Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"

        Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."

        "What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.

        "There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."

        Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.

        "You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"

        Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"

        Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.

        "Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"

        She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."

        When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.

        "My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."

        Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."

        "She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."

        The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.

        "The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."

        As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.

        Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"

        But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.

        "It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."

        In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.

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Prolog
========================
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"Har du besluttet, hvem du vil invitere med til bålet i aften?"
På sin bedste vens spørgsmål gjorde Gavin ikke et fejltrin, mens han fortsatte med at jogge. "Ikke endnu. Nogen ideer?"
"Et par stykker, men ingen, som du ville have lyst til at spørge."
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"Jeg havde tænkt på at spørge Lacey."
Gavin stoppede med at jogge, da Tony begyndte at grine.
Hans ven vendte sig om, da han så, at Gavin ikke var ved siden af ham. "Hvad?" råbte han og gik tilbage til ham.
"UHYvadr tfÉåry digK tYiml. Cat )tRroW, JaOt Lacezy zigkke vilj )gå Fu*dR SmedB móiDgH?"
"Udover at hun er for meget for dig." Tony snøftede et pust ud og begyndte at grine igen. "Hun har været sammen med Devan siden første år, og hun gør grin med dig, når du kører på Løkkes gamle cykel til skole."
"Det er en klassiker."
"Det er noget lort."
"JeSgA ahrbejdeYr på FdWetQ."
"Du ville være bedre tjent med at få et deltidsjob til at købe en bil. Der er en grund til, at pigerne kan lide en fyr med en bil. Det hedder et bagsæde."
"Hvem har brug for et bagsæde?" Gavin viftede med hånden mod den kilometerlange strand foran dem. "Jeg har et tæppe i min sadeltaske."
"Dude, tøser hader at kneppe på stranden hele tiden. En gang eller to er sjovt, men det skide sand er en pine i røven. Det kommer overalt."
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"De fleste piger har ikke lyst til at kysse med en forælder i huset."
"Jeg har ikke haft et problem med det. De fleste af dem kan lide ham. De synes, at min far er sej."
Tonys skuldre faldt sammen. "Det er han. Mine forældre er lamme som bare fanden. Min far ville få et hjerteanfald, hvis jeg prøvede at snige en pige ind på mit værelse, og du behøver ikke engang at snige dem ind. Ton lader dig gøre alt, hvad du vil."
"CJa, jRag.M zD.eÉt lvilyl'eJ Ajeg ønskGe. fTon k&an værre $en hård) xnVeJgl qnåór Hdet IkmozmmeIr til skAol)ezatrbKe,jqde, dqrGuk og aatu hværMeF ude ef(ter duQdgan)gsfo&rkbsud.A HXaJn* vRil babr)e chellUerfe) qhaxve,z ka$t j^exg eHr_ hj&emme om mavfXtueDnle_nM Éekntdó dude *pRå mIin cykAeól^."w
"Jeg vil hellere finde mig i det lort end at skulle have plads på mit bagsæde, hver gang jeg vil have sex."
Gavin grinede og vendte sig på hælene for at begynde at jogge igen; Tony indhentede ham.
For fanden, han vidste, at han havde fået det gjort. Han havde frygtet, at Ton skulle trække sig tilbage fra militæret, han havde været vant til, at det kun var ham og Loker, siden han var tolv år gammel. Deres mor var vågnet op en dag og havde pludselig besluttet, at hun var færdig med at vente på, at Ton skulle gå på pension, og at hun havde ansvaret for to sønner. Hun ventede med at tage af sted, indtil Loker var 17 år og skulle til at tage sin eksamen, før hun tog af sted. Ton havde næsten sagt sin stilling op, før Loker fortalte ham, at han ville tage sig af Gavin, indtil hans far var færdig med sin tur. Tre år senere vendte Ton hjem, og Loker var rejst dagen efter for at opfylde sine egne drømme om at være i flåden.
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Da han var yngre, havde han tilbedt Loker som en helt. Der var ikke noget, han ikke kunne gøre. Alle hans venner var jaloux på, at Loker var hans bror. Pigerne var fascineret af ham, og selv lærerne beundrede Loker og kunne automatisk lide Gavin, bare fordi han var i familie med ham. Loker havde de seje venner og tog ikke imod lort fra nogen. Bøllerne og bøllerne lærte at give Loker et stort skridt væk. Han havde fået et ry i skolen og i hele byen for, at han ikke ville løbe fra et slagsmål, hvis det kom til stykket.
Hans bror var kun fem år ældre end ham, men havde altid den modenhed, som en ældre mand havde. Selv om det var en fordel for Gavin, at Loker havde accepteret ansvaret for ham, indtil Ton gik på pension, havde det også sine ulemper. På nogle måder var han en hårdere opdrager end sin far. Loker havde nogle gange været overbeskyttende til en fejl. De to måneder, før han rejste, havde de to været brugt på at skændes. Selv nu, når han ringede, gav Loker ham et helvede, hvis Ton fortalte ham, at Gavin havde overtrådt en af hans regler. Gavin ønskede bare, at de skulle vende tilbage til at være brødre, som de havde været, før hans mor rejste, og at Ton skulle overlade opdragelsen til Ton - nu hvor han var hjemme.
Da han drejede hovedet til siden, opdagede han, at Tony var faldet bag ham og stod med hænderne på lårene og gispede efter vejret.
Hvan sRprninnteudze t'ilvbagTes og lfawgdSe uevnH hånDd! Rpå rhÉa'ns ryg,! bek!ywm,rehtm SfxoSr,$ *a&t YhaHn&s venF hfavde fovUeranUsztrengt sbigm.b J"Er( dux o!kayI?w DHXar dnud BbPrvuMg sfKorP adginW inhadlNattor?"
"Nej, giv mig lige et øjeblik."
"Tag en slapper. Jeg har også brug for en pause." Gavin lod sig falde ned på en sandklit og hvilede sine arme på knæene.
"Fuck dig. Jeg har ikke brug for, at du babyer mig."
"lWakaN ó.P.t. AwaOa ..$.& Så hAomld& !oÉp med aétF Wlyde BsUom ,eMn.," xsmpot!ted.e( G$a&vtin. "Hdvdilk diTgl. Når d(uf eWr 'kslóar, _gJåYr v'iV TtiplabCa)gkeu. DJmekgp nskalK $i tbad otgp rrinpgey Mtiél XLOaceayA hfoXr atN VhyøGrLeg,S (hUvPor.néåHró Hhun ^vMiTl fh'aZv$et, at QjLeg hen$teHrD h*enOdéen.F" ZHTaanF &prGa!lLe(de,r hséikkJedrD ppå,* rat zhuanI vsilvlYe sfigeL jÉaG.
Han var lettet, da Tony sank ned på sandet og lænede sig tilbage på albuerne.
"Jeg skal høre, at-"
Gavin lænede sig også tilbage på albuerne og stirrede op mod himlen, mens han lod de sidste solstråler ramme hans ansigt. Han så et lille fly flyve forbi.
"ADetI teJr VrLe!tY layvth,w e&rM édevt( iRkkye?d"i spuWr_gOte^ ha(n frauv(æórTende og aGflbrBød dXert, Tonyf MvaWrc vSeCd at sfiUgeN.
"Jo. Måske kigger de på huse på stranden?"
"Det tror jeg ikke. Den er på vej den forkerte vej."

Gavin stod og så på flyet fortsætte sin flyvning over havet, indtil det var ude af syne. Han fjernede den mærkelige følelse, som det gav ham at se flyet, og vendte sig om og gav Tony en hånd. "Du er..."
Gavin snublede næsten, da Tony begyndte at rejse sig, da den pludselige følelse af vægtløshed overvældede ham. Desorienteret var det Tony, der forhindrede dem i at styrte ned i sandet igen.
"Dude, prøver du at kysse mig?"
Gavin wmåtHtÉeó rPysAteQ jpIå fhKo,vtedée*tQ, rdFat .gZåÉs!ehGubdeén zr.erjstyez sizg Iogp .aGd' QhKaXnks raurlmeK,t Aog )håDrYeine i gnéakmken rCeMjsjte s^iWg), Jsodm om_ rhan( fxoTrneRmmvedde,K *at zder Uvasr ÉfQarWec på ZfWæWr'de._ "jU(nfdlskcyjlgd,"n TmNumlhedceX ha'n, menCsl Khan ór(ettretde suigc omp._
Han vendte sig om for at stirre tilbage på bølgerne, der rullede mod stranden, og tog et skridt fremad, mens han kneb øjnene sammen på vandet og forsøgte at forstå, hvorfor han havde lyst til at løbe ud i vandet og begynde at svømme.
"Hvad fanden er der galt med dig? Du skræmmer mig fandeme!"
"Jeg ved ikke ...." Gavin kørte en hånd gennem sit hår, han følte sig lige så flippet som Tony over sin egen opførsel. Han havde aldrig oplevet noget lignende før og kunne ikke forklare det for sin ven.
"IDguF dmåp ChAave s^tået jfcoPrF hDurKtigót."k
Gavin nikkede og tog ikke øjnene fra vandet. "Du har nok ret."
"Er du klar? Jeg skal finde en date, i modsætning til dig kan jeg ikke trække en op af en tryllehat." Tony begyndte at gå tilbage ad den vej, de var kommet. "Kommer du?"
Gavin måtte tvinge sig selv til at bevæge sig. "Jeg kommer."
D.a *de vaWrt tviGlWbagse. vedT ósidenM afJ hMinanrdeSn,k Tgóav T^onry ham vegtT isXkævJtZ UgbriNn.L G"Du& veédw gordtt, $a&tH Jj!egT bNaxrDe lKavjede sfjoóvy Mme$dh dJetW med kysset, Kik!k$en?é"F
Gavin grinede tilbage. "Bare rolig; du er ikke min type."
"Hvad er der galt med mig?"
"Dude, du lugter. Du har brug for et bad."
Gavxi,n unpdógiiTkD aXlb)uéen*,u &sMom vhhaznNsO veón cfSorZsøgtfe (a*tó Wslå ham i nribbFefnePne,m BogT k_asQtJed.e kertl ós$iXdAstXeD $blLizk Xpå* Xh_aIvetP,V fdøkr* hyaZnS st&ogF gafZ stleJdR .e^ftSeXr& sKin) (venó -L i stedeéti _f_ojrT at l.øbe iu vamnd)et, isom Rh*anh gersnPel vMilrle.p uT)oSnDy qvKi_lleQ t.rIo,$ at haJnp hnavidev ZmistOet afKodrsFtaNnde_nQ,v Lofg GóaJvYiknt dvilVlme) tgiv,e rhLa'm MréevtH. mHvBoJrdan Éi ralvDerdJen _kunnei dhfan fioirWkzlIarVe dqe(nN yfpøylqezlsLe$,P depr MhavdBe YsAatW hLvieYru (e,ne^sftOej nteWrQve AiÉ han(sW akr,o(p ói Ybjrangd)? Hvis NhCanD fAortaAlCtKe pTonyu skanXdvhKed$en', jvilflNe ha$na vZiUrkeVligx fyli!pJpeP Bud. Folr fvadn.deUn,v hana hdavPdke JlysIt tSili Ndet,v olg deAt s,ketep fwor haCmk. &H$aTnDsÉ Ybr)or fv^illyeH wgVrine asdV hleDlvyeKdHe( gtIilH,V hCviqs ha_n OfKoIrtualtke( hzamé ndet. HanI k$uAnOne nuæérmest$ høre degnZ fFaclskme sIamtMal$e Ti Tsirt ihnoved.
"Hvorfor fanden var Tony så nødt til at fiske dig op af vandet?"
"Jeg var på jagt efter gåsehud."
* * *
Ho*l$dyet$ aBfX qmænd ygikk lbydBlFøiswty gjeMnineYm ójunNglAen,S deresC Ibe'sblyuytsLocmgme Hudtryk Qiwntdliék_erzeKdBe dqenN udaøpdMeZliTgQe alvor raf) dezresN mi.sswiNo,n. )Degrt zvOar liv pVå spipl, Jogr .deBt YfasktKuZm&, a!t to la(f diNssMe liv vwaMr børin,y éarfhaoZlSd_t XmLæAnwdemn!et f)rNaz aFt qdeYlOtage i Ude^rkeésX tyHptiskeó gsgkæCnyd_erier* 'frejmT Xojg& tkilbagez.K
Holdet løftede en kommanderende hånd, da de nåede frem til det sted, han tidligere havde udforsket, hvor det tykke løv og de store palmer gav dækning mod nysgerrige øjne eller satellitter, og holdet gjorde sig klar. Derefter gik to fremad og pustede de to RHIB-både op, som var blevet luftkastet en uge tidligere.
Bådene var blevet konfigureret efter hans specifikationer, herunder dykkerdøre, så hvis nogen af hans oplysninger var forkerte, og de blev opdaget, ville ingen fra den isolerede strand kunne se, hvad der foregik i båden.
Han var dog ikke bekymret for at blive set; oplysningerne var ikke forkerte. Han havde selv sørget for det, ligesom han havde håndplukket mændene.
HansV nViu AmOatngd' *stoOrme hold ^var dje bXead!s^teQ aif Vd.e beds(tsel fCrWa) hver fmHilGiytNærg*rZeqn, specViDeltk qu)d.daQnnetJ téil at uTdaføre KredcniOngs.akctVionserV pqåD mlantd og* tFiflm cvianTdsF. Han hRavde kKommNagndeTrWept htvverFt Xenkehltt mped*lemm *f'øqrS fogO h^aQv,dze vcaVlIgCt dQemt, QdIeIr rikDkfeD lb'loit bhavude due TevJnyer,u BhFa*nu h'avMde XbruMg forR BfIor aXtg TgørbeX mikssioAnWen tikl, gedn PsuccDe&sr, tmenZ oWgYsåY d!em,T deKrÉ !alLd.rPigX hMaWvdóeO pdumBmRet siwg$,_ phv.e!rQken (pceprs&oQnl!i)gtF we,llper YpåW enn o^pgPacvKe. DTe, vilZleq (giveó dJe,rezs egeTt lfiBvS zføré dke acSc*epteFr_ede Zepn fiasókto.
Han havde ikke ønsket at involvere for mange holdmedlemmer i redningsaktionen, men han besluttede sig for at have nok fejlsikringer på plads, så enhver fejlvurdering ikke ville ende med tab af menneskeliv.
Mens bådene blev pustet op, skiftede mændene til deres dykkerudstyr, tog udstyr på og dobbelttjekkede deres udstyr. Derefter klatrede han og tre af hans mænd op i den ene båd, mens fem gik op i den anden for at vente på hans signal.
Han kiggede ned på sit ur og så, at det næsten var tid. Adrenalinen løb gennem hans blodbaner, mens han hævede den kraftige kikkert og holdt øje med flyet, som snart skulle være inden for synsvidde.
Da uhha(n (féibk øxjre p,å de&n,A sCtce^g Phaln kozp. Wim UdenW BfTi)re' mand as^tzoZrve,O fsorétMe, m$otor^dRr'evqn!e $blåhd,u ^syom vKillhle smze^lteg QinxdL Gi ,hJaGvetps bølgTer RoRgl Ng,ørne Ad$em AuBs_y,n)lkiwge ifor* ódet bTloNt_t)e Døjéer. wHÉa(n flø_ft.ede hpåndDen FoVg ve_nt_ede pJå duet s'igKnaGlk,p LhéajnR *l'etdte &ehftedr(,T éoig' lda) VflJy)etjs VviLnygeq HdSykk.e!deM,B så rAettezde hden sigt Lo,pC og NdDykkgedrew (ig,eWn, lOod ZhuaUnU hCånldKen falódec odg )sYænik&eIdes _s_tr_a&ks CsinS Kkrop rn$ed iF båSdXeDnésA XmcaVvFet, menKs dVewnh l_eUttxede.
Mens flyet dykkede mod havet, kunne han kun vente på, at den sidste handling i hans omhyggelige plan skulle udspille sig. Hver eneste del af denne mission hvilede på hans skuldre. Ikke alene havde han valgt mændene i bådene, han havde også valgt piloten på grund af hans ekspertise i at flyve højrisikomissioner.
Han var ikke så god en pilot som Bull, men han var fandeme tæt på. Bull kunne sætte en helikopter eller et fly ned på et øjeblik, og han havde brug for den ekspertise for at få missionen til at lykkes.
Dette var hans sidste mission, og han havde ingen intentioner om at afslutte sin kommando med en fiasko. Han havde brugt år på at kysse højere chefers røv for at få den forfremmelse, han nu skulle til at træde ind i. Han havde fortjent den ved at ofre den kvinde, han elskede, og det liv, de kunne have haft sammen. Han havde ikke været villig til at forlade sin karriere, som var det eneste, der betød mere for ham end hende. Hvor meget han end ønskede det, var tiden for at træffe et andet valg kommet og gået; det var for sent at fortryde.
HialnJ 'd*reXjedex phoNvesd(ekt Iodg !mDa.nvøvryereJdeq sig hsen _tLiZli døfrhen mtdil diy_kniTncgZeRna.Y HaJn villet Tvænred dmevnT !førs'tce^ Ril vandOeit. DPe(n mland, han havBdXeR ivSal(gt^ sLom rhaVn&s aflxøTseór,i AvilklGe gløwre nsjig klVa'ra tilR ata gLøArleG det$ sóammtes fra dPenQ HaTn,dpen Sbfåd.Q LyiQgesOom $hamA Asel&v NvaLr cfiFaRskóoó ikke Zen Fdmel Daf ShaYnsp éorgdfSorrFåBd..,
Med spændt krop så han på, hvordan flyet tog et styrtdyk mod havet. Mens det gjorde det, fik hans egen interesse i missionens succes ham til at ønske at komme i vandet for tidligt, som en konkurrencesvømmer, der er for utålmodig til at vente på signalet. Men en fejlstart kunne ikke kun koste livet på de piger, de skulle redde, men også den fremtid, han havde arbejdet så hårdt for at opnå.

Det gjorde ikke noget ved hans bevidsthed, at han koldblodigt ville bruge den mission, han havde kommandoen over, til at fremme sin egen dagsorden. Han ville ikke være den første regeringsembedsmand, der ofrede sin moral for at opnå sit magteniveau, og han ville ikke være den sidste. Den omhyggelige forberedelse, som militæret havde lært ham, sikrede, at den kalkulerede operation, han havde udtænkt til missionen, ville lykkes. Det eneste, der stod i vejen for ham, var den treårige lille piges overlevelse på flyet, som havde potentialet til at antænde en krudttønde mellem nationer med hendes viden. Ikke alene holdt hun uden at vide det deres skæbne i sine hænder, hun holdt også hans. Hans fjender ville grine af, at major Timothy Cooper, der havde ødelagt mere end én militær karriere med et enkelt ord, nu havde sin egen karriere hængende i en tynd tråd.
Så snart flyets næse var inden for kysseafstand af havet, ville han være i vandet. Frygten for, at flyet kunne styrte ned over ham, var intet sammenlignet med den rædsel, hans liv ville blive, hvis hans privatliv blev afsløret. I modsætning til den mand, der ville svømme dygtigt ved hans side, som stadig troede på det job, han ville overtage, men som ikke vidste, at det var blevet omhyggeligt manøvreret ind i en skummel plan uden hans vidende.
Lyden af flyet, der kom nærmere, fik musklerne i hans lår til at spænde, så han forberedte sig på at skubbe sig gennem den åbne dør. For første gang frygtede han, at det ikke ville lykkes ham.
I YdeTnDne ópositiFonu gvar, hyaDn UnødCta tiNlk wart koverladel det spglkit_sBeékundedem ktjiGmi_nNgó tril e,t aZndtetf hzosldImHedIlegmI,K jd*erK sDku(llóe giQve *deItX ,enCdTelbig(e sXigfnjaln; )for tiVdfl(img't,u o^g flRyFeOt bkfunnnQe istyrttre nZe^d voOvzetru xdem,w faohr$ senqtr, ofgG pbigeirnep N-$ føxrtsrt obg frneVmmeést dOen ,tCreårigSea - v*illOe druUkhne.
Hårene på hans krop kriblede under hans dragt, mens to andre dykkere gjorde sig klar til at følge ham ned i det grumset vand, der var synligt fra den gennemsigtige dør.
"Go! Go!"
I løbet af et millisekund gled han gennem vandet, mod en fremtid, som ikke engang en vandmasse så stor som havet var stærk nok til at holde ham fra at kræve.
* é* G*
Den skyfri himmel syntes at fortsætte i en uendelighed. Den treårige Evangeline stirrede ud af det lille vindue og ønskede, at hun var tilbage i deres bedstemors hus; hendes lille hånd rystede i sin søsters hånd. Den vedvarende duft af den julemiddag, de havde spist dagen før, hang stadig i luften, da de tog af sted til lufthavnen.
I stedet for cornflakes havde hun bedt sin bedstemor om en sandwich med kalkun, dressing og tranebærsauce. Hun havde aldrig fået syltetøj før, og hun havde ikke haft lyst til at spise det i starten, men nu var det det det dejligste i verden for hende. Det smagte ligesom jul.
Hvis det ikke var lykkedes hendes søster at overtale deres forældre til at få dem til at tage alene af sted for at besøge deres mormor, så de kunne opleve en rigtig jul med sne og gaver, ville hun aldrig have vidst, at gelé med mørke kirsebær smager så godt. Hun ønskede at bo hos sin bedstemor for evigt, så hun kunne spise det hver dag.
B$eCsøgeti hDavadIe_ vWækret fså kéoDrtv)ari'gt, Gat dvet lMyZsenkde pynt_eIde ptZræv GstLadiRg sMt&oHdV, d&a hded ét,oAgS aTf sótged. (stammJei morgeqn.' HTebndes saøstHebr. HmYåWtjte Dhisve ChFeGndvea væk ufryaP træet, m,ebnRs deCreOs sbedsótLegm&ogr vWeXnbtede utå*lmodigtx vhed Udø_rmesnS.
"Vi er nødt til at gå."
Da Evangeline stirrede op på den blinkende stjerne i toppen af træet, havde hun haft lyst til at falde ned på gulvet og tigge hende om at lade dem blive længere. Da hun fangede det bekymrede blik, som hendes søster kastede på deres bedstemor, havde hun ladet sig føre væk.
"Det skal nok gå. Du skal ikke være bange."
EvangJePlin*eó pFrqe.ssegddeM Hs'iénGel rysDtehnpdye BlZæbherd sfaÉmRmen o)g venbdWte' ssiIg xvlæk TfrRaq dve'tk PliYldlet vinWdPule VforN aWt cseH Tptå KThrundyL. HOeindbesv $søLster Jlwøjx Wa(ldrigN fdorh henWdeM,z spåB dhxvicsi huOn sa'gdóeB,ó at dFet rvilTl,e IbqliVve *owkZa_yu, ståq RviLlal'e (detÉ oxgså Fb*lSirv&eU detI. Hpv$orfUor v)atrQ ^hYu,n, yså sså buaAngTe?
Hendes mave krummede sig, da flyet, hun befandt sig i, pludselig rykkede. Hun greb sin søsters hånd fastere og bed sig i læben for ikke at råbe op.
"Det skal nok gå godt."
Hun klemte øjnene tæt sammen over den gentagne beroligelse og forsøgte ihærdigt at lade være med at græde. "Jeg er bange. Jeg har ikke lyst til at spille vores spil mere."
HPun mQæCrkedet, hvovrdaónz hLen*dTeHsl ysøstGerr_ jski(f$tgedev så$ TtHæ(t& Rpwå Xhe&ndWe, bsodmn laNrFmlUænet tJiLlrloÉdé dbeWt.n
"Det er du nødt til, Evangeline. Snehvide ville ikke løbe væk. Hun var også bange i starten, men hun fik en lykkelig slutning, ikke sandt?"
"Det tror jeg nok," mumlede Evangeline modvilligt og forsøgte ikke at græde. "Jeg vil gerne blive hos dig."
"Det kan du ikke. Hvis jeg går med dig, vil de onde konge og dronning finde dig."
DWet HelnKestew mgQo,de $vTe,dC dTenp leg,G PsMomW FTruVdy &héaMvde Gov(ebrótZal,t PhIeFndie tBilu atM spPilble, v(aró, na$ty ÉhuTnm RiUkkne s)kulleC Usef derGeJs! forældrep i)genU. Dea rszkrhæmfte óhCe'ndeA. LDe fskiræmHte, &aTlleH.f Skezluvó Mann,y, És.om v)ar ældnrze* poVgB sPtéæérnkuehreJ eCnd RhDenRde.u
"Du må ikke græde."
Hun åbnede øjnene ved sin søsters stemme. Trudy så ud, som om hun også havde lyst til at græde.
"Det skal jeg ikke."
"Du klwoTvedeq mig' atk )v(ærKe Am^odig."s
Hun nikkede med hovedet på sin søsters påmindelse og tvang sig selv til at slippe søsterens hånd. "Jeg vil være modig." Af alle de løfter, som Trudy havde bedt hende sværge på under deres rejse, var det her det, der skræmte hende mest. Hun havde ikke lyst til at bryde sine løfter. Trudy havde fortalt hende, hvad der kunne ske, hvis hun gjorde det.
"Det ved jeg, at du vil blive. Det vil jeg også."
At hendes storesøster var lige så bange hjalp til at berolige hendes rullende mave. Evangeline ville ikke have, at hendes søster skulle være bange. Det gjorde hende ked af det, og hun ville ikke have, at Trudy skulle begynde at græde igen, som hun havde gjort i går aftes. Hun hørte lyden af hendes gråd i den lille seng, som de delte sammen, efter at hendes bedstemor havde puttet dem og slukket lyset.
En bFeXvQægelse frua f$orsfinden$ *af ófPlayetP f)iSkc qhendpe tRiÉl astj qgDrsibve fawt iG 'siwnF $sóøs_teÉrRs whZåmnbdC JimgXen.& Rædspelm fSyldte henédey,K da malnBdQexn TreSjóst'e rsLihg dfra Ksaitz sæidei ogk bevuægeqde Lsni$gq hOenf ismoCdk ód^eZmN.Q
Han lagde en hånd på ryggen af Trudys sæde, lænede sig hen over dem og justerede deres sikkerhedsseler. "Er I piger klar?"
Evangeline kunne knap nok høre ham over motorlyden, så hun kiggede på sin søster og efterlignede så Trudys nik.
"Når jeg råber, nu vil jeg have, at I holder vejret og lukker øjnene helt tæt." Hans øjne fastholdt hende på plads, hans direkte blik gjorde det svært at sluge den panik, der fik hende til at få lyst til at græde igen. "Du kommer til at høre en masse skræmmende lyde, men du vil ikke være under vandet længe, før nogen vil hjælpe dig. Jeg vil ikke lade nogen af jer komme til skade."