Chapter 39

Alex’s POV

My vehicle led the convoy of 14 Sherpa lights, its headlights piercing the darkness as we approached the Prince Nicholas Outer Gate. The crisp air was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the distant murmur of the royal guard's surveillance.

As we halted, the driver rolled down his window, a cautious movement under the watchful eyes of the guards. Beside me, Jean mirrored the action, leaning towards the guard with an urgency in his voice. "Matthew, it's me, Jean. We've recovered the stolen sherpa lights. I've brought the leader of the thieves to meet the Prince," he announced, his voice a blend of fatigue and triumph.

Matthew's laugh cut through the air, a harsh, jarring sound. He glanced at me, sandwiched between Jean and Pierre, and without warning, struck me across the face with the butt of his machine gun. "How dare you steal from us," he spat, his eyes flashing with anger.

I reeled from the impact, tasting blood in my mouth. Jean, his face a mask of panic, hasti