Gabriel didn’t turn. He stared out at the city like it owed him answers.

For the next hour, Mia moved invisibly—refilling glasses, clearing plates, blending into the background. But she listened. Not out of curiosity—out of instinct. Life had taught her how to read danger long before it arrived.

At 9:02, everything changed.

She stepped forward with the dessert menu as Gabriel leaned back slightly.

In the reflection behind him—

she saw it.

A faint, steady red dot.

Centered over his heart.

Time stretched.

Her mind calculated angles, distance, reflection.

Sniper.

Gabriel lifted his glass, unaware—or maybe simply unafraid.

Mia didn’t think.

She acted.

“GET DOWN!”

She slammed into him with everything she had.

The glass exploded.

The gunshot thundered.

The bullet tore through the table where he had been seconds before, sending wood, glass, and wine flying. Screams erupted. Elias drew his weapon instantly. Nicolás flipped the table for cover.

Mia lay across Gabriel, her breath uneven, her heart racing.

For the first time, his calm was gone—replaced by something sharper. Deadlier.

He touched her temple. Blood.

“You’re hurt.”

“I… I saw a red dot…”

Chaos surrounded them—but Gabriel didn’t let go of her wrist.

“She’s coming with us.”

And just like that, Mia’s old life disappeared.