Defying Fate: The Unstoppable Eileen novel Chapter 356

The next day, Eileen was bustling out of the slums with her family and a multitude of bags in tow.

Word had spread that Blood Phoenix was leaving, and the local deli owner was particularly reluctant to see her go. He came with his entire family to bid her farewell in person.

Blood Phoenix was a fair leader in the neighborhood—a modern kind who actually paid for her purchases!

The deli owner would often tell anyone who would listen that if Blood Phoenix hadn’t turned to the rough life, she could’ve been a scientist. Her moral compass seemed so well-tuned, and it was obvious she came from a well-educated background.

Joining Eileen's farewell entourage were two local big shots. Maloney, however, couldn't make it—he was laid up in the hospital, still in critical condition.

Feeling a bit awkward, Eileen waved her hand dismissively. "No need to see me off like this. I'll drop by when I have the chance."

Hale and Thein exchanged a glance. "No need to trouble yourself," Hale said with a hint of embarrassment.

"Yeah, Crestonia's quite a ways from here," Thein added.

Though they didn't say it outright, their expressions made it clear they were eager to see the back of her.

Adjusting her shoulder bag, Eileen cradled the local treats she’d been gifted. "Who knows what the future holds," she said cryptically.

Hale and Thein kept silent, secretly hoping they'd never cross paths with this feisty woman again.

Suddenly, Eileen added, "Before I go, let me leave you with a parting thought."

Hale and Thein braced themselves, nodding. "Sure, go ahead."

"Life," Eileen began, "is just a series of ups and downs and downs and downs and downs."

Thein and Hale exchanged bewildered glances.

But Eileen had already turned away, her words hanging in the air as she disappeared down the grimy alleys of the slums.

Egbert sidled up from behind, grabbing Eileen's shoulder bag as she instinctively tightened her grip.

"It's heavy," Egbert pointed out with a resigned sigh.

Eileen hesitated, then let him take the bag, watching him with a grin.

"So life is just ups and downs, huh?" Egbert quirked an eyebrow.

"Isn't it?" she retorted with a playful glance.

Egbert chuckled. "Is that why you sent those anonymous tips to the Duskhaven police about their illegal dealings?"

Eileen stood tall, bursting into a proud, off-key rendition of "This Little Light of Mine."

Egbert couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head as he tousled her hair. "You're a handful."

Hana, hobbling on crutches, suddenly appeared beside them.

"What do you want?" Eileen asked, eyeing her with some disdain.

Hana limped along in silence, glancing nervously over her shoulder.

Behind them loomed the imposing figure of the Bloodbane Shadowsociety's leader, NightKing, whose mere presence was enough to make Hana tremble.

But while Hana feared NightKing, NightKing feared Eileen.

So Hana wisely stuck close to Eileen, much to Eileen's annoyance.

Egbert took Eileen's hand, whispering, "Stay alert."

Eileen understood. Hana was a defector from Silverland, and if the Silverland agents got wind of this, they'd likely try to take her out.

They approached a busy intersection, waiting for the light to change before crossing the street. Eileen and Egbert flanked Hana protectively.

Once across, they were met by military personnel who had been covertly observing the area. A few soldiers nodded at Egbert, who handed Hana over to them.

Immediately, they snapped handcuffs on her, leading her away.

Eileen sat, but her gaze was fixed on her mentor across the room. His expression was as inscrutable as ever, a perpetual mask of cold indifference, yet something felt off to her.

If her mentor had intended to join them from the start, why hadn't he crossed the street with them earlier? Why wait until after they had already crossed at the traffic light?

Curiosity gnawing at her, Eileen stood up and moved to the window. She peered out, scanning the street below with a keen eye.

The room's location was strategic; from here, she could clearly see the various intersections leading out of the city's less savory neighborhood. Surely, similar surveillance setups were in place at the other three exits as well.

As Eileen surveyed the scene, something caught her eye, and her heart skipped a beat.

"Watch out!" Egbert's urgent shout cut through the air, and before she could react, she felt herself pulled into the safety of his embrace.

A gunshot rang out, a bullet from a distant building whizzing past Eileen's ear, leaving a rush of wind in its wake.

Egbert held her tightly, guiding her behind cover. Her breath came in quick gasps as she turned her attention to the other side of the room.

There, her mentor had drawn a pistol, aiming it with deadly intent toward the interrogation room.

Realization hit her like a freight train—he was after Hana all along! That's why he'd been biding his time these past few days.

The thought had barely formed when the door to the interrogation room swung open.

Major Warner and her brother Carlson stepped out—

Eileen watched in horror as her mentor's bullet sped toward her brother's forehead.

Panic surged through her, and she lunged forward, screaming, "No, Master, don't!!!"

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Author's Note:

Every case NightKing has been involved in has not claimed the life of a single innocent. It's always been a matter of criminals turning on each other.