Once several footsteps split up, the sound of doorknobs being jiggled, the doors being opened and closed reached my ears. Stopping myself from freaking out, I tried Ace’s phone again. But it was still unreachable!

Damn it! Why isn’t he switching on his phone?

“There’s no one on this side.” I heard one of them saying.

They must be the guards. Because neither Arthur nor Ivanov’s voice could be heard.

“Try this side. He or she must be still lurking around. They couldn’t have escaped in just a matter of seconds,” the cold voice stated. “Search every room. If the door is locked from inside, break it.”

My heart dropped.

My knees wobbled as I heard them opening and closing the doors. The ones are locked from outside, maybe they were left alone. Because I didn’t hear them breaking down any.

But they will soon.

With shaky hands, I typed a message to Ace, even though he wouldn’t see it anytime soon.

Ace, don’t leave the hotel! Please, I beg you! Your life is in danger. It’s Arthur. Please check my voice messages! And I’m here, in Diamond Valley. I need your help! Please call me as soon as you switch on your phone!

With tears rolling down my eyes, my throat clogging up, I tried my best not to let out a sob out of fear and anxiety.

I slapped my hand over my mouth to stop myself from screaming as I heard footsteps outside my door.

“Did you check this one?” the same cold voice asked.

“No. These three rooms are left,” answered another voice.

Then there was nothing. The other men continued to search around. No one tried to open my door, but I knew he was there.

My heart pounded in my chest so hard that I feared they would hear it. His footsteps came closer, right outside the door.

My eyes closed, letting the tears roll down my cheeks. Biting on my hand, I covered my cries. Praying continuously to God in my mind not to let them find me, I hugged my body, falling on the floor, curling into a ball.

I needed to go out. I needed to go to my Ace. I needed to save him.

More tears fell as helplessness filled my chest.

I didn’t know if I’d be alive to be able to tell him anything.

The doorknob jiggled, making me jolt.

With eyes wide in fear, tears blurring my vision, I watched the door in horror.

No, no, no! God, please!

Then came another.

Just as I closed my eyes, shrinking away from the door, Arthur’s voice cut in.

“Easy there, boys. There’s no one. Don’t worry, maybe some curious cat passed by.” His voice was nonchalant. “Let’s go now. We’re getting late. You guys need to reach the spot before Achilles does. Come on!”