XERCEL’S POV:I nodded my head because of this and felt lucky somehow, but we still need to be careful about it since entering the lion’s lair isn’t an easy thing to do.However, in order to find out more about that tunnel and if we can really use it or not, Taylor and I need to explore it. I leaned my upper body a little towards Taylor as I rested my hands on my lap to get near her phone, since she was raising it while it was on a loudspeaker. She looked in my direction and leaned her shoulder on the backrest of her seat.I looked at the phone as my eyebrows furrowed while I pursed my lips together and asked curiously, "It was hidden right?"He answered firmly, "Yes, my lady."I nodded my head as I thought of many possibilities, and I was in the middle of them when Taylor suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, that’s right!" I turned my attention to her again as she added, "It was so hidden to the point that it could not be seen from the view above.""Yes, Miss Jenkins, and I think even the people
JENSEN’S POV:I heard her heave a sigh as she mumbled, "I understand your situation though, since sometimes we really can't help but let our emotions take over without even noticing that we are already becoming impulsive or different from what we usually are."I nodded my head at her and was about to say something when the two people we were aiming for tonight suddenly showed up.I mumbled coldly as my expression behind the mask changed into an emotionless one, "That's the man." I even pointed the person toward her by cocking my chin in the direction of the hotel as I put my hands in my pockets. She didn't say anything and just observed the man, and after a few minutes, when I saw the woman, I told her again, "That's the principal."I saw from my peripheral vision that she nodded before asking, with confusion in her voice, "What is this mission all about again?"I immediately looked at her as I exclaimed upon the realization, "Oh, right!" I sighed helplessly as she looked at me, and I
XERCEL’S POV:When we decided to continue our plan of entering the tunnel, we immediately asked Santos for the direction of the exact location of that tunnel. In order for us to be safe, I reminded Santos twice of the things that they needed to do. They must also be ready for any possibility that might happen.In case something does not work according to the plan, we must use another alternative to get out, and that is, all my people that are lurking around the area must create a commotion so that the guards will focus on it while both Taylor and I can get out.Even though I felt somehow uncertain about this because I knew that this was going to be dangerous for both of us, I still couldn’t help but be curious about that tunnel. After all, I also knew that once we found out that this tunnel could be helpful to us in the future, this was going to be a great advantage.On the other hand, I also somehow believe in our skills since this is not the first time that we face such a dangerous
XERCEL’S POV:That’s the last thing I heard since their voices started to get weaker as they moved far away from where we were hiding. When they were gone, both of us stood up straight, but I still didn’t let go of Taylor’s hand because that was the only thing that was keeping me sane.Maybe this mission is really not for me, so when we go back, I will let the others continue this mission instead of me since I don’t want to have my panic attacks here and be a burden to whoever I will be with.I rolled my eyes at the realization that if ever it happened, instead of having a successful mission, everything would be messed up and fail even more.Taylor whispered in my ear as I felt her hot breath while saying, "Let’s go further to see things even more, but we really need to be careful this time since it seems that they have now discovered this abandoned tunnel that was different from what we predicted."I nodded my head as we continued walking while trying to be very careful of our surrou
XERCEL’S POV:I could feel my heart beating faster as I was both worried and panicked about what was happening right now. Did something happen to her? Damn it, I will not forgive myself if there is.I was about to turn in the other direction when I suddenly bumped into someone, which made me fall to the ground with a groan, but I immediately got over it and was about to prepare myself to defend myself when I suddenly heard Taylor's voice.She exclaimed happily, "Thank God that you are here already, my lady!"I breathe a sigh of relief at this, but not for too long because my vision is becoming a blur as time passes by.I swallowed a lump in my throat as I mumbled weakly, "Help me to stand up, and let’s get out of here."She nodded her head and looked at my situation worriedly as she asked, "What happened to you, my lady?"I shook my head as I tried my best to say an answer, but my voice sounded hoarse, "I don’t know as well since I really felt discomfort right now and I can’t distingu
JENSEN’S POV:I nodded my head at this before turning my attention back to the road as I drove the car towards the hospital in complete silence. However, this time I didn't care about it anymore since my mind was flooded with too many thoughts as well.My muscles were continuously tense while we were on our way to the hospital. I didn’t even know how or where I got the strength to even drive and park my car in the parking lot, but I am glad I did.Once I was done parking my car, I immediately opened the door beside me and was about to run inside the hospital when I felt someone tugging at the hem of my jacket, which somehow made me look back and see Ysabelle was raising her head while looking at me.She was still wearing her mask, but I could still see the worry in her eyes that could not be covered by the mask. I heaved a sigh to calm myself before facing her.I asked her as calmly as possible, "What is wrong, Ysabelle?"She sighed as well before removing her hand from my jacket as s
JENSEN’S POV:The nurses immediately nodded their heads as they dragged the stretcher again towards the operating room, as we still followed them behind.As soon as we arrived in front of the operating room, the doctor excused herself to prepare for the operation and told us politely, "Just stay here outside and we will take care of her as soon as possible to treat her condition."The three of us just nodded our heads because of this as he entered the room as well and closed it after. As the door closed, I couldn’t help but lean my back against the wall and slide down as I felt the exhaustion in my body. I slump on the ground blankly as I look at the door without blinking.However, I heard a lot of footsteps that were approaching, which made me turn my head in the opposite direction of the operating room, and there I saw Jaycel who was running towards us.When she arrived in front of us, she was breathing hard as she immediately asked, with a lace of worry in her voice, "How is she?"
JAYCEL’S POV:After all, they are sleeping, and it is not that safe if I leave them too long, especially the children. Although there are some guards, my heart and mind will not be at ease once I am not the one who will watch out for them personally.I sighed helplessly and told the two girls, "I think it is better if one of you buys coffee and food to eat later."The two of them looked at me, and Taylor was about to say something when the door of the operating room suddenly opened, which made the four of us become alert.I saw the two nurses come out while pushing a stretcher with a sleeping Xercel on it. She was still unconscious and pale while wearing a blue hospital gown.They passed us since they would bring her to a room that she could use to recuperate, but I still saw her situation, which somehow made my heart break.Without saying anything, Jensen followed behind the stretcher while the two girls faced me first.Ysabelle mumbled weakly, "I will guard her together with Jensen
ICE’S POV:"Mommy!" I heard History's excited voice echoing through the house, and I couldn't help but smile. I knew he, along with his dad, Iciest, and his brother, Chronicles, were eagerly waiting for me and our little angel, Legend. With a fond shake of my head, I anticipated History's imminent arrival in the room that Iciest and I shared.I glanced at my 2-year-old daughter, her vibrant violet and green eyes meeting mine. She had inherited those striking eyes from me. Gently, I dressed her in a beautiful blue dress, carefully placing a delicate white flower tiara on her head before braiding her hair. It was a marvel to think about the journey that had led to this point—after everything that had transpired, the unexpected gift of another baby had caught Iciest and me by surprise. Recollecting a past conversation with my two older children about their desire for a third sibling once their parents reunited (which, unbeknownst to me at the time, referred to me and Iciest), I had decid
ICE’S POV:As my arms encircled him, I could feel his body tremble beneath my touch. It was clear that his façade was cracking and that the tough exterior he tried to project was giving way to the pain he held within. I gently turned him to face me, his tear-streaked face a testament to the battle raging inside him."It's going to be alright, brother," I murmured, my voice a steady anchor amidst the storm of his emotions. I held his gaze, willing him to believe my words. "Your sister will not leave you again." His eyes, usually so guarded, seemed to soften with a glimmer of hope as our connection deepened.Yet, as we stood there locked in our embrace, something shifted in Grayson. His defenses crumbled, and the floodgates he had erected against his feelings began to open. The sound of his sobs, raw and heartbreaking, reached my ears, and I felt a pang in my chest. This was his pain, his vulnerability laid bare, and I was honored that he chose to share it with me.Tears welled up in my
ICE’S POV:Guns were drawn, tension hung thick in the air, and it seemed like a standoff was about to erupt, but amidst the pointed weapons, only Zia and I stood without weapons, locked in a chilling gaze. With a wry smile, Zia's voice slithered forth, her words carrying a mocking tone: "Well, isn't this a cozy gathering? Traitors' offspring all grown up. What a delight."My response wasn't as amusing as hers. I fixed her with a cold stare, my voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Why drag me, my brother, and those who matter to me into this? What's the point of involving us in the tangled mess our parents made that wasn’t our problems in the first place?"Zia's laughter rippled, a bitter melody in the midst of the charged atmosphere. She fired back, her tone dripping with sarcasm, "Oh, come on. Did you really expect me to roll out the red carpet for you just because your parents are the culprits and it doesn’t include you?"I didn't grace her question with an immediate ans
THIRD PERSON’S POV:On the other side, "Calvin, Travor, and Kiana reached the main entrance, spotting guards converging on the control room."Calvin whispered, "We're not too late. Let's go."They engaged the guards in a swift and calculated skirmish, taking them down one by one with a combination of martial prowess and precision.Travor took down a guard as he whispered, "Marcus and Jerry must be in trouble. We have to hurry."Kiana knocked out a guard as she mumbled, "Agreed. Let's clear the way."On the other side, Alfer, John, and Daryl pressed forward, their movements fluid as they navigated the dimly lit corridor.Alfer checked the corners as he mumbled, "Keep pushing. We're almost there."Suddenly, a group of guards rounded the corner, spotting the infiltrators.John smirked as he mumbled, "Looks like we've got a welcoming committee."Daryl cracked his knuckles as he muttered, "Let's give them a taste of our skills."A fierce battle ensued as the infiltrators clashed with the g
THIRD PERSON’S POV:The group wasted no time, moving with calculated precision. Zee sat hunched over a bank of monitors, fingers dancing across the keyboard as lines of code scrolled across screens along with Taylor.Arthur leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on the surveillance feed showing the imposing structure of Zia's base across the street. Luke tinkered with a small device on the table, his earbuds plugged in as he kept an ear on the team's communication while Jaycel was just on the side watching them.Zee muttered to herself, "Alright, I've patched into their security network. I can see the guards patrolling the perimeter."Arthur replied, "Keep an eye on the guards' patterns. We don't want any surprises."Luke nodded his head with a sighed as he mumbled, "I've got the signal jammers set up. Their comms won't be working."Meanwhile, outside the hotel, Zian smiled as he happily said it into his earpiece as he lured the guards. "Hey, have you guys heard about that new virtua
ICE’S POV:Inside, an ensemble of guards stationed throughout offered their respectful greetings. It was a familiar routine, and their commitment to our children's protection never wavered.Venturing deeper, we were met with a heartwarming sight. On the couch, our two children were engrossed in their tablets, undoubtedly lost in the world of their game company—an endeavor they had taken upon themselves.My throat gave a subtle cough as we entered their line of sight. In response, their heads snapped up in a mixture of surprise and sheer delight.The room was alive with a sort of controlled chaos. I watched as History hopped off the sofa with a reckless enthusiasm that sent a pang of worry through me. His father's voice, laced with pure concern, rumbled like a soothing undertone, "Be careful, baby!"Chronicles, his older brother, didn't hold back either. His words came out in a stern, almost icy tone, but beneath that frostiness, concern flickered like a hidden flame: "Slow down, Histo
CALVIN’S POV:Meanwhile, Grayson sat alongside Zee, the enigmatic figure responsible for the intricate hacking that fortified Ice's group. Learning that Zee led the faction known as Antares stunned everyone, even Arthur and Luke, cyber experts themselves, who had worked under her leadership for so long. I made a mental note to uncover the backstory behind Grayson and Zee's connection when the timing was right.Other than Ysabelle, Taylor, and Arthur, who were already acquainted, the rest of the newcomers had just arrived this morning. The dynamics in the room were captivating—a mix of camaraderie and curiosity, like a puzzle waiting to be solved.Amidst the hum of conversations, what puzzled me was the trio from Jaycel's team; their gaze was locked onto Travor. He remained unfazed by their judgmental stares, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. He seemed impervious to their scrutiny as he goaded the mother of his child, her simmering anger evident yet contained.Within this intrica
ICIEST’S POV:Her response carried a scoff, her voice tinged with humor despite the situation: "I'm keeping it in check. You know me, I've got this. We're nearly at your location, so sit tight."A frown creased my brow, her words stirring a different kind of unease. Swiftly, I retorted, "Don't play it down too much. I'll be waiting right here, wife. Just get back safely."The tension in the air was thick as I clenched my fist, waiting for her response. The seconds felt like an eternity until her voice finally broke through the silence."I will," she replied, her words hanging in the air like a promise. The call ended, leaving me with a mixture of relief and uncertainty.As the call ended, I turned my gaze to Grayson, who seemed to release a breath he had been holding. There was a tension in the air that still lingered, but some of it seemed to ease with his reaction.Calmly, I advised, "Let's give them a few minutes. They should be arriving soon."My prediction wasn't off, as mere mom
GRAYSON’S POV:I nodded, my exhale carrying the weight of my anxiety. Just when it seemed like the call would go unanswered once more, I glanced at my sister, her expression unwaveringly frosty.My hope was fading, and desperation clawed at me, but then, miraculously, someone picked up the call. It took every ounce of restraint not to burst into a jubilant shout—a reaction completely out of character for me.I had never been one to wear my emotions on my sleeve, nor did I usually indulge in sentimentality. My demeanor was typically as chilly as a winter breeze, and my interactions with others were marked by detached professionalism.But in the face of recent events, my perspective has shifted. I had come to realize that I was no longer an island, no longer alone. Their well-being had become paramount to me, and I would do anything to keep them safe from harm.As soon as Calvin answered the call, I hit the loudspeaker button, ensuring Ice and Iciest could listen in on our conversation.