CHAPTER EIGHTY-THREE: The Escape

CARTER’S POV:

Woo-woo-woo!

The villa's safety alert blares loudly, jolting me awake. I dash to the balcony only to find two boats cutting through the waves, heading straight for the island.

Panic surges through me.

I don't need to see who are inside those boats; but I know they’re coming for me!

S.hit! How did they find us here?!

The villa soon erupts into chaos, shouts and hurried footsteps echoing through the halls.

"This way!" one of the guards calls out, leading mom and Uncle Reeve toward the back of the villa where the submersible waits.

"Carter, come with us!" mom pleads. "Let’s escape together!"

"You go on without me,” I say. “I'll use the other submersible. I need to get Hazel and Sammy first."

"Hazel is stubborn, Carter!" Mom counters. "She'll only put you in danger again, and I can't lose you again!"

Frustration flares within me, but I can't waste time arguing. So I turn to my men and order them, "Take her to Uncle Reeve. Make sure she's safe."

"No! Carter, please! Come