Chapter - XIV

I couldn't fathom why Alec had chosen me when he could have easily gone with his team. I confronted him, questioning his motives. I know something is fishy.

"Why risk my life when you would easily find else to accompany you?" I asked, my voice laced with suspicion. "And besides I am the suspect in your eyes then why take me there again? What has changed your mind? will I not grasp more information about your royal luxuries." I reasoned.

Alec's face neared my neck as he explained that he needed someone he could trust, and that person was me. "And I want to make you feel special, Oxyvi." Despite my reservations, I couldn't ignore the allure of adventure and the thrill of unravelling a mystery. With a firm shove, I pushed him away and made my reservations clear. 

"What rubbish, you are invading my personal space, Mr. Quinsley" I glared at him. He chuckled and pushed the agreement on my lap. His advances, however, left me uneasy.

Perplexed, "Am I a scapegoat then?" Yet, the allure of adventure and untold secrets called out to me, and I found myself signing the contract without hesitation, knowing that my life would never be the same again. A sense of unease gnawed at me, and I couldn't help but wonder whether I was being used as a pawn.

"I understand your apprehension, Oxyvi," Alec eyed me. "I do not wish to put you in harm's way. But I need someone who has seen the shadows of the past and who knows, if shadow would like to see you again." He eyed me in suspicion but dismissed it with a chuckle. 

"If this conversation is over, I need to arrange a hotel…" I realized it was past midnight. Alec's words, like a siren's song, beckoned me to the edge of my comfort.

"There's no need to do that." As the night wore on, Alec's men arranged for my stay in the same building, with a stern warning not to try to escape. "And don't even think of escaping, my men will hunt you down before any shadow will." Alec hissed and then left leaving me exasperated. But before entering the room Lucas Stopped me.

"Oxyvi, are you alright? Would you like to talk about it?" Lucas asked, his concern palpable. But I scoffed, staring at him with intense animosity.

"Does it matter? Are you more concerned about that unnatural incident that happened to me or are you coming here to question my sanity, my loyalty towards S E A R C H, on how could I trespass to steal Vintage Artifacts alone?" I spat as bitterness that clouded my thoughts. He too thought of me as a suspect or burglar without a filter. A sense of betrayal simmered within me as I pondered over the events of the night. "Either way, you've already put me in trouble," I added bitterly. He sighed, looking downward. I literally wanted him to say something in his favor that they didn't betray me and Alec playing his cards to get his hidden motives done because of my situation. 

"Please, there's water on the table and some refreshments. The bathroom is just around the corner. If you feel uncomfortable or need company, Alec is staying next door, which is interconnected to this room. And I am staying two rooms ahead of yours." As Lucas left, I found myself questioning why Alec was staying next door to me. My thoughts, muddled and confused, echoed within the room.

 "Where is Lou?" I questioned myself and tried to find my phone to message or call her. After that night's event my mind needed someone to talk to, otherwise, I would have become insane without getting my answers out from Lou, I know something was indeed fishy about her but at least I need answers to confirm.

With an air of restlessness, I scoured my abode for my elusive phone, upturning drawers and cabinets with reckless abandon. My breaths grew ragged as panic set in, and I felt my mind unravelling. At last, my gaze fell upon my satchel, and I let out a heavy sigh, chiding myself for my forgetfulness. I emptied the contents of my bag upon my bed, and there I saw my lifeless companion, my phone. I plugged it into the source of power and settled into a chair beside a table adorned with a basket of enchantments. And then, my eyes beheld a sight that chilled me to the bone.

"Fuck"