Chapter 92

Kai and Carlos had just finished searching their fiftieth house, exhaustion creeping into their bodies. They paused in an open, barren lot to catch their breath, the silence of the night heavy around them.

Then Kai's phone buzzed, shattering the quiet.

Immediately he glanced at the screen and saw Leilani's name. Relief briefly washed over him, but as he answered, the voice on the other end was cold and unfamiliar. It was the Advisor.

"I have Leilani and Sam," the Advisor said, his tone dripping with menace.

"If you care about them, come alone. You have ten minutes. If you're late, the boy dies."

The call ended before Kai could respond. His grip tightened around his phone, his jaw clenching.

Immediately anger surged through him, but he kept his face unreadable. He had made a vow to protect them, and now they were in danger because of him. His mind raced, calculating the fastest route and strategizing his approach.