Chapter 60

I walked closer, my heart pounding in my chest, when I saw it—a decaying mansion set against the backdrop of an endless twilight sky, surrounded by acres of unkempt land. The sight was jarring, an eerie mix of beauty and decay, punctuated by a cluster of small tents sprawled across the property. My instincts screamed at me; something was wrong. What kind of gathering was this? A cult? A secret organization?

I took a step back and hid behind a gnarled tree, my breaths shallow and cautious. It was then that I noticed her—a woman with an imposing presence, stepping out of the mansion with Akira at her side. The woman's face twisted in anger, and before I could process it, her hand struck Akira across the face. The sickening sound echoed in my ears, and my blood boiled. I wanted to charge in, to rip that woman away from Akira, but my instincts kicked in. I needed information. I needed a plan.

The older woman disappeared back into the mansion, and I took a chance. With a surge of power, I flew quietly above the grounds, scanning the area. The tents were empty, and dread washed over me as I saw Akira standing alone, her spirit seemingly dimmed. I felt a rush of fury when I saw the woman return, a leash in her hand. My heart sank as I watched her clip it onto Akira's collar and pass her over to two shadowy figures dressed in black. They shoved her into a black truck, and I gritted my teeth, realizing I had to follow.

Hours later, I tracked the truck to a desolate out-of-city base, miles away from civilization. The landscape was barren, devoid of life, save for the bricked building looming in front of me. As they unloaded Akira, who appeared unconscious, my heart shattered at the sight. Her clothes were torn, her hair a tangled mess, and bruises marred her skin. Rage ignited within me; I couldn't let this go unchallenged.

I hovered near the ceiling, a predator in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity. I watched as they carelessly tossed her into a cage, the sound of metal clanging echoing through the emptiness. My body tightened, and I fought against the overwhelming urge to storm in. There was a guard stationed outside her cell—a hulking brute with a bored expression.

I waited, nerves frayed, until the guard finally left for lunch. "Akira…" I whispered, my voice barely a breeze.

She gasped, her eyes widening as they met mine. "Anos! You… you shouldn't be here!" Her voice trembled, filled with fear. "They will catch you… please, leave!"

"No," I said firmly, determination coursing through me. "I'm not leaving without you." I glanced at the digital lock on the cage, panic flooding my thoughts. I had dealt with tough locks before, but this… this was different.

I fumbled with it, pressing buttons, but the lock wouldn't budge. I groaned in frustration, slamming my fist against it, only to hear footsteps approaching. I glanced at Akira, my finger pressed to my lips, urging her to stay quiet.

The guard returned, and my heart raced. I flew a little higher, careful to avoid his gaze, as he stood at the door, shifting his weight. With a sudden burst of adrenaline, I knocked him out with a quick strike, grabbing his keys before I could second-guess myself.

But just as I was about to unlock Akira's cell, a loud crash pierced through the air. My heart dropped; it sounded like it came from Akira. Panic clawed at my throat as I turned to face her, only to see her face contorted in fear.

Then everything faded. My vision blurred, and I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me. My knees buckled beneath me, and before I knew it, the world spiraled into darkness.