chapter 11The Secret Basement

Adris sat comfortably in the dimly lit basement, wine glass in hand. Bullets shimmered along the walls, and shadows danced in the corners. In the center of the room, Adris's eyes gleamed with a chilling calm—everything seemed under his control.

Ella took a deep breath and whispered in her mind, "This is the real face of Adris."

She slowly stepped forward, knowing that this was the beginning of everything.

Adris turned his head slowly, a hair-raising smile on his lips. Maybe he didn't recognize her fully, but something about her presence stirred something inside him.

Without warning, he gently pulled her close, lifting her onto his lap.

"You came to the right place," he said, a subtle tremor in his voice.

Ella's eyes reflected a strange mixture of fear and pain—but she didn't lose her composure.

Inside, she thought, "Did he recognize me? Is that why he's acting this way?"

But a doubt crept in—"Maybe... he doesn't actually know."

Gradually, she realized: that smile… those words… they were a trap.

She exhaled slowly. The real game was about to begin.

Adris gently touched her lips and whispered,

"You're truly beautiful. What's your name?"

Ella noticed his arm tightening around her waist. Her heart raced—fear and an odd thrill swirled inside her.

With a trembling voice and a shy smile, she said,

"My name… is Ninel."

Adris tilted his head, a soft fondness in his eyes.

"Ninel… such a beautiful name."

He leaned closer. Ella couldn't pull away from his grip.

Then he suddenly grasped her wrist tightly, yanking her toward him.

She almost stumbled, pain shooting through her ankle. Her face twisted slightly in pain.

Adris (with deep curiosity):

"There's something in your eyes… something familiar. But we've never met, right?"

A mysterious glint passed through his gaze—like he was searching her soul.

Ella steadied herself, lowering her face.

Ella (as Ninel, calmly):

"My name is Ninel. Maybe you're mistaken."

Adris stared at her. Then smiled—faintly, dangerously. But he didn't let go.

Adris:

"Maybe… but your scent, your gaze—I can't forget them."

Ella knew if she didn't regain control now, everything could unravel.

Adris chuckled and said,

"My girlfriend used to wear the same perfume. That's why I said it… it feels familiar."

Ella (with a cool expression):

"Oh really? So… you still haven't forgotten her?"

Adris paused. A flicker of pain crossed his eyes, then he buried it with a smile.

"You can't forget. But you can't really find her either."

Ella's heart trembled. He's talking about me. I'm that girl. And he doesn't even know.

She realized—this charade must continue.

The basement, the weapons, the secrets—nothing had come to light yet.

Then Adris moved closer, lifting a shining knife in his hand. His eyes carried a wild obsession.

Adris (softly):

"You have the same strange allure… just like she did."

Ella (as Ninel), stepped back, staying calm despite the fear.

"I think you're making a mistake. I'm not from your past. I just came here… to buy a bottle of wine."

Adris laughed, twirling the knife in the air.

"You're lying. I can feel it. And I hate liars."

Suddenly, Ella slammed her elbow into his chest, knocking the knife from his hand.

She spun around and pulled a personal alarm from her bag—pressing it hard against the wall.

A piercing sound rang through the basement.

Adris froze in shock. Ella sprinted for the door.

But before she could reach the handle, he caught her from behind, wrapping his arm tightly around her waist, the other hand silencing her mouth.

His breath was hot against her ear as he whispered—

"Did you really think you could run? That easily?"

Ella's eyes filled with panic, but she kept her mind focused. Her heart was pounding, but her thoughts remained clear. If she didn't escape now, she never would.

Adris spun her around, looking into her eyes.

"I knew it. Your eyes, that contempt… you're her."

But Ella didn't break. She said calmly—

"You don't know who I am. But if you did… you'd realize you're playing the wrong game."

Adris hesitated. Doubt. Curiosity. Fear.

Was this girl really Ella? Or just someone pretending?

Ella knew—this moment was critical.

She lowered her gaze and whispered,

"Maybe… you're mistaken. I'm just an ordinary girl. My name's Ninel… I'm not brave like you."

Her voice carried a soft fear and innocent curiosity. Adris softened slightly, though suspicion lingered.

Adris:

"You say it like you mean it… Are you really…?"

Ella smiled gently.

"I'm just… your admirer."

She pressed the small device hidden at her waist:

"Signal on. Location tracking live."

Her professor and the special team were listening to every word.

Adris didn't know.

He leaned closer.

"You'll stay here tonight. I'll show you everything."

Ella's face showed fear—but inside, she was ready.

The trap was set.

But then…

Adris tried to kiss her neck.

Ella's tears streamed down her face.

She whispered through sobs:

"Please… let me go. Don't hurt me anymore. I don't want to be your prey."

But Adris pressed his lips against her neck and whispered,

"Let go? Where would you even go? There's no escape now."

Ella's voice trembled with pain and desperation:

"I just want to go back… I want my life back…"

Her shoulders shook. Tears streamed freely.

Still, she fought to stay strong.

Then—Adris ripped the glasses from her face.

"You! I knew it was you all along!"

Ella froze. Her eyes widened.

Fear. Rage. Despair—all flashed across her face.

"What are you saying? Why are you doing this to me?"

Adris moved closer, smirking:

"You can't escape now, Ella. From now on, you're mine."

Her heart raced—but she would not give in.

Suddenly—two more figures appeared behind her.

Saiful and Raphael.

Both had cruel smiles on their faces.

Three friends standing together—like predators toying with their prey.

Adris held a thick belt in his hand, eyes burning with fury.

Saiful and Raphael's twisted grins said it all:

To them, Ella was just another target.

Ella, through her tears and trembling breath, said with fierce determination:

"I beg you—this is not how my story ends. I have a voice. I have my own fight.

And I will not let myself be destroyed by you."