They have found you

Gyan stared blankly at the manager. The man's question echoed in his mind, "May I please have your name?" It wasn't the question itself that bothered him—he'd heard it countless times in countless places—but it was the way the man looked at him. As if he knew something. As if he were suspicious of more than just Gyan's sudden appearance and wealth.

"No," Gyan replied curtly. "You may not."

The manager blinked in confusion, a bead of sweat forming on his temple. "Sir, I only asked because the security team needs to—"

"Is there a problem?" Gyan interrupted coldly.

The man swallowed. "No. No problem at all, sir."

"Then we're done here." Gyan turned on his heel and exited the store, ignoring the murmurs and gazes following him.

Back in the street, the city had shifted slightly. The sun had dipped lower into the western horizon, casting golden light across the high-rise buildings. People still bustled about, but Gyan's sharp senses picked up something else: a shadow, a faint tension in the air. He was being watched again.

He began walking. Not quickly, not suspiciously. Just enough to blend in. He took a left, then another, through a narrow market alley filled with the scent of roasted maize, mangoes, and engine oil. Every step he took was calculated, every turn deliberate. And then he did something unexpected—he stopped.

He spun around abruptly and walked straight toward the person who had been trailing him.

But there was no one.

A motorbike roared past, almost brushing his shoulder. A hawker shouted something indistinct. Still, the feeling remained. Someone was out there, watching. Someone dangerous.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

A message from an unknown number:

"You shouldn't have bought that necklace."

He stared at the text for a long moment. No name. No ID. Just the ominous message. He typed a quick reply:

"Who is this?"

No response.

Gyan pocketed the phone and resumed walking. He needed to get back. Jordan and Lucas were probably goofing around somewhere, completely oblivious. He passed a group of street performers juggling fire and swords, their rhythmic chants echoing against the buildings. A child ran past him laughing. For a moment, Gyan envied the simplicity of that laugh.

But there was no room for simplicity in his life.

---

Meanwhile, back at the suite, Jordan had sprawled across the couch with a bowl of popcorn, watching a bizarre sci-fi show on mute while texting multiple people at once. Lucas stood near the minibar, trying to mix two random bottles together with questionable skill.

"You know, we could be doing something productive," Jordan said casually, not taking his eyes off the screen.

"Like what?" Lucas replied, tasting the drink and wincing. "Chasing shadows like Gyan?"

"He's been gone a while," Jordan said, more seriously now.

Lucas looked at his watch. "Yeah… you're right. Want to go look for him?"

Jordan considered it, then shrugged. "Nah. He's probably fine. It's Gyan. If anyone can handle getting followed by creepy strangers and still make it back in time for dinner, it's him."

Lucas laughed but still checked his phone. Just in case.

---

Back in the city, Gyan decided to call someone he hadn't contacted in years. It was a long shot, but he needed answers. He ducked into a quiet coffee shop near the city square and ordered a black coffee, sitting near the window with his phone clutched tightly in his hand.

The number was still saved: Mr. Helix.

He tapped it and brought the phone to his ear.

Three rings. Then four.

"Gyan," came the raspy voice. "I was wondering when you'd resurface."

"I don't have time for small talk. Someone's watching me."

There was silence on the other end. Then: "They found you."

Gyan's pulse quickened. "Who?"

"You know who. And if they know about the necklace, then they know more than they should."

"What does the necklace have to do with them?"

"It's a key, Gyan. A very expensive, very ancient key. And you just made yourself the target of a twenty-year hunt."

Gyan's hand clenched the phone tighter. "What do I do?"

"Leave the city. Tonight. Go somewhere public. Don't be alone. And for the love of whatever gods you believe in, don't lose that necklace."

The call ended before Gyan could ask more.

He stared into his untouched coffee, heart pounding. He was thinking about his next moves. It was never his style to run but he knew thatbthis time he had to do it. He had to consider others this time.

By the time he returned to the suite, the sun had fully set and the city was awash with neon. Gyan entered through the service elevator, taking every precaution. When he walked in, Jordan and Lucas jumped up from the couch.

"Dude! Where have you been?" Jordan demanded.

"You look like hell," Lucas added, pointing at Gyan's ruffled clothes and pale expression.

"I need both of you to pack. We're leaving," Gyan said flatly.

Jordan and Lucas exchanged glances.

"Wait. What?" Lucas asked.

"No time. I'll explain on the way." He grabbed his travel bag, opened the hidden compartment, and stuffed the necklace inside a black velvet pouch before securing it with a fingerprint lock.

"You're being serious," Jordan said, all humor gone.

"As serious as death," Gyan replied. "They found us."

Jordan nodded grimly. "Okay. Where to?"

"Somewhere no one would think to look."

---

Three hours later, they were on a night train heading out of Orange City, seated in a private compartment. Victoria had also joined them—Gyan insisted. She didn't ask too many questions, but her eyes were sharp, watching everything, absorbing more than she let on.

The train rocked gently, and the rhythmic chug of the engine created a tense silence between them.

"So," Lucas said, breaking the silence. "Anyone want to explain what's going on?"

Gyan took a breath. "The necklace. It's not just jewelry. It's ancient. Valuable beyond what money can buy. It was last seen in the vaults of the lost Sahari Empire. No one knows how it ended up here."

"And you bought it like it was candy," Jordan said, shaking his head.

"I didn't know what it was when I walked in," Gyan replied. "I just had a feeling. Like I was supposed to."

Victoria leaned forward. "And now?"

"Now I think I've set something into motion."

There was a long pause.

"What happens if we just throw it away?" Lucas asked.

"They'll still come," Gyan said. "Because they won't believe it's gone. And if they get their hands on it, they'll unlock something no one is ready for."

Victoria frowned. "Like what?"

"Something buried for a reason."

As the train sped through the night, a storm began to form in the distance. Lightning cracked across the sky, illuminating dark silhouettes in the fields beyond. Somewhere, someone else was on the move.

A man in a dark coat sat in a luxury car, a phone to his ear.

"Yes," he said. "They've boarded the train. Sector 9. Compartment 3."

A pause.

"No, no need to engage yet. Let them come. We'll take it at the border."

He ended the call and smiled.

Let them run.

He was patient.

He always caught his prey.