Rendezvous: Veils of Illusion, #3

By Iwan Ross

Embark on a heart-pounding journey with Alice in the thrilling conclusion of the mesmerizing 'Veils of Illusion' trilogy. Feel the adrenaline surge as she navigates the dimly lit corridors of the billionaire Samuel Granger's mansion, driven by an insatiable thirst for the truth. Immerse yourself in a world of intrigue, as suspense hangs heavy in the air, and the drama unfolds, leaving you on the edge of your seat, breathless.

 

The story takes a riveting turn when Alice hears the shocking news of a hostage crisis at the opulent Granger estate, blaring through the radio waves. Her heart pounding, she races back to the mansion, her footsteps echoing in the silence of the night. With cunning precision, she finds a clandestine entrance, determined to lend a helping hand to those in desperate need.

 

As she delves deeper into the labyrinthine complexities of the mansion, each step revealing startling secrets, a chilling revelation sends her world spiraling into chaos. The enigmatic agency she is a part of joins forces with Samuel Granger, their shared determination fueling their race against time. The fate of their mission rests upon the shoulders of Samuel's trusted assistant, holding the key to unraveling the mysteries that have shattered their lives.

Yet, amidst the darkness, shadows from Alice's past resurface, their haunting presence casting treacherous obstacles in her path. Every move she makes is laced with a sense of foreboding, like a taut wire ready to snap at any moment.

 

Join Alice in her relentless pursuit to uncover the truth, to peel back the layers of deception that surround her and her loved ones. Discover the identity of the mastermind behind the attempted assassination of Samuel Granger. Will Alice's determination triumph over the malevolent forces that seek her downfall? Only the hands of time hold the answers, or do they?

 

Prepare yourself for an enthralling rendezvous with 'Rendezvous', a tale brimming with secrets, intrigue, and heart-stopping moments. Grip the edges of your seat as you embark on an action-packed romance thriller that will keep you on the edge of your senses. In the hushed stillness of the pages, witness a clandestine dance of stolen glances and whispered promises, weaving a spellbinding tapestry of suspense in the very air you breathe.
In this mystery romance, Alice's world collides with Samuel's, a billionaire with secrets as vast as his wealth. Their budding romance is tested as they navigate through the treacherous waters of deceit, danger, and desire. Will their love survive the storm? Or will it be swallowed by the abyss of uncertainty? Step into their world and find out.

'Rendezvous' is a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and unrelenting suspense, crafting an intricate, heart-wrenching narrative that will keep you guessing till the end. The stakes are high, the danger is imminent, and the clock is ticking. Are you ready for the thrilling finale?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Iwan Ross
• Release date: Dec 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223074717

Iwan Ross

In the hushed silence of the world of letters, a name resonates with the echo of a thousand whispered secrets—Iwan Ross. A master weaver of tales that blend the intoxicating allure of romance with the thrilling dance of espionage, Iwan Ross is an enigma wrapped in the cloak of words.  Hailing from the heartland of South Africa, the complex web of human emotions captivated Iwan Ross, even in his early years. This fascination led them on a journey through the labyrinth of life, their path illuminated by the flickering flame of storytelling.  Thunderous applause greeted Iwan Ross's debut novel 'Shadows of Deceit', a potent mix of love and danger, catapulting him into the limelight. But beneath the glittering facade of fame, he remained grounded, his gaze forever fixed on the distant horizon of imagination.  His stories are a melange of passion and peril, their characters as complex as the swirling patterns of a kaleidoscope. He deftly blurs the lines between friend and foe, love and hate, reality and illusion, his narratives pulsating with suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.  Each word he pens is a thread in the intricate web of his narrative, each twist a testament to his skill. His prose is as vivid as a painter's palette, his insights as thought-provoking as a philosopher's musings.  Iwan Ross is not just an author, but a conjurer of worlds, a puppeteer of emotions, a maestro of suspense. With every turn of the page, he lures you deeper into his world, his words spinning an irresistible symphony that resonates long after the final full stop.  So, dear reader, prepare to embark on an enthralling journey, where love collides with danger, secrets lurk in shadows, and nothing is as it seems. For when you open a book by Iwan Ross, you don't just read a story—you live it.

Book preview

RENDEZVOUS

IWAN ROSS

This work is a piece of fiction by Iwan Ross. Any similarity to actual people, places, or events is coincidental.

© 2023 Iwan Ross

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, except for brief quotations in a book review.

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, hired out, or circulated without the publisher's prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.

To my wife, Marna, the heartbeat of my life. Your love is the melody that inspires every word I write, the suspense that keeps me on the edge of my seat, and the twist in every tale. You are the romance in my drama, the vivid color in my world. This story is but a mirror reflecting the beauty and mystery of our love. With all my heart, this book is for you.

CHAPTER ONE

ALICE TUGS AT her damp dress, feeling the once elegant black fabric cling uncomfortably to her skin. She can still feel the lingering sensation of the playful wave that had splashed over her, courtesy of Samuel’s dive into the pool. As she carefully secures the clasp of her golden wristwatch, a sense of unease washes over her. The normally steady hands of the watch have abruptly halted, frozen in a moment that no longer exists. The weight of regret presses down on her chest as she realizes they did not design the cherished heirloom to endure the harshness of water.

With her snug dress damp against her body, she takes small, deliberate steps, retracing her route, hoping to find Mattia. She effortlessly maneuvers through the maze of passages on the lower level and soon emerges into the grand hallway. Glancing around, a shiver of unease crawls up her spine; the missing butler and the unsettling silence transform the once vibrant ambiance into an eerie stillness. With her shoes in her hand, she tiptoes across the grand hallway, the sound of her footsteps echoing through the empty space. Her face lights up with a radiant smile as she spots Mattia standing beside the sleek limo, patiently waiting.

Hello Mattia! Alice’s voice rings out with excitement as she gallops down the Spanish staircase.

Signora Alice, our family sous chef, Mattia says with a snort, as he opens the door and lets in the soft light that floods the cabin.

Alice hesitates before saying, Can I sit in the front with you Mattia, it gets too lonesome and detached back here. She notices her disheveled hair in the tinted window and hastily fixes it.

With wide-eyed awe, Alice marvels at the array of colorful lights on the dashboard, while Mattia skillfully guides the sleek limo through the winding driveway.

What’s the matter Signora Alice? Mattia asks, noticing the excitement on his passenger’s face.

Alice hesitates before answering, her fingers hovering over the array of functions. Wow, this is my first time in the front seat of a limo! she says, her voice filled with awe.

Don’t touch, Mattia warns, a chuckle escaping his lips as he gently swats her hand away.

Ouch! Alice taunts playfully, her mischievous grin widening.

Mattia chuckles softly, their laughter echoing through the security gates and down the steep roads of Carnegie Hill. A pickup truck zooms past at high speed, with its occupants perched precariously on the back, their whimsical Halloween costumes fluttering in the wind. Alice’s eyes widen in surprise as she catches sight of them, and a rush of adrenaline courses through her. A mix of awe and concern washes over her, creating a sense of both exhilaration and unease. Her eyes track the red rear lights of the vehicle, mesmerized by their dance along the steep, winding road. She sits up abruptly as the flashing blue lights of an emergency vehicle catch her eye, her gaze fixated on the sight. A line of police vehicles winds up the hill, their flashing blue lights casting an eerie glow on everything in their path, their sirens blaring with a sense of urgency. With practiced precision, Mattia eases the limo off the shoulder, the gravel crunching under the tires. His quick maneuver grants the approaching vehicles smoother passage along the moonlit road. Alice watches closely as the cruisers pass, her eyes fixated on the bold NYPD insignia on the sides. More unmarked cruisers and a sleek black sedan closely follow behind the cruisers, their engines rumbling in sync. A line of news vans trails closely behind the cruisers, their satellite antennae stretching towards the sky.

Alice furrows her brow in deep thought as she anxiously twists the knobs on the radio, hoping to catch a glimpse of news on a radio station. The radio crackles with static, filling the cabin with an eerie silence. Alice’s eyes dart back and forth, searching for any sign of a signal. Mattia’s eyes remain fixed on the road, his hands gripping the wheel tightly as he navigates the limo down the winding path with a sense of urgency.

Out of nowhere, a woman’s urgent voice pierces through the silence, catching Alice’s attention. She immediately tunes in to the radio, eager to hear the breaking news. Mayhem at the Samuel Granger’s estate. A hostage situation has just unfolded moments ago, and our reporters are on their way to the scene. Stay tuned for further updates. The screeching tires shatter the tranquility of the surroundings, leaving Alice in a state of shock as she narrowly avoids hitting the windshield.

Mattia groans as he skillfully maneuvers the vehicle to make a U-turn on the narrow road. He hits the gas, and the limo lurches forward, the engine roaring as it speeds up up the hill. They soon catch up with the back of the news can convoy and Mattia swerves wildly, narrowly avoiding a collision with a car on the side. With desperate honks and flashing headlights, he hopes to catch their attention and clear a path for the important-looking limo. Despite his attempts to overtake, he fails, and they trail behind the slow-moving convoy up the hill. While they creep forward, Alice adjusts the dial and tunes into different radio stations, becoming engrossed in the unfolding drama. They all broadcast the same news, their words resounding with a sense of urgency and importance.

The sight of the tranquil setting outside Samuel’s mansion crumbling into a chaotic fiasco leaves Alice in disbelief, her eyes wide open. Cruisers and news vans scatter everywhere, parking into every nook and cranny. The flashing lights of police cars illuminate the once peaceful neighborhood, casting an eerie glow. The blaring sirens pierce through the air, drowning out any semblance of serenity. Reporters scramble, their voices blending into a cacophony of urgency. Worry for Samuel’s wellbeing consumes Alice, causing her palms to grow clammy and her heart to race. Out of nowhere, a uniformed officer jumps out from behind the guardhouse, his gloved hand raised to signal a halt. In a split second, Mattia slams on the brakes to avoid a collision with the officer, the smell of burning rubber lingering in the air. The officer makes his way to the driver’s side, where Mattia obliges by rolling down the window, allowing the chaotic symphony of reporter’s shouts and two-way radio chatter to invade the car.

Evening, the officer says, his voice laced with a hint of superiority, as he leans against the open window. The scent of tobacco drifts from his breath, overwhelming Mattia’s senses.

Nervously, Mattia leans back and greets him, Hello officer, I am the chauffeur for Signor Granger, my boss.

Acknowledging Mattia’s introduction, the officer nods and shifts his gaze towards Alice. His eyes linger on her legs, peeking out from beneath the slit in her dress. Feeling self-conscious, Alice quickly adjusts her dress and greets the officer, Hello, I am Doctor Laurier, Mr. Granger’s therapist. I was at his party earlier.

Surprised, the officer raises his eyebrows and narrows his eyes. He demands sharply, Park over there, pointing towards an open spot near the closed metal gates. Mattia follows his orders and smoothly maneuvers the sleek limo into the tight parking spot. A swarm of reporters descend upon the limo, their cameras clicking and flashing. Two vigilant officers swiftly erected a barricade, their voices commanding the reporters to stay behind the line. Alice steps out and cautiously approaches a mobile vehicle, reminiscent of a police command center, in her quest for more information about the hostage drama unfolding inside the mansion.

The closed door muffles the conversation of a man, presumably speaking on a phone. Her fingers tremble as they hover above the door, but then she musters the courage to knock. The door flies open, and Alice instinctively takes a step back, overwhelmed by the imposing figure of the man standing before her. Who are you? he asks in a voice that rumbles with bass. His trained eyes move slowly across her body, capturing every detail from her head to her graceful figure.

Hello, I’m Doctor Alice Laurier, Alice stammers, her voice trembling with nervousness. Timidly, she extends her arm, pointing at the grandeur of the mansion that sprawls before them. I attended the party earlier tonight.

A radiant smile spreads across the man’s face, his eyes shimmering with happiness. You are a godsend! he bellows, his voice booming with gratitude. He absentmindedly runs his fingers through his short, tightly coiled hair, creating a soft rustling sound, before motioning for Alice to step inside. With a grin, she eagerly accepts the invitation and steps into the high-tech mobile command center.

Inside the command center, a flurry of activity greets Alice. The air hums with the sound of computers whirring and voices chattering over headsets. Screens displaying maps, data, and live video feeds line the walls. The scent of coffee lingers in the air, intermingled with the crisp smell of electronics. Excitement and determination fill the atmosphere, as the team works together with focused intensity. Alice feels a surge of adrenaline and a sense of purpose as she takes in the high-tech surroundings.

Lieutenant Andre Washington, a seasoned special agent with the FBI, steps forward, exuding an air of confidence and authority. Today, he finds himself in the role of a hostage negotiator within the Crisis Negotiation Unit. His tall stature and commanding presence demand attention as he introduces himself to Alice.

Beside him stands Elena Jobs, his dedicated assistant. Her eyes sparkle with admiration, mirroring the unwavering trust she places in Lieutenant Washington’s abilities. Elena hangs on his every word, her unwavering focus clear in the way her body leans slightly towards him.

Lieutenant Washington and Elena bombard Alice with a barrage of questions, intensifying the atmosphere in the command center. Their voices carry a blend of urgency and determination, the weight of each word punctuated by the furrowed brows and intent gazes that accompany them.

Alice, surprised by the relentless onslaught of inquiries, finds herself compelled to answer. The excitement in her eyes matches the fervor of her voice as she eagerly shares every detail about the mansion, the guests, and even the staff. She seems unburdened by the weight of the situation, driven by a desire to assist the duo in their investigation.

However, the conversation progresses, and the air in the room becomes charged with anticipation. A flicker of hesitation crosses Alice’s face when Lieutenant Washington’s questions veer towards more personal matters. Her voice momentarily falters, and a hint of unease creeps into her demeanor.

Little does the Lieutenant and Elena know, Alice harbors a hidden secret. Her encounter with Samuel Granger, a man of power and influence, is passionate and clandestine. The memory of their intimate moments stirs a mix of emotions within her, causing her heartbeat to quicken and her palms to grow clammy. The weight of this hidden truth becomes a physical burden that she carries with each passing moment.

Alice’s reluctance to mention the presence of the three GGG gals adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Fear mingles with guilt as she fights to keep this unexpected twist concealed. The unspoken knowledge of their presence weighs heavily on her conscience, causing a knot to form in the pit of her stomach.

With every strike and counter-question, the tension between the negotiators and Alice grows more palpable. Each passing second seems to stretch the limits of Alice’s composure, her body language betraying the emotional turmoil brewing within her. Though she eagerly participates in the interrogation, a veil of anxiety clings to her, manifesting in the occasional trembling of her hands and the slight quiver in her voice.

Unaware of the storm raging beneath Alice’s surface, Lieutenant Washington and Elena press on, determined to unravel the truth. Little do they know, their unyielding pursuit of answers will soon collide with the fragile facade that Alice struggles to maintain.

The sudden, jarring ring of the phone on the desk startles everyone, their eyes immediately fixating on the source of the sound. Before answering, Lieutenant Washington throws a quick, apprehensive glance at his partner and switches the phone to speakerphone.

Andre Washington, may I ask who I am speaking to? he asks with conviction, his intense gaze fixed on the phone. He snaps his fingers repeatedly, the sharp sound cutting through the silence, signaling his partner to act. Elana leaps up and quickly settles into a plush chair before a set of large screens.

With nimble movements, she swiftly puts on a headset and adjusts the buttons.

Hello Lieutenant Washington, says the alluring voice on the other end of the line, my name is Anastasia, but my friends call me Artemis. Alice jolts upright, her eyes wide with shock, but she quickly composes herself, concealing her surprise with a mischievous grin.

The Lieutenant’s brows furrow with confusion, and he scribbles a few lines on his notepad, the scratching sound filling the room. Wait a minute, he stammers, how do you know my name and who gave you this number? His question catches Elana off guard, causing her to snap her head around and fix him with an inquisitive gaze.

The air is thick with a long, pregnant silence until Artemis’s voice, soft and alluring, captivates everyone with its enchanting spell. Oh, we have all the information, Lieutenant, she says with a contented sigh, her words laced with assurance. We need the limo that is currently parked outside.

If I give you something, then I want something in return, Lieutenant Washington says quickly, his voice filled with urgency.

Andre, tell me, what is it you seek? Artemis asks, her voice as gentle as a summer breeze.

The lieutenant’s pen races across the notepad, capturing his hurried thoughts as he hits her with a wild card question, How many people are you holding hostage?

Artemis giggles softly, her laughter floating through the room like a delicate melody. By the time you’re finished, there won’t be a single hostage left. Send the limo in. You’ve got five minutes. She lets out a dramatic sigh and punctuates her words with a stern warning, And just so you know, if I spot any cops, they won’t make it out alive. With a gentle click, the line falls silent, replaced by the soothing hum of a dial tone.

The command center falls into an eerie silence, the abrupt cessation of chatter causing a disconcerting stillness. Lieutenant Washington holds the room captive with his intense gaze; the weight of his stare magnifies as it settles on the motionless phone on his desk, the silence becoming almost unbearable. A surge of determination courses through him, and he speaks with unwavering conviction. I’ve got an idea, his voice resonates with certainty. I will meet their demands and send in the limo. Meeting their eyes, he captures the staff’s attention, ensuring their full focus. Instead of the usual driver, we will dispatch a SWAT team. Get me their commander, he demands, motioning towards Elana. She swiftly turns to the array of screens and speaks into her headset, mentioning the name of a captain. Time seems to blur as the command center door swings open, and a dignified, graying figure strides in, emanating an unmistakable aura of authority. Adorned in a black uniform embellished with the bold white letters of the SWAT insignia on his back, his footsteps reverberate through the room, shaking the very foundation of the command center vehicle, while his piercing gaze remains locked onto Lieutenant Washington. Alice, anticipating the impending events, senses the tension thickening in the air and abruptly rises from her seat. I need fresh air, she announces, Andre silently acknowledging her decision. She hastily exits the command center, crossing the threshold to where Mattia had parked the limo, under the watchful gaze of the horde of reporters. The outside world provides a stark contrast to the bustling activity within the command center. The eager media clamors for any shred of news, their demands for information filling the air. Camera flashes sporadically illuminate the night sky, capturing the moment for posterity. Amidst the chaos, Alice spots Mattia engaged in conversation with a security guard. She deftly clutches his arm, urging him towards a hidden spot where they can talk without interruption.

Mattia’s intense gaze pierces Alice, his eyes brimming with unspoken questions. A hint of anxiety dances in Alice’s gaze as she cautiously scans their surroundings, ensuring their conversation remains private. Mattia, she whispers discreetly, her eyes darting nervously, searching for any eavesdroppers. I overheard the others discussing the limousine. Can you hide me inside?

A spark of excitement ignites within Mattia’s face as he follows Alice’s gaze, ensuring no prying eyes are nearby. Yes, Signora Alice, he murmurs, cupping his hand before his mouth, as if afraid someone might read his lips. Mr. Granger’s limousine is armored, equipped with a ballistic protection compartment, like a… a panic room! His face brightens with a sudden realization. I can show you how to access it.

Eager anticipation radiates from Alice as she contemplates her escape plan. Her eyes scan the area, absorbing the flurry of activity unfolding before the command center. She notices the captain’s frantic gestures, directing three SWAT officers who hang onto his every word.

Interrupting her thoughts, Mattia assures her, Yes, Signora Alice. It’s easy to enter and exit the compartment.

Alice’s face illuminates with a newfound idea taking root in her mind. Glancing at her watch, she furrows her brow, recalling its stopped state. We must hurry; time is against us—

Suddenly, a thunderous blast erupts from within the mansion, jolting Alice and causing her to whirl around in alarm. The windows of the darkened rooms briefly illuminate, followed by another deafening explosion. The surrounding scene transforms into a symphony of screams and murmurs, enveloping the air with confusion. Reporters scramble through the barricades, desperately capturing the spectacle on their cameras, while vigilant SWAT officers work to restore order.

Seizing the opportunity, Alice grabs Mattia’s hand firmly, a surge of determination propelling her forward. She leads him swiftly towards the awaiting limousine. Show me! she exclaims, her urgency urging him to open the vehicle’s doors. Mattia swings open a rear door, gesturing for Alice to follow. With a leap of faith, he jumps inside, and Alice trails closely behind, ready to embark on their daring escape.

Mattia shifts on the plush leather seat, the fabric softly rustling beneath him. He points with a sense of urgency to a small object nestled below, a looped ribbon catching the light. As he pulls the ribbon, a faint whisper of fabric against fabric echoes in the air, revealing a yellow control lever. Alice’s eyes fixate on his every move, the intensity burning the images into her mind.

With a decisive twist, the lever clicks, and a latch beneath the carpeted floor releases. Alice listens intently, her heart pounding, as desperate screams from outside shatter the tranquility of the air. Hurry, find them, the man urges, his voice filled with desperation that mirrors the intense atmosphere. Her gaze remains fixed on Mattia, her eyes filled with urgency. Carefully lifting the latch, he unveils a small opening, motioning for her to enter with a nod.

Alice feels her face redden with shame as she crawls, realizing that Mattia can see every inch of her exposed backside. With a nonchalant shrug, she turns around and slowly lowers her feet into the gap. The sound of someone opening the driver’s door of the limo reaches her ears just as Mattia firmly shuts the latch. Amid the tranquil silence, a resonant male voice pierces the air, shattering the stillness. Excuse me, he begins, his voice possessing a deep timbre, have you come across the doctor lady? Alice, attuned to her surroundings, catches the faint sound of Mattia’s footsteps resonating from above. Yes, I have, he replies, his footsteps echoing audibly. Let me show you. The sound of his footsteps slowly disappears, leaving behind a quiet stillness, infused with a sense of anticipation.

In the enveloping darkness, Alice settles into the suspended plush leather bed, its gentle sway reminiscent of a hammock. A sigh of relief escapes her lips, and she imagines wiping away the sweat from her forehead. Her fingers explore the compartment’s sides, tracing the smooth surface. A switch catches her attention, and with a flick, a soft orange glow bathes the hidden space.

Restricted in her movements, Alice can only turn her head, her senses heightened as she takes in the arrangement of survival gear concealed within the compartment. The flashlight’s cold metal, the faint scent of rubber from the gas mask, and the weight of the small oxygen tank in her hand. Her fingers brush against the flare gun, the textured grip providing a sense of security. The first aid kit, neatly organized and ready for any emergency.

Very nice, Alice whispers to herself, her words carrying a hint of awe as she admires the usefulness of the items. They will undoubtedly come in handy in the uncertain journey that lies ahead.

The silence inside the compartment is suffocating, sending shivers down Alice’s spine. She can feel the weight of the air, and the stillness amplifies the sound of her own breathing. The passage of time comes to a halt, only to be shattered by the piercing sound of creaking. Her ears perk up, straining to listen. The echo of footsteps resonates above her as a man takes his place in the driver’s seat, sending a jolt through her heart. She feels her breath catch in her throat as a door opens behind her, and the sounds of people settling into the seat above her fill the air.

Ready, a voice from the front speaks, a voice that does not belong to Mattia. Confusion furrows her brow, and she holds her breath, wondering who this mysterious driver is.

Armed and ready, sir, voices from above respond almost in unison. The floor trembles slightly, resonating with the thunderous sound of the engine roaring to life. She can hear the muffled voices of the driver conversing with someone outside, their words barely audible from behind the armored vehicle. They begin their journey, and she gracefully sways with the rhythmic motion as the skilled driver navigates the winding path. She counts in thousands, her mind focused on calculating the distance between each stopping point, One thousand and thirty-nine, one thousand and forty—

We are nearing the house, the driver’s urgent voice breaks through her thoughts, filling Alice with a sense of both excitement and unease.

Oh my god, Alice murmurs, her voice barely audible, her heart pounding in her chest. The sound of her own heartbeat fills her ears, synchronized with every tense second that passes by. They come to a slow halt, and the only sound that fills the space is her heavy breathing. She can hear the distinct sound of papers rustling, making her realize the officers are poring over a blueprint of the mansion and discussing their strategy. They agree to meet every half an hour at the gazebo behind the house, a quaint spot with a view of the garden. Alice’s lips curl into a faint smile as she fondly recalls her intimate moment with Samuel Granger by the pool near the gazebo.

The driver’s commanding voice cut through the stillness, echoing above her. She can hear the faint sound of their footsteps as they move with purpose. They fill the air with anticipation as they follow the designated entry route. The voices of the others resonate, punctuating the silence as they confirm their communication: Jack rabbit one, Jack rabbit two.

The man in the driver’s seat acknowledges the strong signal reception, encouraging them to continue.

With the soft closing of the door behind Alice, she senses the weight of the soldiers leaning against the vehicle. The floor trembles beneath her, and she hears two distinct thuds, echoing like the crack of a low caliber rifle, followed by the muffled groans of men collapsing on the unforgiving surface. With each groan, she can almost feel the toll of physical exertion, as if their muscles are screaming for relief. Adrenaline courses through her veins, heightening her senses and making her heart race.

Officers down, I repeat, officers down! Retreat! the driver’s voice pleads. Alice can feel the car trembling beneath her as the engine roars to life, poised for a quick getaway.

The trembling beneath her sends vibrations through her entire body, causing her hands to quiver slightly. Her breath quickens, shallow and rapid, as she tries to steady herself, feeling her heart race. The compartment feels suffocatingly small, as if the walls are closing in on her. Sweat trickles down her forehead, a physical manifestation of the escalating tension. Every fiber of her being is acutely aware of the gravity of the moment. The trembling beneath her serves as a constant reminder of the unsettled and volatile moment she finds herself in. Hastily closing the latch, Mattia forgot to explain how to open it to her. She clenches her hands into fists, muscles tensing as she braces herself for what lies ahead. Frantically, she pulls and twists at everything her fingers find, until finally, she hears a soft click above her. With a two-handed push, she forcefully shoves the latch open, causing it to swing open abruptly, and she jolts upright. What the! exclaims the driver, his voice filled with surprise and disbelief. The limo screeches to a sudden stop, causing Alice to lurch forward. Who the hell are you? he demands, his eyes narrowing with suspicion as he glares at her in the rearview mirror.

Don’t mind me, she mutters under her breath, as she maneuvers her way out of the cramped space and slips away unnoticed.

CHAPTER TWO

ALICE DARTS FOR cover, her heart pounding in her chest as she aims for the shadows of the nearby trees. She hears the driver call out, No way I am leaving a soldier behind. The thudding of his boots grows louder as he catches up, the sound blending with the echo of a car door shutting in the distance. Her panting becomes one with the wind in her ears, harmonizing as she runs. The sound of his footsteps abruptly stops, replaced by the jarring thud of his body hitting the unforgiving ground. She dares not look around, and sprints for the nearby shadows, and with a neat dive and roll, she takes cover behind a tree. Her breath comes in quick gasps, and she feels the rough bark of the tree against her back.

Hera hears a female voice from the mansion behind her calling out, Hera, I can see you! It has been ages since she last heard the name Hera, so she cannot help but wonder who is calling her, the voice unfamiliar and intriguing. Come out, come out wherever you are! she shouts, her voice echoing through the dense landscape.

Alice’s heart pounds in her chest, the rush of adrenaline heightening her awareness of her surroundings. The roughness of the tree bark against her back now feels almost abrasive against her sensitive skin, adding a layer of discomfort to her already heightened state. Her breaths, once quick gasps, now become shallow and rapid, as if she's struggling to take in enough air to calm her racing nerves.

Eager to uncover the identity of the person calling her, she gathers her courage and steps away from the comforting embrace of the tree. The dense landscape surrounding her seems to close in, amplifying the echo