Finally, with a resigned sigh, he released her hand and turned to the broken machinery, his movements fueled by a futile hope.
Bennett watched from a distance, his head shaking in a sad rhythm.
He believed Moss knew this was a foolâs errand, yet Moss was trapped in a cycle of denial.
A bitter chuckle escaped Bennettâs lips.
He realized he was mirroring Arianaâs misplaced compassion, trying to pull his uncle back from the absurdness.
Deeming it a lost cause, Bennett retreated, feigning ignorance.
Meanwhile, Adrian, clutching his throbbing neck, stirred awake.
The dual and the unexpected injections had left him feeling violated and weak.
Nausea churned in his stomach, but adrenaline kept him on guard.
His gaze flicked to Moss, a lone figure consumed by madness before the ice coffin.
Adrian felt like he had missed something crucial.
He then scanned the room, searching for Holden.
Relief washed over him as his eyes landed on Holden, cradling an unconscious Ariana.
Adrian was cautious not to create too much noise in the strangely quiet room for fear that he would draw the unstable Mossâ attention and set off another attack.
He crept closer to Holden, his voice barely a whisper as he mouthed, âRun.
â
Holden, understanding dawning in his eyes, gave a curt nod.
As they brushed past Bennett on their escape, a small object was thrust into Holdenâs hand by Bennett.
A flicker of confusion crossed Holdenâs fa
ce, but Bennett quickly looked away, maintaining an air of aloof pride.
Seizing their chance with Moss distracted, Adrian and Holden, who was carrying Ariana, made a dash for the elevator.
Inside the elevator, Adrianâs voice, laced with worry, broke the tense silence.
âWill there be side effects? Whatâs going to happen to me?â
âIâll have the best doctors in Eleymond examine you when we go back,â
Holden reassured Adrian.
Adrian offered a weak nod and then launched into a tirade about Bennettâs lack of intervention before.
But for the first time, Holden defended Bennett.
âHeâs done enough for us,â Holden said.
âRemember, Moss is Bennettâs uncle.
Bennett not interfering with us is already a big deal.
â
Adrian listened quietly as Holden spoke, nodding.
âYeah, youâre right.
â
Adrian wasnât a fan of Bennett, but even he had to admit Bennett had been a huge help with Moss.
The elevator doors soon opened to the lobby on the first floor.
Adrian suddenly remembered something.
He slapped his forehead.
âOh, crapâ¦â
âWhatâs wrong?â Holden asked, glancing at him.
âI forgot we need a fingerprint or facial recognition data to get out,â Adrian said with a sigh.
âDonât worry about it.
â Holden held up his hand, showing a thin film of the fingerprint.
âBennett just gave me this.
â
Adrianâs eyes widened in surprise.
âWow, Bennett really came through for us.
â