Sonia turned to see Holden and Mitchel rushing out of the vehicle.
As they approached, applause echoed from the loudspeaker above, and a robotic voice announced, Youve finally arrived.
Holden had a grim look on his face as he stared at the abandoned warehouse in silence. Then, the voice from the loudspeaker called out, Come on, Holden, step up to the front, right up to the warehouse door.
When Sonia saw Holden and Adrian, she quickly made hand signals to warn them about the gunmen waiting on the other side, urging Holden not to move forward.
Mitchel also said to Holden, Its clear theyre targeting you. Dont fall for it. If they capture you, well lose, and saving Ariana wont be possible.
However, Holden just scoffed and replied, Dont worry; I actually want to see what theyre planning.
Resolute, Holden walked steadily to the indicated spot and called out, Zayden, enough with the games. Come out.
The broadcast responded with a sinister laugh, and then, Zaydens voice taunted, Ah, cousin, couldnt you be a little less clever? I was hoping to keep this going a bit Longer.
Realizing it was indeed Zayden, Sonia couldnt hold back her anger.
She grabbed the megaphone and shouted at the loudspeaker, Zayden! You bastard! You and Sadie are nothing but despicable, shamelessly playing with other peoples lives. Youll get whats coming to you!
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Zaydens dismissive chuckle echoed. I havent killed anyone. Ariana just had bad luck to die young. Dont make accusations without proof. Did any of you actually see me harm her? Remember, you need evidence to make claims.
Holden had no time to waste on idle talk with Zayden. His only concern was finding Ariana.
Wheres Ariana? Release her now, Holden said. He hesitated, then added, Return Ariana to me, and Ill agree to do anything you ask.
Zaydens laughter resonated through the speaker. As his laughter faded, he remarked slowly, Its really something to see you so desperate, Holden.
With a mocking tone, Zayden continued, If I told you to kneel and call me dad, would you actually do it?
Before Holden could answer, Adrian lost his patience. He snatched the speaker from Sonia and yelled, Cut the nonsense! What do you want? Stop playing games and just tell us!
Zayden responded with a dismissive snort, I want my cousin to join me for a little game. He paused, his tone turning playful. As for Ariana, shes still alive. But her fate is no longer in my hands now.
Holdens face darkened, and he asked coldly, What do you mean by that?
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A snap of fingers echoed, followed by the sudden flicker of a projector coming to life. Holden and the others watched as a video began playing on the wall before them.
The dimly lit room in the video revealed Ariana, unconscious within a cage, while roars of wild beasts filled the air.
Besides that, outside her cage, grotesque figures prowled.
These figures, barely human, moved on all fours with their eyes glaring red and lips quivering in a silent snarl, fixated on their captive.
They were beast slaves, bereft of thought, conditioned only for carnage.
Witnessing this, Holden was consumed by fury. He balled his hands into fists, his whole frame shook with unrestrained anger, and a fierce desire to kill Zayden surged through him.