The doorknob turned smoothly, yet the metal door presented a formidable challenge; it was incredibly heavy.
Ariana strained to pry it open, and upon succeeding, she found herself facing a maze of thick, heavy chains dangling from the ceiling.
In the heart of the room, a figure was suspended from the chains, and as Ariana drew nearer, the silhouette grew distressingly familiar.
A knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach upon realizing it was Adrian.
Ariana gasped and hastened to his side.
His eyes were closed, and he appeared unconscious. Ariana shook him in an attempt to rouse him, but he remained unresponsive, making her more anxious.
Knowing that Adrian and Holden had vanished together, Ariana knew that discovering Adrian here suggested Holden might be nearby as well.
With this thought, Ariana ceased her attempts to awaken Adrian and commenced her search for Holden.
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Despite her extensive search of the room, she found no sign of Holden or anyone else.
Afraid that the mad scientist might return at any moment, Ariana frantically sought something to sever
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.
the chains but to no avail.
Just as despair began to set in, she recalled the lab on the first floor might contain something of use.
She hurried to the elevator and ascended, but her search for tools like a power saw proved fruitless. Eventually, she retrieved several bottles of strong sulfuric acid from a cabinet and descended again.
With utmost caution, she poured the acid over the chain, careful to avoid Adrians body, though some droplets still splattered onto him, causing burns.
The moment the chain snapped, Adrian awoke with a jolt from the pain of the acid.
Ouch! Adrian cried out, instinctively reaching for his burns.
Dont touch it! Ariana quickly grasped his hand to stop him.
Adrian paused, squinting at Ariana, thinking he was hallucinating.
Ariana? I thought you had left. Why are you here? he asked.
Seeing Adrian fully awake brought a sense of relief to Ariana. I couldnt stop worrying about you guys. After I woke up, I heard an explosion and went back to find you. I ran into Bennett near a cliff. He said hed help me find you, but then, we were attacked by wolves. I managed to escape them, but a strange man grabbed me. Next thing I knew, I ended up here.
Then, she added, Wheres Holden? Werent you two together?
Adrians expression darkened. That Bennett is too lucky. Why isnt he dead? I dont know where Holden is. We got separated after the crash. I tried to find him when I regained consciousness but had no luck. Then, I ended up here, captured by that same strange man.
You couldnt escape? Even with your skills? Arianas worry deepened.
If that man could overpower Adrian, they were indeed in serious danger now.
I was hurt initially and couldnt confront him. Then, he drugged me and tied me up. Ive been unconscious until you arrived. If it werent for you, I wouldnt even know I was in here, Adrian explained, his frustration evident. I swear, if I get my hands on him, hes going to regret it!