Night returned to Blackwood like a warning.
The city lights flickered under the heavy sky as Ryan stood near the location sent in the message.
An abandoned underground parking structure.
Silent.
Empty.
Perfect for a trap.
"You still came."
The voice came from behind.
Ryan didn't turn immediately.
"I expected you," he said calmly.
From the shadows, a figure stepped forward.
Not fully visible.
But familiar.
"Adrian," Ryan said quietly.
A faint smile appeared on Adrian's face.
"You're not as careful as I thought," he said.
Ryan turned now, his eyes sharp.
"Or maybe I just don't like being lied to."
Adrian chuckled softly.
"Then you must hate yourself too."
Silence.
Tension filled the air.
"You sent the message," Ryan said.
Adrian nodded.
"Because you're chasing the wrong truth."
Ryan's voice hardened.
"My brother is alive. I've seen proof."
Adrian's smile faded slightly.
"Yes," he said.
"He is."
Ryan stepped closer.
"Then tell me where he is."
A pause.
Then Adrian spoke—
"Not until you understand what he became."
Ryan's jaw tightened.
"They didn't take him," Adrian continued.
"They gave him a choice."
The same words again.
He came to us.
"You're lying," Ryan said.
"Am I?" Adrian replied calmly.
"Or are you just not ready to accept it?"
Before Ryan could respond—
Another voice echoed through the structure.
"Enough."
Both of them turned.
Elena stood at the entrance.
Breathing fast.
Eyes filled with confusion… and anger.
"You both knew," she said.
Her voice shook slightly.
"But neither of you told me the truth."
Ryan stepped forward.
"Elena, this isn't safe—"
"Stop!" she snapped.
Silence.
She looked at Ryan.
Then at Adrian.
"Both of you are hiding things," she said.
"So I'm done choosing sides."
Her words hit hard.
"I'm finding the truth myself."
Adrian smiled faintly.
"That's a dangerous decision."
Elena didn't back down.
"So is trusting the wrong person."
For the first time—
Ryan didn't have an answer.
The air felt heavier.
The tension sharper.
Then suddenly—
A loud sound echoed above them.
Metal shifting.
Movement.
All three looked up.
Shadows moved across the upper level.
More than one.
Ryan's expression changed instantly.
"They're here."
Adrian's smile disappeared.
Even he looked serious now.
Elena stepped back slightly.
"Who?"
Ryan's voice dropped.
"The ones who don't want us to find the truth."
Footsteps echoed.
Multiple.
Closing in.
For the first time—
They weren't just against each other anymore.
They were all in danger.
And in that moment—
The game changed again.
Because this wasn't about secrets anymore.
It was about survival. 🌑📖