“Protection? From what?” My internal alarms were flaring, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this visit was far from casual. “How did you get in here? And more importantly, why are you here?”
He offered a charming smile, the kind that masked his true intentions. “I have a message from the IPA, and they insisted it couldn’t wait.” His tone was light, as though discussing a trivial matter. He took another step forward, his presence imposing as he closed the distance between us. “Especially now that you’ve agreed to the mission to free Ky’rn.”
I frowned. “A message? What could be so urgent that it required you to interrupt my…practice session?” I glanced around, wondering if this was the right time and place to delve into a potentially sensitive conversation. This environment made me uneasy.
“They have an offer,” he continued, reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket and producing a small, ornate box. “I’ve been instructed to deliver this to you, personally. Consider it a gift.”
“A gift?” I echoed, my brows furrowing. My eyes darted upward, searching for the familiar red glow of the security cameras. They were everywhere in the facility, ensuring no corner went unobserved. “Is this really the best time or place to be discussing this?”
Roman handed me the box, his serious eyes revealing the importance of its contents. “My team has ensured we have privacy. The last few minutes have been…lost, so to speak,” he explained, a cocky grin forming on his lips. “And by using the device within this box, you can have privacy whenever you need it. As for why I’m here, well, I thought it best to relay the information personally.”
The box felt heavier in my hands than it looked. I studied its surface, noting the intricate etchings that swirled like waves, reminiscent of the deep ocean. “And why give it to me now?”
His gaze grew somber. “Because things are about to get much more complicated, Isla,” Roman replied, his voice low and intense. “The IPA wants proof that Ky’rn is safe and well, and you are their best bet at a peaceful resolution. You are to meet with him and use the device within the box to contact his leaders. Ky’rn will know how to use it.”
The weight of our mission pressed down on me. “Are we really going to do this? Save Ky’rn?”
Roman nodded. “You’re the one who can prevent this from becoming a public disaster.”
My skin prickled with fear as I imagined the potential fallout. The mere thought of my grandfather finding out about our covert plan and sabotaging it sent a chill down my spine. “I just hope everything goes well,” I admitted, my voice shaky. “My grandfather…” I began, struggling to find the right words. “He’s more cunning and resourceful than you might think.”
Roman chuckled, attempting to reassure me, the sound echoing in the vast emptiness of the room. “You have nothing to worry about. My team will make sure your grandfather remains in the dark. All you have to do is not get cold feet on our wedding day.”
His unwavering confidence was both reassuring and unsettling, a reminder of the immense weight of responsibility resting on our shoulders. I had no choice but to trust him. There was too much at stake for me to hesitate now. The future of humanity hung in the balance, and every decision we made would determine our fate.
“I won’t get cold feet,” I asserted firmly, locking eyes with Roman. “I’ll do my part, so you better do yours.”
Roman inclined his head in acknowledgment, a glint of respect in his eyes. “I won’t fail in my duty,” he replied solemnly.
“When can I read the contract for our marriage?”
He gestured to one of his guards, who promptly produced a small storage drive from his jacket pocket and handed it to me. “Take your time, Isla. Read it over, make any changes you see fit, and I’ll sign it.”
I nodded, clutching the small device in my hand. “I’ll make sure to read it thoroughly before I sign it,” I assured him, a sense of responsibility settling in.
Roman’s next words caught me off guard. “I’m not after your family’s company, Isla,” he confessed, his expression sincere. His eyes held mine as if willing me to believe him. “But I’m glad you aren’t blindly trusting me.”
His honesty surprised me, and I couldn’t help but smile faintly. “I just want a friendly and respectful business relationship with you,” I admitted. “I’m glad we’re working toward a common goal. But next time, a warning would be appreciated.”
CHAPTERFOURTEEN
ISLA
The elevator ride down to the lab always filled me with dread.
No matter how many times I’d traveled down this same route, the memory of nearly drowning, of sinking helplessly beneath the stormy waves, still haunted me.
But I had to do this; I needed to do this to help Ky’rn.
It was worth it.
The elevator came to a sudden halt, and with a soft hiss, the metallic doors slid open to a small lobby area. Two guards stood sentinel by the lab’s doors, their presence a clear indication of the importance and security of the space beyond.
The metallic doors hissed open, revealing the sprawling research lab. Dr. Violet, who was bent over her station, glanced up with a worried expression as I stepped inside. “I’m glad to see you. I was about to message you.”
I approached her, unease growing within me. “What’s wrong?” I asked, my heart rate quickening.
Dr. Violet sighed, her gaze shifting to the doors that led to the massive tank that housed Ky’rn. “Ever since your…incident,” she began carefully, “the sea creature has refused to eat the frozen fish we’ve been providing.”
