fatherless

The door creaked open slowly, and Ali and Luca held their breath, retreating into the shadows. Two figures stepped inside, pausing briefly at the threshold. The moonlight illuminated their faces clearly.

Jack and John.

A shiver ran down Ali's spine. He had seen these two before. He was sure he had noticed them lurking around the hotel, as if they had been watching his every move. And now, they were standing right in front of him.

Jack was a short, stocky man with sharp, suspicious eyes. He carried himself with an air of self-importance, always eager to be in control. John, on the other hand, was tall and lanky, moving with a naive sort of curiosity, his gaze constantly shifting around. Both were dressed in dark clothing, making it clear they weren't hotel staff.

"What are you doing here at this hour?" Jack's voice was laced with threat.

Ali felt his heart race but forced himself to remain calm. "We just wandered in by mistake. We were just leaving."

John chuckled, his smile carrying a deceptive innocence. "By mistake? Into a locked room?"

Luca stood silently beside Ali, his fur bristling. "These two aren't normal guests," he whispered.

Jack took a step forward, his eyes landing on an open file on the desk. "Special Guests… So, you do know what you're looking for."

Ali and Luca exchanged quick glances. These men knew what was in the file. But why did it matter so much to them?

John shut the door behind them and leaned against it. "We need to talk. But this isn't the best place."

Ali's chest tightened. "Why have you been following us?"

Jack crossed his arms, exuding confidence. "Because you're too curious for your own good. Some things aren't meant for you to know."

Ali clenched his jaw. "Do you know something about my family?"

John narrowed his eyes as if piecing together a puzzle. "Maybe. But you need to ask the right questions. Take the wrong steps, and this won't end well for you."

Luca extended his claws slightly, standing firm. "Enough riddles. If you know something, speak."

Jack and John exchanged a brief look. Then Jack sighed and nodded. "Alright, we can make a deal. But we need to leave this place. If anyone sees us, things will get complicated."

Ali turned to Luca. Luca gave a small nod. Their options were limited.

"Fine," Ali said. "But if this is a trap, it won't end well for you either."

Jack smirked, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "We'll see."

Ali and Luca followed Jack and John out of the room in silence. The hotel corridors were dark. Tonight, they would get closer to the truth—but at what cost?

Jack and John had been following Ali for a long time. Their true objective was to find the hidden treasure map connected to Ali's family's past. They were also the ones behind the letters Ali had received at the orphanage. But not all of those letters had reached him. The orphanage director, Miss Elenor, had kept some of them, fearing that Ali would get involved in something dangerous.

Ali stared at Jack's face, studying him carefully. "Tell me the truth. Who are you? And why are you after us?"

Jack walked forward slowly and sat in a chair. "Ali, you're involved in something bigger than you realize. Your family wasn't ordinary. They were… guardians of something."

"Guardians of what?" Ali asked.

John chuckled. "Something special. And this map will lead us to it."

Ali frowned. "But I don't know anything about a map."

Jack sighed. "That's because you were never told. Even when you were left at the orphanage, we were watching you. But many of the letters meant for you never arrived."

Ali's mind raced. "What do you mean?"

John grinned slightly. "Miss Elenor. She took the letters but never gave them to you. She thought she was protecting you. But in truth, she was keeping you from learning the real story."

Luca bristled, stepping forward. "And what about your boss? Who is he?"

Jack shook his head. "I can't tell you that. But know this—he's been watching you too. And the map… you need to find it."

Ali took a deep breath. If there really was a map, then it could be the key to unlocking his family's past. But how much could he trust Jack and John? Should he forge his own path, or follow the breadcrumbs they had laid out for him?

Luca retracted his claws slightly but remained on guard. "Where are you taking us?"

Jack smirked. "Somewhere safe. But we need to move fast. Because it's not just us… there are others looking for you too."

Ali exhaled sharply and met Luca's gaze. The decision they made tonight could change their lives forever.