NOVEL WEB Chapter 16: New threat
Adam sat quietly in his classroom, attempting to focus on his studies, but his mind kept wandering back to earlier events.
A shadow of worry darkened his usually composed face as he replayed what had happened that morning.
The thought nagged at him—if he hadn't been there, what would those men have done to Ani?
As if sensing his internal turmoil, Pratham's voice spoke directly into his ears, a calm and steady presence. "My Lord, don't trouble yourself," he reassured. "I've identified their faces. I'm tracking their location now."
Adam nodded slightly, his gaze still distant. Pratham's words eased some of the tension building in his chest, allowing him to refocus on the lesson, even if only for a while.
The school bell rang, announcing the lunch break. Students filed out of the classroom, chattering as they dispersed in groups.
Adam grabbed his lunch and was about to leave when his classmate Eric approached him, looking annoyed.
"Adam, where were you yesterday?" Eric asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and frustration. "You just disappeared without a word. That's not cool. You leave us hanging all the time."
Caught off guard, Adam hesitated, the defensiveness visible in his stance. He adjusted the strap of his bag and stood straighter, addressing Eric with an apologetic nod. "It's not like that, Eric. I had something important to take care of."
Before Eric could press further, another classmate, Leo, stepped in, placing a hand on Eric's shoulder. "I told you yesterday, didn't I? Adam had an urgent matter to handle."
Eric rolled his eyes, his irritation softening. "Yeah, yeah, you and your 'important' things. But next time, if I call you, you better show up. Deal?"
Adam grinned, giving him a thumbs-up. "Deal."
As he turned to leave, he felt a pair of eyes following him. Subtly glancing over his shoulder, he saw Ani across the room, watching him with a contemplative expression.
She was clearly debating something, and before he knew it, she was making her way toward him.
Ani had planned her move from the start of the day. The strange encounter with Adam earlier still weighed heavily on her mind, and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was hiding something. She'd resolved to confront him, determined to find answers.
Telling her friends she needed to visit the teacher's office, she slipped away from the lunch crowd and quietly trailed Adam down the hallway.
Her heart pounded, both from the excitement of sneaking around and the burning curiosity.
She kept her distance, hiding behind groups of students and ducking into alcoves whenever he looked back.
Eventually, Adam left the crowded corridors and entered a secluded area, one he often retreated to when he wanted to be alone.
Ani continued following, unaware that her presence had already been noted.
Pratham had alerted Adam moments earlier, sensing Ani's presence before she'd even left the classroom.
Adam's heartbeat quickened at the thought of facing her alone, away from the prying eyes of their classmates.
Pratham's voice echoed in Adam's mind, offering gentle advice. "Lord Adam, allow Ani to approach. I suspect she has questions, and this may be the time to answer them."
Adam nodded, letting out a slow breath. Pratham was right. He'd felt the need to speak with Ani, to explain himself, ever since the incident that morning. And now, with her unknowingly at his heels, he'd have that chance.
Arriving at his hideout, Adam waited, glancing around to see if she'd appear. Minutes passed, but she didn't emerge from her hiding spot. Impatient, Adam whispered, "Pratham, is she still here?"
"Yes, my Lord," Pratham confirmed immediately. "She's lingering nearby. Perhaps you should call her out."
Adam smirked slightly at Pratham's suggestion, then called out, "Ani, how long do you plan on hiding?"
A soft gasp betrayed her location, and slowly, Ani stepped into view, her cheeks flushed. She walked toward him hesitantly, her gaze fixed on the floor.
Ani approached and sat next to him, her face still red with embarrassment. She was quiet, avoiding his gaze, but Adam could see the turmoil in her expression. The silence stretched, neither of them knowing quite what to say.
Finally, Ani gathered the courage to look up, meeting his eyes for the first time. She took a deep breath and, in a voice barely above a whisper, asked, "Can you tell me what really happened this morning?"
Adam wasn't surprised; he'd been expecting this. Her inquisitive, piercing gaze made him feel slightly uneasy, but he kept his expression calm. After a long pause, he exhaled and nodded. "Ani, if I tell you, can you trust me?"
Ani's face softened, and she nodded in earnest. "Just try me."
Satisfied, Adam began, his tone serious. "A few days ago, I noticed a group of suspicious people around town. Later, I found out they were involved in several thefts around the city. They escaped before the police could catch them, but I recognized one of them walking beside you this morning. I thought he intended to harm you, and I...I didn't think twice. I acted on instinct. I apologize if I embarrassed you in front of everyone."
Ani listened intently, her eyes widening as she processed his words. A mix of emotions crossed her face—relief, curiosity, and something deeper, a flicker of gratitude.
"I thought so," she murmured softly, though Adam barely caught it. She looked down again, her cheeks growing redder. "But...why do you care so much about me?"
The question was spoken in such a quiet tone that Adam didn't catch it entirely. He leaned closer, eyebrows raised. "Did you say something?"
Startled, Ani shook her head quickly. "No, nothing." She turned to leave, her footsteps growing hurried.
Adam watched her retreating form, a sense of confusion settling over him. What had she been about to say?
Ani, on the other hand, walked quickly, her mind spinning. She held her hand over her chest, as if to steady her heart. 'What is this strange feeling?' she wondered, her thoughts consumed with Adam's words and actions.
Meanwhile, Pratham's voice sounded in Adam's ears again, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Lord Adam, I've located their hideout."
The news took Adam by surprise, causing him to choke slightly on the food he was still holding. He coughed, patting his chest as he tried to regain his composure.
"Really?" he managed after a moment, his tone both intrigued and cautious. "What should we do? Maybe we should report this to the police."
Pratham responded without hesitation. "My Lord, I'm afraid that won't help. These men have connections within the police force. And from what I've uncovered, someone powerful is behind them."
Adam frowned, the weight of Pratham's words sinking in. "Someone...powerful? Do you know who?"
"I've only uncovered fragments," Pratham admitted. "But I discovered these seven men were in prison until recently. They were all released on the same day and placed in different cells. Someone orchestrated their freedom."
Adam clenched his fists, his gaze hardening. 'Who would go to such lengths for these men' he thought, realizing that this mystery ran deeper than he'd first imagined. And if they were connected to Ani in some way…
Turning his attention back to Pratham, he asked, "Do you have any idea why they might be after Ani?"
Pratham's response was tinged with regret. "I'm afraid I have no clues yet, my Lord. But I'll continue investigating."
To be connected.....