The Seeker Infinity

Chapter 41 : The Search

The henchmen dragged the other agents away, while one ripped off Agent Bunny's clothes and stood guard at the door. Agent Bunny, weak and terrified, pleaded, "No, please."

Malcolm approached her with a syringe, his face twisted with lust. "Now, now. This won't hurt... much."

Back to Chris's House

Letty turned to Joy with a curious look. "Why are you so interested in Mayari's temple, dear?"

Joy took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and determination. "My late mother always spoke about the temple. She read me poems and stories about it. On her deathbed, she asked me to take her ashes to the temple and deliver a sealed letter to the current Elder Miko."

Letty nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "Your mother was very loyal to the temple."

Joy smiled wistfully. "She always said that if it wasn't for the temple, I wouldn't have been born. She met my father because of it." Her voice trembled slightly as she mentioned her father, a whisper of sadness escaping her lips.

Chris noticed the change in her tone and instinctively reached out to pat her back in comfort, but Joy quickly shrugged off her feelings. Chris's hand hovered for a moment before he pulled it back to the table.

"Thank you for the food, Mrs. Alcantara," Joy said, standing up. "I should go find a place to stay."

Letty looked worried. "At this hour? You're welcome to stay here if you want."

Joy hesitated but replied, "I'll be okay. Thanks again, Chris."

Chris smiled warmly, though inside, he didn't want Joy to leave. As Joy moved towards the door, a local news bulletin flashed on the TV, catching everyone's attention.

"Breaking news: Seven men were found dead in an alley. The killer is still at large," the announcer said, showing scenes of a gruesome crime scene.

Chris turned to Joy, concern evident in his eyes. "It's too dangerous for you to be out there alone. Stay here tonight."

Letty nodded in agreement. "Please, for your safety."

Joy tried to protest, but Chris took her hand gently. "I can't let you go, Joy. It's my duty as your guide to protect you."

Joy, feeling the sincerity in his words, reluctantly agreed. "Alright, I'll stay."

Meanwhile, in Malcolm's mansion, the atmosphere was anything but safe. Malcolm was grinning as he dressed, leaving Agent Bunny shackled, beaten, and naked on the bed, tears streaming down her face.

He barked orders to his men, "Guard her tightly." Then he moved to the basement where two other agents were being tortured. Malcolm's grin widened as he asked, "Have they spilled any information?"

One of his henchmen shook his head. "They're tough, boss."

Malcolm's eyes narrowed. "Keep torturing them until they do."

Leaving the basement, Malcolm settled on the sofa in the mansion's living room. One of his men hurriedly approached, panting. "Boss, your uncle has finally arrived."

Malcolm stood up quickly, his demeanor shifting to one of nervous anticipation. "Everyone, be at your best behavior. Clean up."

As Malcolm waited, Stefan entered the mansion with Lily. Malcolm's body tensed with worry. He bowed deeply. "Welcome, Uncle. Welcome, Miss Mondragon."

The men echoed in unison, "Welcome!"

Back in their surveillance spot, Agent Beetle and Agent Hedgehog were gearing up for a rescue mission. Beetle was cursing under his breath as he loaded guns into the car.

"Damn this mess. Why the hell did it have to go down like this?" Beetle grumbled, slamming a clip into his pistol.

Hedgehog, puffing on a cigarette, reloaded magazines with practiced efficiency. "Calm down, Beetle. We need to focus. We'll get our people out."

Beetle glared, still fuming but more controlled. "Yeah, you're right. Let's do this."

As they prepared, the car radio played a haunting piano melody, the sound blending with the tension in the air.

Cut to the scene outside Chris's house, a hooded figure stood in the rain, observing silently as police sirens echoed through the town.

Inside Malcolm's basement, the tortured agents' screams filled the air. A massive cage loomed in the corner, red fiery eyes glowing ominously from within.

In the mansion's living room, Stefan sat with Lily, watching the news on a huge TV. The corner of his mouth curled up in a chilling grin. "Wonderful."

To be continued...