Chapter 111: Retribution and Resolve

Chapter 111: Retribution and Resolve

The air outside the mall was heavy, not with the usual hum of shoppers, but a chilling tension that gripped everyone in its icy grasp.

Ani stood trembling, her tear-streaked face illuminated by the flickering lights overhead. Her phone still in her shaking hands, she had just made the desperate call.

On the other side, Adam's voice had been calm yet firm, a stark contrast to her panic.

"Where are you, Ani?" Adam's voice carried a controlled urgency that sent a wave of hope through her.

"The city mall," she managed to stammer, her sobs choking her words.

"Stay there," Adam commanded, cutting the call abruptly.

Ani stared at the darkened screen of her phone, confusion etched across her face. How would Adam get here so quickly? she wondered, panic and doubt gnawing at her mind.