"So you guys are a part of a Secret Society that guards and protects valuable treasures and relics to stop them from falling into the wrong hands," Alina summarized, her eyes widening with each word as the realization sank in.
Zander nodded, his expression serious yet tinged with a hint of intrigue. "That's correct. We're tasked with ensuring that these artifacts remain safe and out of reach from those who would misuse them."
"And you need my help to find the clues hidden in hints provided by Guider," Alina continued, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and excitement. "And this Guider is a person who can predict the future but cannot provide you with direct revelation as it will cause repercussions to them."
Zander and the rest nodded in agreement, acknowledging that Alina had grasped the essence of their mission.
"The Guider's foresight is a powerful tool," Zander explained, his tone reflecting both reverence and caution. "But it comes with its own limitations. They must convey their insights in cryptic messages and riddles to avoid altering the course of events or revealing too much."
Alina's mind buzzed with questions. "How do you decipher these messages? And what kind of treasures are we protecting?"
Lucy stepped forward, her demeanor composed and authoritative. "Deciphering the Guider's messages requires a keen intellect and a sharp eye for detail. Each clue is like a piece of a puzzle, and it's up to us to fit them together to uncover the truth."
Mark interjected, his voice tinged with excitement. "As for the treasures we safeguard, they vary in nature and significance. Some are ancient artifacts with mystical properties, while others hold historical or cultural significance. Regardless of their value, our duty remains the same: to keep them safe from those who would misuse them."
"This is much more interesting than the novels I read online," Alina thought, feeling excited.
Just as she was about to ask more questions, the ringing of her phone interrupted her. Alina's expression changed as soon as she saw the name of the caller, a hint of pain and awkwardness passing through her eyes like lightning strikes.
Excusing herself, Alina stepped away to pick up the call. The rest of the group exchanged curious glances, noticing the sudden shift in her demeanor.
"Hey, what's going on? Did you see how fast her mood changed?" Carson whispered to Mark, stating the obvious.
Rolling his eyes at his brother's idiocy, Mark gestured for them to come closer, gesturing to his phone.
Zander raised his eyebrows, understanding Mark's intentions.
Lucy and Carson obediently approached, looking confused.
"Hi Xavier," Alina's voice echoed out of Mark's phone, her tone strained and distant, revealing a hidden tension beneath the surface.
The room fell into a momentary silence as Alina's awkwardness seeped through the phone call, a palpable sadness lingering in her voice. It was evident to everyone that Xavier held a significant place in her life, a connection that ran deep.
"Did you tap her cellphone?" Lucy asked incredulously, a mix of surprise and suspicion in her tone.
"Shhh..." Mark hushed her with a finger to his lips, his expression serious as he listened intently to the conversation unfolding on the other end of the line.
"Hi Ali," Xavier's voice, husky with remorse, echoed through the phone.
Alina's heart skipped a beat at the sound of his voice, a familiar wave of emotions washing over her. "Bro, stop brooding and talk. This doesn't suit you," she chided gently, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
Xavier let out a sigh, his voice heavy with regret. "Ali, I am really sorry... I couldn't comprehend anything then... Everything is my fault."
Alina felt a pang of sympathy for him, knowing the inner turmoil he must be going through. "Xav, stop it! You, out of all people, wouldn't hurt me intentionally. I know how much you care about me. It's just that this time you fell in love. And at that moment, it was your heart that was in control, not your brain," she reassured him, trying to ease his guilt.
"But that does not warrant the hurt and humiliation you faced. You didn't deserve it. Even before our wedding was finalized, you asked me about her... and I denied it," Xavier confessed, his self-depreciation evident in his voice.
Alina's heart ached at his words, memories of their past flooding back. "I know, but what should I do? Who would have thought that Leah would get into an accident then, and you would realize your feelings for her?" she said softly, understanding the complexity of their situation.
"Ali, I don't understand how you can always be so reasonable," Xavier said with a sigh, a tinge of heartache evident in his voice.
"You know I was always like this," Alina replied with a wry smile, acknowledging her reputation for level-headedness, which had often caused headaches for her family and friends growing up.
"Oh, by the way, how's Leah? Is she alright?" Alina inquired, genuine concern coloring her tone. "Xav, you can't continue to treat her like you usually do, okay? She's a patient now. You should shower her with love and care, pamper her, okay?" She admonished him with a playful tone.
"Seriously! My ex-fiancée is giving me advice on how to woo the girl I like," Xavier chuckled, amused by the irony of the situation.
"She's fine, she woke up yesterday and was moved to her room. But she's not talking to me. Apparently, she heard about what happened and is feeling indignant for you," Xavier informed her, his voice tinged with amusement and exasperation.
Alina let out a soft laugh, the tension between them momentarily lifted by their banter. "Well, Miss Tang has always been a woman after my own heart. Looks like we might just be love rivals now," she teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Very funny, Miss Hale. So where are you? Melissa sent me a bunch of threatening messages, informing me that you are on a healing trip to mend your heart, which was tattered into pieces by me," Xavier teased, his voice tinged with amusement.
"Personally, I think you just went to fangirl over your K-pop idols," he continued, playfully exposing her thoughts.
"Such slanders! How dare you make such unfounded accusations. Serves you right that Miss Tang is ignoring you," Alina protested in faux shock, her tone exaggerated for effect.
"Jokes apart, where are you exactly and what are your plans?" Xavier inquired, his amusement evident in his voice.
Both Alina and the gang eavesdropping on the call fell silent for a moment, waiting for her response.
"When I was in Neonpolis, I met some previous acquaintances who were traveling. I found their destination interesting, so I followed them. Don't worry, they are reliable people," Alina replied, omitting some important facts but speaking the truth nonetheless.
"Okay, then be in touch. We'll discuss what happened when you're back. I owe you a proper apology," Xavier said, his tone turning serious for a moment.
"Bye-bye, Xavy. Don't worry, I'll talk to Leah," Alina said, ending the call on a lighter note.
As the call ended, the group exchanged bewildered glances, trying to process the unexpected conversation they had just overheard.
"Did you guys hear that? Alina's talking to Xavier like they're old pals," Carson remarked, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
"They are old pals," Xavier interjected spewing facts.
"Yeah, and did you catch how she's giving him relationship advice? Talk about maturity," Mark added, scratching his head in confusion, completely ignoring Zander.
"I can't believe she's still so caring towards him after everything," Lucy chimed in, a hint of admonishment in her tone. "Honestly, Alina's too kind for her own good."
Carson, always the one to lighten the mood, interjected with a quip. "Well, if she's taking a healing trip, maybe we should all go on one. My heart could use some mending too, you know?"
Mark chuckled at Carson's remark. "Yeah, maybe we should book a group therapy session while we're at it."
Lucy rolled her eyes at their antics but couldn't help but smile.
Zander's voice cut through the light banter like a knife, his tone serious and commanding. "This is not some pity Alina party," he admonished, his gaze piercing as he looked at each member of the group in turn.
Lucy straightened up, nodding in agreement. "You're right, Zander. We need to stay focused on the task at hand."
Carson, always one to push boundaries, raised an eyebrow. "But come on, Zander, can you blame us for being a little curious? It's not every day we hear something like that."
Zander's expression softened slightly, understanding Carson's point but not relenting. "I get it, but we can't afford any distractions right now. And make sure she doesn't find out we eavesdropped on her conversation. Don't give it away in your expressions," he warned, knowing their tendencies all too well.
Mark nodded in agreement. "Got it, Zander. Our lips are sealed."
With a collective understanding, the group dispersed, each member turning their attention back to the task at hand, their curiosity about Alina's mysterious conversation temporarily set aside.