Ace let go of Maya after hearing her confession, his expression unreadable. "Diana, right?" he said, his voice low and menacing, before turning to leave. Maya was taken aback, surprised that Ace didn't press her for more information.
In front of the janitor's room, Helena found the door locked. She quickly went to get the key from the school staff. As she returned with the key, she saw Ace standing beside the door. "You got the key?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the door.
Helena nodded, but before she could insert the key, Ace said, "Move aside." Helena titled her head, confused. "Let me open it," Ace said, his voice firm.
Helena stepped aside, letting Ace take over. With one swift move, Ace unlocked the door and pushed it open. The room was dark, with only a sliver of light peeking through the small window. Both Helena and Ace grimaced, wondering who would willingly spend time in such a dingy space.
"Aria," Helena called out, her voice echoing off the walls. "Aria," Ace repeated, his voice laced with concern as he rushed into the room.
As they called out Aria's name, Helena stumbled upon something on the floor. Looking down, her eyes widened in shock as she saw Aria's unconscious body. "Aria!" Helena gasped loudly.
Ace quickly turned around, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Helena. "Where is she?" he asked, his voice urgent.
Helena pointed to Aria's body, and Ace quickly knelt beside her. "Aria, wake up," he called out, his voice laced with worry.
As Helena watched, she noticed the look of concern etched on Ace's face. It was a look she had never seen before, and it made her realize just how much Ace cared for Aria.
The janitor's room was a small, cramped space with dusty shelves and a single, flickering light bulb. The air was thick with the smell of disinfectant and decay.
As Ace lifted Aria into his arms, Helena noticed the look of determination on his face. His eyes seemed to bore into the darkness, as if searching for something or someone to blame for Aria's condition.
The cold look in his eyes sent a shiver down Helena's spine. It was a look that seemed to say, "I will not rest until I find out who did this, and I will make them pay."
Ace's face darkened as he remembered Maya's confession. They beat her, huh? The thought sent a wave of anger coursing through his veins.
Ace quickly made his way to the school infirmary, but it was already closed. Without hesitation, Ace rushed to his car, Aria still in his arms. Helena followed close behind, opening the back door for Ace to lay Aria down.
As Ace drove off, Helena sat in the passenger seat, watching as Ace's face seemed to grow darker with every passing moment.
In a few minutes, Ace arrived at a nearby pharmacy and rushed inside, Aria still in his arms. Helena followed, watching as Ace's eyes scanned the room, searching for a doctor.
After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor arrived, and Ace laid Aria down on the examination table. The doctor quickly got to work, tending to Aria's wounds.
As the doctor worked, Ace's eyes never left Aria's face. His expression was a mixture of concern and anger, and Helena could tell that he was struggling to keep his emotions in check.
Finally, after what seemed like hours, the doctor finished, and Aria's eyes flickered open. She looked up at Ace, her voice weak as she whispered, "Ace."
Ace's face softened, and he smiled, his eyes filled with relief. "I'm here," he said, his voice low and gentle. "You're safe now."