Chapter 8: The Rescue
The night had settled in, but Celia's mind buzzed with the intensity of the task ahead. The air around them felt thick, charged with the weight of uncertainty. Every step they took toward the old warehouse, every decision made in hushed tones, brought them closer to a confrontation they weren't sure they were prepared for.
As they neared the outskirts of the city, the roads grew less traveled, the buildings sparse. It was here that the Hawkes conducted their most secretive operations, far from prying eyes. The warehouse loomed ahead, its outline barely visible in the dim light, an ominous silhouette against the inky black sky.
Adrian's sharp eyes scanned the area as they approached, his movements smooth and calculated. "We'll need to move quickly. The mercenary wasn't wrong about the guards," he muttered, voice low.
Celia's gaze hardened. "I don't care how many guards there are. We're getting her out."
Adrian turned to her, his expression serious but tinged with something softer—perhaps admiration or concern. "I know. But we'll need a distraction, and we'll need to move swiftly. It's not just the guards you should be worried about."
Celia's pulse quickened. "What do you mean?"
"There's something bigger happening here," Adrian said, his voice lowering even more. "Cassandra's involvement with the Hawkes—it's not just about a single deal gone wrong. This could be bigger than we thought. They won't just let her go."
Celia clenched her jaw. "Then I guess it's a good thing I don't plan on asking them for permission."
---
The warehouse was a hulking structure, its metal exterior riddled with rust and grime, an ancient beast hidden in plain sight. They moved toward the back entrance, keeping to the shadows, until they reached the large, iron door that led inside.
Celia and Adrian exchanged a brief glance before Celia pushed the door open just a fraction, peering inside. The dim glow of a few lanterns illuminated the vast, empty space within. Figures moved in the shadows—guards.
"We go in fast," Celia whispered, her heart pounding in her chest. "No hesitation."
With that, they slipped inside, moving as one. Their footsteps were muffled by the thick dust on the floor, their breaths silent in the cavernous space. They ducked behind stacks of crates and barrels, watching as the guards patrolled the area, unaware of their intrusion.
Celia's thoughts were laser-focused on one thing—Cassandra. She needed to find her, and fast. The mercenary's words echoed in her mind: "If she's here, it'll be well-guarded."
Adrian's voice was barely a whisper in her ear. "There's a door at the far side. That's where they're likely holding her."
Celia nodded. "Let's go."
---
They moved quickly but quietly, avoiding the guards' gaze as they crossed the warehouse. As they neared the door, a voice rang out, sharp and demanding.
"Stop right there!"
Celia froze, adrenaline surging through her veins. A guard had spotted them, his hand reaching for the blade at his side.
Without thinking, Celia threw herself forward, her body moving like lightning. She lunged at the guard, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back before he could draw his weapon. The guard yelped in pain, but before he could call for reinforcements, Adrian was there—swift, efficient, and ruthless.
The man collapsed to the ground, unconscious before he had the chance to make another sound.
Celia didn't waste time. "We move now."
---
They reached the door, which was heavily reinforced with iron bars, and Celia paused, examining the lock. Her heart raced, but there was no time for hesitation. She glanced over her shoulder at Adrian. "I'll handle the lock. You stand guard."
Adrian nodded, his eyes scanning the warehouse for any signs of danger.
Celia's fingers worked swiftly, the system's interface guiding her as she picked the lock. Each click of the tumblers echoed in the silence, and her heart skipped with every passing second. Finally, the lock clicked open, and the door creaked ajar.
They slipped inside, moving into a dimly lit hallway that led to a small, barred cell at the end.
Inside, Cassandra sat slumped on the floor, her face pale and eyes swollen from tears. Her clothes were disheveled, her hands bound behind her back, and her hair tangled with dirt. She looked up in shock as they entered, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"Celia?" Her voice was weak, hoarse. "What—what are you doing here?"
Celia's heart clenched at the sight of her. Despite the woman's faults, no one deserved this fate. She rushed forward, kneeling beside her. "You're safe now. We're getting you out of here."
Cassandra's eyes welled with tears, but she held them back, her chin trembling. "You shouldn't have come. They'll kill you…"
"No one's dying tonight," Celia said firmly, cutting the ropes that bound her hands. "We'll get out of here. Together."
Adrian stepped forward, his gaze sharp as he scanned the hallway outside. "We need to hurry. This place won't stay quiet for long."
---
The trio moved quickly through the hallways, retracing their steps toward the main entrance. But just as they reached the door, a loud bang echoed from the outside.
Celia's stomach dropped. The sound of reinforcements arriving. They were running out of time.
"We need a way out," she said urgently. "Now."
Adrian looked around, his eyes flicking to the windows above them. "Up there," he said, pointing to a small, narrow opening just above their heads. "We can get out through the roof."
Celia didn't hesitate. She grabbed Cassandra's arm and helped her toward the ladder leading up to the roof. Adrian was already ahead of them, his movements swift and precise.
Once on the roof, they were exposed, but the distance between the warehouse and the next building offered a chance. "We jump," Adrian said, his eyes glinting with a predatory intensity.
Celia glanced down at the street below, her breath catching in her throat. It was a dangerous drop, but there was no time for second thoughts. She turned to Cassandra, her voice firm. "Follow me. Don't look down."
And with that, they leapt.
---
The jump was a blur, the wind rushing past them as they landed on the adjacent rooftop. Cassandra stumbled but managed to stay upright, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Celia didn't look back. They couldn't afford to slow down.
The chase was on.