Isabella~
"What are you doing here?"
I heard noises and a dangerous voice around me, and I opened my eyes. The dim glow of the museum flickered across the room. My heart sank.
"We were new to this place and had lost our way," James said, his voice trembling with forced politeness.
What's going on here? Where are we? I looked around to see what was happening in my immediate environment. Three gunmen stood in front of us, pointing their weapons at us. Xavier stood like a mountain, his arms wrapped tightly around my waist, his presence grounding me in the face of fear.
"Where do you want to go?" I heard the piercing voice of one of the gunmen, his tone sharp enough to cut through the tense silence.
"We want to go to this drama theater." James reached into his coat and pulled out one card, his hands slightly tremblingbut his expressioncalm.
Drama-theater? What is he talking about? I looked at him in confusion. Why did he dress in pirate clothes?
"Have you seen any of them? We are actively searching for those individuals." The man who looked like Hulk's body questioned Xavier after showing our photos on his phone.
My breath caught. Why is he unable to recognize us when we are standing right before him? These are undoubtedly Jonathan's men, who have come here to attack us.
"No, we didn't see them anywhere, but the woman's appearance was strikingly beautiful."
When I heard Xavier's gentle voice, I turned to him. His tone felt so deliberate, almost calculated, but why? Then, I noticed the flicker of determination in his expression. He's trying to deflect their attention, I realized.
Yes, I now understand. James and Xavier had disguised themselves to deceive the gunmen, but why hadn't they recognized me? I looked at my appearance and saw that I was wearing a fairy outfit. What are they trying to do? How can they fool them by changing their appearance to different characters?
My body shook when I saw a pistol in their hands, but Xavier's firm hold on my waist reassured me that I was safe in his care.
"I couldn't find them anywhere, Boss, but I did find three theater actors in the old museum. If you allow them, I can bring them with me to entertain you."
One gunman's phone buzzed with a number, and I noticed his face flinch on seeing the call.
This must be Jonathan's call, I thought, my mind racing. Or maybe we can reach Jonathan through these gunmen.
After giving a head nod, the gunman ended the call.
What did he say to him on the phone?
"You must accompany us." After pointing his gun at us, one of the gunmen motioned for us to follow him.
"No, we have to get to our show, so we can't accompany you." Xavier declined to follow them and shook his head firmly.
What is he doing? How could he pass up this fantastic chance to locate Jonathan?
"You must accompany us since our boss wants to see your acting abilities."
When the other gunman heard Xavier say no, he frowned, his grip tightening on his weapon.
"If your boss desires entertainment, suggest he visit our drama theater." Even after seeing the pointed gun, Xavier remained where he was, his voice as unwavering as his stance.
Why is he acting so obstinately? I held his shoulder tightly to grab his attention, but he didn't look at my face even once.
Why is he not paying attention to my face?
"We will shoot you if you fail to come with us." The gunman pulled the trigger to intimidate us once more, the click sending a jolt of fear through my body.
"We'll accompany you, so don't shoot us." To prevent him from firing at us, I extended my hand in front of him.
"Good, follow us."
Xavier tightened his hold around my waist before turning to face me. I could see by the disapproving expression in his eyes that he didn't like my suggestion to accompany those armed men.
"This is our opportunity to locate Jonathan," I whispered in his ear, but he didn't seem to understand my reasoning.
The gunmen opened their car to let us in and then proceeded to drive through the unfamiliar streets of Italy.
"Why are you making matters worse for us? Are you aware of the potential consequences if he discovers our true identity?" Xavier gritted his teeth in anger.
I cast an apologetic gaze at his face. His fury was concealed by the compassion in his beautiful blue eyes for me.
When the car stopped near the historic Italian structure, the gunmen motioned for us to exit.
Xavier helped me get down by supporting my body with his shoulder. I winced in agony from my fractured leg, but I made an effort not to groan.
Xavier held me in his arms once again because he understood my suffering without even saying it. I felt so strangely comforted by his body warmth that I wasn't even afraid to enter such a frightening and gloomy building.
His presence provided me with solace, and I no longer felt afraid to face Jonathan Lucas.
I used to think that his love for me was an obsession, but now I see that it's sincere. He traveled to Italy to surprise me. I was worried about how he would react when he learned the truth about my trip to Italy, but I now realize that his rage is just a front for his possessiveness and worry about me.
"We bring them, boss."
The sound of a gunman's voice caused me to emerge from my reverie. Although it was so dark that I couldn't see the man's face, I could still feel Jonathan's presence.
I'm positive Jonathan is here, a chill running through me. I experienced the same sensations when I first saw Jordan Lucas.
I am happy that I have finally found him. Now I will bring justice for Laila and fulfill my promise to Aunt Lily.
"A fairy, a magician, and a pirate. You brought some fascinating people here."
A menacing voice reverberated across the dimly lit room as two spotlights centered on our faces.
"Show me what you can do."
I caught a glimpse of his face after hearing a chair slide. He was just as dangerous as Jordan.
My body twitched with anxiety, completely unsure of how we would handle the situation.
I glanced at Xavier's face before shifting my attention to James. They are just as confused as I am.