Alluring Mask

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 26

I forced my heavy eyelids open, my body shivering uncontrollably. The cold, hard surface beneath me was unfamiliar. As my vision cleared, I realized I was submerged in a bathtub filled with ice water, and it clung to my skin, numbing my senses and sending shivers down my spine.

I didn't even feel the cold water and ice because the heat of my body was overpowering. But why was I trembling? I didn't know if it was because of the cold or what was happening to me.

"How are you? Thank god that you're okay now."

I slowly turned to Ria, who was walking towards me. I could still hear voices outside the bathroom, which I think were Atlas and Oceanus. But I couldn't make out what they were talking about because my mind felt cloudy. I couldn't process what was happening right now.

"R-Ria," I called her name weakly.

She was wearing a lab coat and lowered her facemask when she got closer to me in the bathtub. She sat down on the edge and gave me a faint smile.

"Oceanus called me to take care of you as soon as you got home," she told me.

Without thinking, I lowered my gaze and hugged myself when I realized I was completely naked in front of her. But it seemed pointless because they had probably seen me like this for a while now.

I tried to get up, and Ria immediately helped me until I could stand. She helped me put on a black bathrobe that was hanging on the side and sat back down beside me.

"She's still sleeping—"

Ria and I both looked up when Atlas and Oceanus suddenly entered. They were both shirtless, wearing white polo long sleeves that were rolled up to their elbows.

"I'm sorry," I apologized quickly as they fully entered the room. "I couldn't complete the task you assigned me, Atlas. I promise to make it up to you next time."

I hugged myself as I felt my body still trembling. The intense heat was subsiding, and I was slowly starting to feel the cold. The coldness was slowly spreading throughout my body, as if the air conditioner was set to its maximum coldness. Even though the bathroom heater was on, I was still freezing. I could feel my muscles trembling

"It's okay, Sarah," Oceanus interjected. "The important thing is that you're okay now. It seems like you were caught off guard by what Atlas did."

"Yeah... I think so? I don't know what you mixed in there, but it felt really weird. What did you put in the drinks the waiters were serving?" I asked, frowning.

"Sex drugs," Atlas replied curtly, arms crossed in front of him.

I swallowed hard, unable to believe his answer. Could that be why my body reacted so strongly when I tried to kill Amadeus? My memory of what happened in the security room was hazy, but I clearly remembered hearing him say my name.

He knew my real name, but why? How did he find out my real name? I knew nothing about Amadeus Alejandro Zevallos beyond his surname, which was the same as my best friend's.

It was possible that my suspicion was correct—that their family was involved in shady dealings. But I couldn't bring myself to ask him if he knew Rafael, afraid of confirming my suspicions. Still, there was a chance... a big chance.

My mind was racing. Amadeus's profile in the organization only mentioned his work, under the codename Helios.

"Sarah..."

I blushed furiously when I heard his voice in my head. Was I going crazy? Why was my body reacting this way to the sound of his voice after only meeting him once?