Do you believe in Angels?

Chapter 32

At Sorties Building 

Collin pulled up to the Sorties Building, the imposing structure casting long shadows in the evening light. Melanie stepped out of the car, her face a mask of exhaustion and worry. As they approached the entrance, Duncan and Daisy greeted them with warm smiles.

"Welcome, Melanie," Duncan said, his voice gentle. "Noah told us everything. You're safe here."

Melanie nodded, grateful but weary. "Thank you, Mr. Duncan. I just need some rest."

Collin pulled Duncan aside and relayed Noah's instructions. "Wherever Melanie needs to go, either you or I should accompany her. It's important she's not left alone."

Duncan nodded solemnly. "Understood. We'll take good care of her."

Three days later....

Three days had passed, and Melanie began to feel a semblance of normalcy. But today, she needed to retrieve some personal items from Noah's apartment. She picked up her phone and called Collin, but there was no answer. Frustration mounted as she tried again, but still got no answer.

Melanie sighed and went in search of Duncan, only to find he had left for an important meeting. Desperation forced her to turn to Jacob, who was standing near the entrance.

"Jacob, can you take me to Noah's apartment? I need to grab some things."

Jacob nodded, though he seemed slightly uncertain. "Sure, Melanie. Let's go, but what about Noah's instructions?"

"He told me not to go alone, but as long as I have company, we're fine, I suppose." Melanie replied as they headed out of the building.

At Noah's apartment

Jacob parked the car and waited outside while Melanie went upstairs. The apartment felt eerily quiet as she entered. She quickly gathered her belongings, her thoughts preoccupied with Noah's journey.

Suddenly, she heard a noise behind her. Before she could react, strong hands grabbed her, and a cloth was pressed over her mouth. Panic surged through her as she struggled, but the grip was too strong. She was dragged into the dark hallway, her vision obscured by the blindfold.

Melanie felt herself being shoved into a chair, her hands roughly tied behind her. The room was dark, and the cloth over her eyes prevented her from seeing anything. Her heart pounded in her chest as she shouted, "Hello? Is anyone there?"

Only the sound of footsteps echoed in response, moving steadily around her. She tried to calm her breathing, straining to catch any clue about her surroundings. The footsteps grew quieter, fading into the distance until all she could hear was the door closing with a heavy thud.

"Please, let me go!" Melanie cried, her voice breaking the oppressive silence. But there was no answer, only the chilling emptiness of the room.

She struggled against the ropes, feeling the rough fibers dig into her skin. Her mind raced with fear and desperation. Where am I? What do they want with me?

 Outside Noah's Apartment

Jacob checked his watch, growing increasingly anxious. Melanie had been gone for too long. He stepped out of the car and looked up at the building, debating whether to go in after her. The unsettling quiet of the evening only heightened his sense of dread.

Jacob's phone buzzed, but it wasn't from Melanie. He frowned, realizing something was terribly wrong. Gathering his courage, he made his way up to the apartment, calling out for Melanie as he went. But the apartment was empty, and Melanie was nowhere to be found.