FATE UNWRAPS

Chapter 6

Author's pov

Ryder's short nap had unexpectedly turned into a long slumber, and it was almost evening when he finally woke up. Groggily, he reached for his phone and noticed a notification. He wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone, but then he saw that it was from his friend and bandmate, 'Neil Morris' . Ryder's bandmates were more than just colleagues - they were the only people he truly considered friends. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for their unwavering support and trust in him, and he knew he could always count on them.

In the message, Neil wrote to Ryder about his arrival in Norvane, driven by concern for his friend's well-being. He would be arriving within a few hours, and Ryder couldn't help but sigh, not feeling up for company. However, he knew there was no deterring Neil, who was not only a year older but also a bit stubborn. Once Neil made up his mind, there was no changing it. Despite his initial reluctance, Ryder was thankful that he would soon have his friend's support.

Seeking a distraction from his wandering thoughts of past events, Ryder decided to head to the bar on the ground floor. "A good drink will probably take my mind off things and make me feel better," he thought. He headed to the washroom to freshen up, not feeling motivated to dress up. He returned wearing a simple yet stylish outfit - a black shirt paired with black leather jeans and black shoes. He ran his hand through his already messy hair, adding to its perfectly imperfect texture. A quick spritz of cologne completed his low-key yet effortlessly cool look.

Ryder slumped onto a bar stool, ordering a strong drink to pass the time. As he waited, his eyes aimlessly scanned the bar, taking in the lively atmosphere without really seeing it. With a disinterested sigh, he turned his gaze to his glass, now filled with a golden liquid. He stared at it blankly, not really focusing on it, but having nothing else to occupy his mind. His thoughts were a jumble of nothingness, and the drink was just something to look at.

Thirty minutes later, Ryder paid and headed back to his room, eager to escape the bar's noise and chaos. As he approached the door, a sudden clattering sound from behind made him pause and turn around. The noise echoed through the hallway, breaking the silence, he turned back to see what had happened.

As Ryder turned, he stood frozen, his limbs numb with sudden fear. His mind racing with worst-case scenarios, he took in the scene before him. A group of 10 to 15 people, their faces twisted in anger, stood mere meters away, their eyes fixed on him like predators sizing up prey. Ryder's heart sank as he realized they had recognized him, his anonymity shattered. He regretted his decision to venture out without his mask, thinking he could blend in, but he knew better. He was, after all, extremely famous - a fact he often tried to forget, but couldn't escape. The weight of their collective gaze made his skin crawl, and Ryder's instincts screamed at him to retreat, to escape the danger lurking in their eyes. But his feet stood still.

Without warning, a hand grasped his wrist, pulling him backward with a force that made him stumble. Ryder's feet tangled beneath him as he struggled to regain balance, but before he could even process what was happening, he was yanked into an elevator. The doors slid shut behind him, closing off the chaos of the crowd surging forward. Ryder's mind reeled in shock, his heart racing from the sudden adrenaline rush. He stood frozen, trying to make sense of the rapid sequence of events.

To be continued..