FATE UNWRAPS

Chapter 9

Ryder pov

A knock at the door startled me. I froze, unsure who it could be. "Ignore it," I thought, but then I heard Neil's tired voice, "Bro, it's me. Open the door." My eyes widdened "Shit, shit, shit!" I muttered under my breath.

"As I opened the door, Neil enveloped me in a warm hug, his voice laced with concern. 'Ryder, are you okay? You're not hurt, are you? I was so worried about you.' His words tumbled out in a rush.
"Breaking free from the hug, I stepped back. 'What's going on? I'm perfectly fine,' I said, gesturing for Neil to enter and shut the door. But instead of relief, Neil's expression turned disapproving as he gazed at me. He dropped his bag onto the sofa and said, 'Don't try to outsmart me, Ryder. I know what went down at the bar.' My eyes widened in shock, and I stuttered, "H-how... You... What?'' I rubbed my face, trying to process this unexpected revelation."

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Yeah, they tried attacking me." Neil's expression softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Did you know the woman who helped you?" he asked. I shook my head, still trying to process the events. Neil's gaze turned thoughtful. "I'm glad she stepped in. It could have gotten ugly otherwise." I just shrugged.

"By the way, Ryder," Neil said, his voice tinged with concern, "you don't blame yourself for what happened, do you?" I avoided his gaze, feeling a twinge of guilt. Neil sighed, his expression empathetic. "Ryder, we've been over this. It's not your fault. It's them - the people we trusted and loved with all our hearts - who betrayed us. You're not to blame. We're human, too, and we have feelings." He paused, making sure I understood. "Do you get me?"

I nodded, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I promise I won't, Neil. It was just in the moment..." I trailed off, still processing my emotions. Neil nodded, then suddenly changed the subject. "Alright, alright, I'm hungry. Order something for me, bro."

I smiled as Neil entered the bedroom, feeling a sense of relief. "Thanks, friend," I said, my voice sincere.

Neil's pov

Ryder had no idea who Ita Venus was. But I'm certain she recognized me - her expression gave it away. Still, she played it cool, and I didn't think much of it... until she offered me advice about Ryder, as if she knew everything.
First thing tomorrow morning, I'm confronting her. I can't trust anyone, especially not now. Even if she's just a fan, she could still use that to her advantage - or worse, against us.

Next morning

"Hey, good morning, Ryder," I said, entering the kitchen.

"Morning, Neil," he replied, his voice still heavy with sleep.

"I wanted to talk to you about something," I continued, taking a seat next to him.
"Hmm, speak," Ryder said, sliding a bowl of cereal in my direction.

"I was thinking... you know people probably know your location by now, and it's not safe for you to stay here," I said, choosing my words carefully. "I think you should consider changing locations."

Ryder muttered, "Let me think about it for a bit."
Not wanting to press him, I said, "I have some work to do. I'll be back in an hour."

He looked at me intently, but then nodded, and I headed off to Ita's room.

I knocked on Ita's door, and when she opened it, she was surprised to see me standing there. But she quickly composed herself and spoke in a polite tone, "Good morning, Mr. Morris." I also replied politely, "Good morning, Miss Venus." I then told her, "I wanted to talk to you about something." She seemed confused by my request, but nodded and indicated for me to enter her room.

As I sat in her living room, surrounded by warm lighting, she asked if I wanted something to eat or drink. I politely declined, my eyes fixed on hers, and she nodded understandingly. As she sat down in front of me, I spoke in a gentle but firm tone, "Miss Venus, I'll ask you something, and you will answer me truthfully. Hmm?" I paused, my eyes locked on hers, waiting for her response. She gulped, a slight nervousness creeping into her demeanor, and nodded meekly, her eyes darting down for a moment before meeting mine again. I continued, my brow raised in inquiry, "Do you perhaps know me and Ryder?" The question hung in the air, and she avoided my gaze, her eyes fluttering down once more before she nodded meekly, a soft "yes" barely escaping her lips.