Found Obsession

Chapter 58: Greco's case IX: He's here!

As Marcus's hand tried to move further down, Rose's disgust morphed into a searing anger. She gripped his wrist tightly, prepared to strike, but before she could act, a figure emerged from the shadows.

In an instant, Marcus was ripped from her side and thrown to the floor. A solid punch landed on him, followed by a voice that sent a wave of relief through her.

"Get your filthy hands off her," Levi growled, standing over Marcus.

Rose scrambled off the bed, her breath ragged as she saw the disgust in Levi's eyes directed at Marcus.

Marcus gritted his teeth, rubbing his jaw. "You better hope I don't become a guard. When I do, I'll make sure they leave me alone with you," he sneered, threatening Levi.

But Levi wasn't fazed. His eyes darkened, his stance firm. Rose's eyes mirrored his fury.

"Move," Levi said quietly to Rose, and she edged to the side of the bed. Levi stepped in beside her and laid down, their backs nearly touching, Levi keeping his gaze fixed on Marcus while Rose looked toward Margaret, still asleep, oblivious to the chaos.

This child, Levi, had defended her.

Her determination only deepened. She had to get them out. Her hands itched to act, to do something-anything. Just a little longer, she told herself.

Sleep was out of reach. Instead, Rose found herself praying silently in her mind.

Lord, please help me get these children out. Keep them safe. They've suffered too much. If I'm truly part of your lineage, answer me-please. Not later, not in a year, now, she pleaded.

For a moment, she felt foolish. If a divine power existed, why would he allow such cruelty to happen to innocent children? Yet, despite the doubt, something in her soul screamed that she was here for a reason. As the thought settled, she felt a faint burn in her mark-

Then, to her surprise, she heard Levi's soft voice in the quiet.

"I prayed to see Margaret smile one day, and you made it happen," he muttered, as if responding to her own prayer.

"Help me keep her safe as much as possible," he whispered, his words carrying the weight of his heart.

"Of course," Rose said, without a shred of doubt.

She didn't know how much longer they sat there, but at some point, food was tossed at them. When she saw the sun creeping through again, Rose realized it was December 12. Today, they were supposed to be moved-Margaret had mentioned it. Whether Brianna was with them or not, Rose knew she had to act.

She swallowed hard, glancing at Levi and Marcus, who were still locked in their silent glaring contest. Rose sighed inwardly, the urge to beat Marcus into a pulp growing stronger by the minute. But she had to keep up the facade, stay calm and appear timid. Yet, disgust gnawed at her, deepening her loathing for Marcus. Now, she could clearly see why he was being considered as a guard.

Time passed before several nuns and guards entered the room. Rose, trying to stay inconspicuous, tapped the wood twice-a signal to the children. They had to know a game was about to begin.

"Grey cloaks, to the right of the room. White ones, to the left," one of the nuns ordered.

With a few murmurs, the group began to divide. Rose and the others shuffled into their respective sides. Her heart sank as she glanced over-there were still 12 adults and 26 children on the opposite side, the numbers tearing at her soul.

Her side had 27, 28 including herself.

Her hands trembled uncontrollably. She knew what this division meant. She wish she had hands for all.