If you only knew...

48.Tasks and confessions

Xavier's POV

As I finally arrive at the entrance to the exhaust vents, I can't help but notice how the space stretches tall enough for a person to stand. Yet, I find myself kneeling on the cold ground, desperately trying to catch my breath. Each pant feels heavy, while the sharp pain in my side threatens to steal my focus. I fight the urge to press my hand against it; I can't let Ana or Lisa see my struggle now. Their concentration is vital for the success of our mission, and the last thing I want is to distract them. So, I bury the pain deep and steel myself for the next steps.

But even though I try my best to mask it, the pain is written all over my face, and Ana picks up on it right away.

"Xavier, are you okay?" Her voice is laced with concern as she hurries over to me, gently cupping my chin in her hands, searching my eyes for answers.

"You really don't look well at all," Lisa suddenly remarks.

"I'm fine, just exhausted, give me a moment," I gasp, struggling to find my footing. I take a deep breath, fueling myself with a surge of determination as I attempt to stand up.

As I rise to my feet, Ana catches me off guard by wrapping her arms around me, her voice brimming with resolve. "I don't believe you—where does it hurt?"

Her gaze instinctively falls to my side, and for a brief moment, I feel disappointed in myself for failing to hide all of this. Finally, I manage to respond softly, "Nothing, really. Let's just move on."

I press the earpiece snugly against my ear, eager to reach Nate and see if he's locked onto our targets yet. The discomfort in my body is hard to ignore, but I focus on the mission, hoping that it will slowly fade away.

She gently pulls away from the embrace, a flicker of realization passing over her face as she understands that we're running out of time.

Nate's voice crackles through the earpiece, tension lacing every word. "What took you so long, boy??" His frustration is palpable, almost drowning out the urgency. "I've had eyes on the targets for ages, but I was holding back, waiting for your cue! Are you in or what?"

"I'm sorry, we encountered a minor issue earlier. Please give me your location from down there. Are the targets nearby?" I calmly say, aiming to help him regain his composure.

"Absolutely, they're placing their bets at the roulette table right now. I'll leave Clara to keep an eye on them, ensuring they stay put for a while. Meanwhile, I'm heading back in the direction they came from to search for any locked doors that might lead to their private room." Nate's voice is steady, laced with purpose as he formulates his plan.

"Could you please share the location with us first? It feels like a maze up here with so many routes to choose from. Honestly, I'm a bit lost regarding the direction to the center of the building and I want to avoid taking a wrong turn." I respond calmly.

"Just sent it to you! Now, quick—get closer so I can pinpoint the area of interest," he urges.

"Okay!"

As we press on, the narrow passages transform into a labyrinth of tiny tunnels branching off in every direction, each one compelling us to crawl from here deeper into the unknown.

"Alright, girls, I hope you don't have a fear of tight spaces also, or I might just quit my job here!" I chuckle.

Both of them erupt in laughter. Ana pauses to smirk, "You're in luck—no claustrophobia here!"

"Same goes for me, Xavier! You're saved!" Lisa chimes in, her giggle echoing through the tunnels.

"Thank God..." I let out a sigh of relief.