The Keys to freedom

Family ties

Her instincts kicked in the moment Lance's cold voice filled the room. Without thinking, she turned and bolted toward the door. Her heart pounded as adrenaline surged through her, but before she could reach the threshold Pyke stepped forward and grabbed her be the waste.

"It's okay, Oz," he said, his grip firm but not harsh. "No one's going to hurt you."

She twisted in his hold.

"I swear, it's not what you think," his tone was low and pleading.

"Then let me go!" she shouted, yanking harder, but his grip didn't falter. Her eyes darted toward Lance, her voice rising. "You should know my friends are outside waiting for me!"

He chuckled, a sound that made her blood run cold. "Oh, I know all about your friends," he said, his tone casual but laced with malice. "In fact, they're not outside anymore."

Her stomach sank. "What do you mean?"

He smirked and gestured toward the large double doors to the left. With a creak, they swung open, and she gasped as her friends were marched into the room, two masked men following closely behind.

"No!" she shouted, struggling against Pyke's hold.

The group's expressions ranged from confusion to fury.

"What the hell is this?" James demanded.

Pyke let go of Oz as she stumbled toward her friends. She barely had time to reach them before Lance clapped his hands together, drawing their attention.

"All right," he said, his voice smooth and commanding. "Since everyone's here, let's talk business."

The group exchanged uneasy glances as he strode forward, his sharp suit immaculate under the dimmed lighting. He stopped in front of them, his hands casually clasped behind his back.

"What do you want?" Grayson growled, his body tense like he was ready to fight.

"Oh, Grayson," Lance said with a condescending smile. "This isn't about what I want. This is about what we all want—and how we can help each other."

"We don't need your help," Oz spat..

He chuckled again, shaking his head. "Don't be so hasty, my dear. You've been chasing a treasure hunt, haven't you? Risking life and limb, breaking into houses, running from danger. All for what? To end up with a box you can't open."

The group remained quiet.

"Let's stop pretending this is a fair fight," he continued. "I have resources, power, connections. You have...well, determination, I suppose."

"What's your point?" James said annoyed.

"My point is this," his eyes gleaming. "You hand over what you've found so far, and in return, I make sure no harm comes to any of you. Or..." He paused, letting the silence stretch ominously. "You can refuse, and well, will just have to see what happens after that."

The group exchanged tense glances.

"What's it going to be?" His asked, his smile chilling.

Oz stepped forward, her heart pounding but her glare steady as she locked eyes with him.

"I'd rather die than help you."

His smile faltered for a split second, then returned, wider and more chilling than before. He clasped his hands behind his back and leaned closer, his voice soft but dripping with menace.

"Be careful what you wish for, dear."

The group stiffened, and Oz could feel their eyes on her, silently willing her to stop provoking him. But she didn't back down.