Found Obsession

Chapter 121: Preparing

"It is, Rose," her father confirmed. "I have everyone holding back that information until you declare Jonathan's departure. Like I said, the upper hand is yours, darling. Please be careful and get prepared."

Rose swallowed hard.

"Rose, please let me know if I'm still on speaker," her father added.

She quickly removed the speaker mode. "You're not on speaker anymore," she said her voice faltering.

"Good," her father replied. "Rose, how's your mark? Has your mother contacted you?"

"It's... fine," she whispered, her voice trembling. "And as for my mother, I haven't heard anything. Nothing."

"Hmm," her father said thoughtfully. "Try persuading Wyatt to reveal who created his security system. If he doesn't say anything, I'll handle him myself."

Rose felt fear gripping her chest. "Yeah," she managed, her voice tight.

"Alright, honey, I have to go. Remember, I'm always available for you," he said in a tone that sent chills down her spine.

"Thank you, Dad," she whispered, and the line went dead.

Before Rose and Wyatt could process the weight of the conversation, a heavy knock sounded at the door. Her legs felt weak as she rose to answer it.

Opening the door, she found Percy standing there, holding out a small radio.

"Ma'am," Percy said, extending it toward her with urgency.

Rose swallowed and took the radio.

"Rose," she heard Jonathan's voice, rough and urgent.

Relief washed over her. "Jonathan," she said, her voice shaking.

"Are you alone?" he asked immediately.

"Wyatt and Percy are here," she replied, glancing at the two men.

"Wyatt?," Jonathan said, his tone heavy, however, he seem to push that aside. "Make sure it's just the three of you. No one else."

She nodded, letting Percy step inside and locking the door behind them.

"Rose, I swear I didn't know," Jonathan said, his voice tinged with frustration. "This war... it's no ordinary war. They lied. It's going to escalate into a world war."

Rose wanted to tell him she already knew—she'd spoken to her father—but she held back. Jonathan was out there, he would be carrying the weight of countless lives on his shoulders by being their leader. She couldn't add to his burden.

"Listen, Rose," he continued. "My signal is about to be cut off. We won't have communication for a while not with this type of war—probably only letters. Percy will help with that, okay?"

"Yes," Rose said, her voice cracking.

"Rose, remember to stand firm. I know this is a lot, but I need you together. There's no time to lose."

Rose clenched her fists, fighting the overwhelming pressure. "I will," she whispered.

"Get food, enough water, medicines, shelter, cover. Protect those children, Rose. Damn it, even get seeds if you have to."

"I—I will," Rose stammered, her voice barely audible.

"Rose..." His voice began breaking up, fragments of his words fading in and out.

"Jonathan, I can't hear you!" she said, panicking. "If you can hear me, Jonathan, I'll cover this side and protect anyone I can. Please, take care of yourself. Please be careful. I—" she whispered desperately.