Moth to a Flame

Trentatre| The Moon

Trigger Warning: The story may contain triggering and/or sensitive events and occurrences. Sexual violence, sexual abuse, and assault are some topics mentioned within this story. Some readers may find it disturbing and/or not suitable for young audiences. Reader discretion is advised.

THIRD PERSON

"Apollo, where are you going?!" Marahas na hinawakan ni Fabian ang braso ng kanyang anak. He turned at him, his expression serious and grim.

"I am going to Italy," he answered with finality.

"No! You are staying here!" pigil ng kanyang ama. Tumalim ang tingin niya rito.

"Pops, the location where my daughter is held captive is the exact place where I found Beatrice's body!" Natigilan si Fabian. Lumuwag ang pagkakahawak niya sa anak. "All through these years, my investigation was a dead end! And out of nowhere, my daughter went missing and was found in the location where her mother died! Ano sa tingin mo ang iisipin ko?"

Mahigpit na napahawak sa sungkod ang matanda. He would not even dare to think what might happen to his granddaughter. But he was also worried about his son's impulsive behaviour. Lalo na ngayon at mukhang magkakaroon na siya ng panibagong lead sa pagkamatay ng asawa niya.

He would only put himself in danger but knew he couldn't stop him.

"Pops—"

Binitawan ni Fabian ang braso niya sabay tapik sa balikat nito. "Just be safe. Stay alive, may utang ka pa sa akin." Sa kabila ng pagbibiro nito ay hindi magawang ngumiti ni Apollo.

He had already lost his wife. He couldn't lose his daughter.

"What the hell is wrong with you, Leti?" Nauurat na tanong ni Roan nang bigla siyang sapakin ni Leticia sa panga.

Kage had already left using the speed boat she used to catch them up and was left on the ship to supervise the shipment on his behalf. Hindi naman siya nagreklamo dahil may gusto rin siyang kausapin.

"Bakit hindi ka ma-contact ni Keegan?" Umiwas kaagad ito ng tingin. "We're in the middle of the sea! You expect us to have signal everywhere?"

"Bullshit!" She spat and grasped the chain of his necklace. Napaubo dito dahil sa sakit. "The Don and the Underboss have built-in satellite access for global service! There's no way you can't be contacted unless sinadya mong patayin!" Hinila niya lalo ang kwintas nito kaya lalong napayuko ang ulo ng binata.

"And don't tell me Arlecchino turned his phone off because he would never! Halos oras-oras niyan tinatanong kung kamusta ang asawa niya kaya imposible na patayin niya ang phone niya!" Hindi ito sumagot, pawang hampas lang ng alon ang naging ingay sa pagitan nilang dalawa.

At dahil mukhang wala naman itong balak magsalita, pasinghal siyang binitawan ng dalaga. "You better get on your knees and pray to God she's safe and unharmed." Seryoso niya itong tiningnan sa mata. "Because if he found a single wound on her body, you will suffer tenfold!" Padabog niya itong iniwan.

Roan touched his jaw where she punched him. For a small woman like her, she punched pretty hard.

"Come on, Dad, pick up the phone!" Muntik na maibato ni Distaunce ang phone niya dahil out of reach ang magaling niyang ama.

He promised to send me her location!

Pero gabi na ay hindi niya pa rin natutunton ang lokasyon ng kapatid niya. She was last seen in Bay 6 entering a Mercedes Benz. Naka-blur ang plaka but with the help of the standby millitary generals, he was able to ask for their help. Lahat ng tindahan na may CCTV, poste at mga nakapaligid na blockbox ng sasakyan sa kalsada ay nasundan nila ito hanggang main road.