Submitting To The Devil - The Devil's Snare - Book 2

Chapter Ninety One

Niko

As I survey the room, I notice three distinct doors, each providing access in and out of this space. The first door, positioned at the back, swings open to reveal a cramped area filled with storage cupboards. Among the clutter, I spot an elderly woman nestled among the shadows, her presence almost hidden. She exudes an air of gentle vulnerability, with silver strands framing her soft, weathered face. Though her age marks her features, she radiates a sense of inherent harmlessness, as if shaped by years of quiet resilience.

I leave her there, carefully tucked away in the shadows of the cupboard, making a silent promise to return for her. As I step back into the bustling canteen thats filled with our men, my instincts guide me to the left, my fingers dancing over the control panel as the electronic system springs to life on autopilot. It buzzes red and so I shoot it much as we have done with the others.

The atmosphere shifts abruptly as everyone turns, bracing for another chaotic volley as the door swings open before me, but instead, we are greeted by an unsettling silence that hangs heavy in the air. With deliberate confidence, I stride through the doorway, navigating a labyrinth of corridors that stretch endlessly before me. The frustration bubbles within as I glance anxiously to my right and left. Where the hell is Bianca?

"Excuse me," a frail voice calls out from the canteen, cutting through the tension like a knife. "Please?" The elderly woman's tone is desperate, tinged with urgency.

Luca steps back inside, his demeanor calm as he greets her with a subtle nod. "Yes?"

"I can help, if you help us..." Her voice trembles with both fear and hope. She obviosuly recognises this might be her only chance, and she's going to take it and I can't blame her. How long has Derek had these people living down here?

"I'm searching for a girl, this girl," Luca replies, lowering his gaze to his phone and offering it to the old woman. "Can you help us find her?"

"Bambi," she acknowledges, a glimmer of recognition lighting up her tired eyes, making me turn to watch her interaction with Luca immediately.

"Bambi?" Luca echoes, confusion lacing his voice as he processes the name.

"They call her Bambi, she's been here for a few days. Her room is down in the private wing over there." She gestures faintly to my right, her hand shaking slightly.

"Thank you." Luca nods, a mixture of relief and determination flooding his expression as he turns to rejoin me.

"Wait, please," she implores, her voice cracking as she steps towards us. "We're all trapped here. We haven't seen the sunlight in years."

"Come with us," Luca replies, his voice steady as he sweeps his hand for her to follow behind us. "Once I rescue Bianca, I promise to help those of you who are forced to remain here," he promises.

"Theres danger lurking. The armys two hundred strong, the men that run this organisation are ruthless," she spews as we walk two by two down the hall with our guns pointed forward.

"We're prepared. Do you know the layout, can you help us round up the vulnerbale?" Luca asks, cantering behind us as I race down the corridor. I'm sure he's only trying to put the old lady at ease, but he's annoying me. I don't give a shit about these people, I only want to find Bianca and escape with her.

As we reach the end of the corridor, we're greeted by an imposing door that stands resolutely before us, vastly different from any we've seen in our journey thus far. This door lacks the sleek electronic lock that typifies the modern entrances here, suggesting an air of mystery and exclusivity.

"That's her room," the woman says, her voice tinged with reverence. She gestures subtly toward the door. "It's voice-activated, allowing only a select few to gain entry." The atmosphere seems to thicken with anticipation, as if the door itself guards secrets waiting to be unveiled.