Continuation of the previous chapter 🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️
The hall was silent, save for the echo of their footsteps resonating on the marble floor. Riman emerged from the room, meeting Fox, who appeared somewhat anxious.
> **Riman:** (Thinking to herself, she paused in the middle of the corridor)
> "I need to take Khalid away from them (worried)... If I get the Return Board, he will be my weakness (extremely anxious)... Should I make a deal with Sajjad, who has the power for that, but I'll owe him (annoyed, thinking comically)... No matter, as long as I don't lose him either (smiling gently, thinking about him)..."
She continued down the corridor when Fox suddenly approached her quickly.
> **Fox:** (With clear tension in his voice)
> "Riman... Where were you? We were looking for you..."
> **Riman:** (Pretending to be calm and extremely gentle, though her gaze held an unspoken question)
> "...Why?"
> **Fox:** (Riman smiled childishly, but she hid something)
> "Eks was looking for you (calmly)... What were you doing there? (curiously)" She avoided his scrutinizing gaze.
"Where were you, and are you hiding something serious... (extremely angry, almost exploding)..."
> **Riman:** (Pretending not to care, she gestured for him to rest from carrying her)
> "Nothing..."
> **Fox:** (Sighing, he began to relax his furrowed brows)
> "Riman, listen to me. I trust you, so don't betray my trust, sister (smiling at her)... Come on, let's go..." They advanced forward.
> **Riman:**
> "Okay, I won't betray your trust, brother..." Smiling genuinely.
In her thoughts:
"Everyone is searching (thinking)... Why are they looking for me? I'm exhausted; I'm drained from dealing with that fool (sighing with fatigue)..."
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Everyone gathered in the spacious hall, the atmosphere charged with tension and anxiety. While everyone tried to hide their emotions, Riman appeared with difficulty, panting slightly.
> **Riman:** (Stopping to catch her breath)
> "Peace be upon you..." Suddenly, she leaned.
> (Clutching the edge of the table for a moment, exhausted)
> **Dalia:** (Grasping her, concerned)
> "Riman, are you okay...?"
> **Riman:** (Smiling calmly and gently as usual)
> "I'm fine, maybe just tired..." She laughed lightly. Fox, in his thoughts: "What was she doing in that dark place to exhaust herself like this (worried and thinking)..."
> **Eks:** (Calmly, approaching her)
> "I apologize for calling you during your wedding!" Riman responded calmly, "It's alright... (in her thoughts, feeling that the wedding was just a charade...)" (with internal sarcasm)
> (He placed a hand on her shoulder as if patting it)
> "I wanted to tell you that we'll be leaving soon..."
> **Riman:** (Looking at him in surprise)
> "Where to?"
> **Eks:** (Calmly, but firmly)
> "To one of our fun battles (smiling gently and playfully)... And you must come with us (pointing at her)..." He paused, then added, "Instead of Ather (his gaze slightly sad)... I know you're looking for him (surprised by his knowledge)... But he's a bit exhausted and won't come with us (thinking, worried)..." He paused, then continued, "Don't worry, we'll protect you and won't ask anything of you... This is just so you understand your responsibilities in the organization and as a supervisor (explaining and patting her hair)..."
> **Riman:** (Smiling gently, but internally very angry)
> "Alright... I'm ready..." In her thoughts: "Why are you bothering me? Who said I want to be a supervisor, damn it... (angrily)..."
Derek intervened, his voice filled with concern.
> **Derek:**
> "I'll go with her..."
> **Eks:** (Quickly, interrupting him)
> "No, I've already told you (calmly and firmly)... You'll go with Ather (seriously)..."
> **Derek:** (In his thoughts)
> "What's wrong with Ather? Why isn't he here... Wasn't he supposed to leave with us (annoyed)... I'm worried Riman might get hurt (concerned and afraid)..."
He sighed and left, having bid them farewell earlier, very worried.
Riman, in her thoughts:
"Derek, you're so kind (looking at him with longing and love)... If only that jerk were as kind as you, I would have fallen in love with him at first sight (crying inwardly over her fate)..."
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Ather, tired and weary, thought quietly, but Eks refused strongly.
> **Eks:** (Leaning against the wall calmly)
> "What are you thinking about, being so exhausted... (addressing Ather, who was buttoning his shirt and thinking)..."
> **Ather:**
> "Eks, I decided from the moment I joined the organization to make it as strong as it once was (with a sharp, confident voice)... So, nothing will stop me, not my illness, nor my fatigue, nor even Sajjad (eyes fierce, looking outside)... We must eliminate the traitors quickly; they're deeply entrenched in the organization, most of them from the Research Center (calmly, fastening his belt, very annoyed)..."
> **Eks:** (Shocked by his words)
> "Ather, what you say is true (calmly and worried)... But if we rush, the Research Center..."
> **Ather:** (Interrupting him)
> "Let them know what they're in for (with indifferent eyes)... We must restore control (calmly and resolutely)... The organization will never yield to the Research Center as long as I'm alive (eyes fierce and angry)..."
> **Eks:** (In his thoughts)
> "True, after Naryn's death, the Research Center has taken the lead in the liberated regions (explaining calmly and worried)... These areas were freed from the families due to a previous agreement with Frok, stipulating civilian autonomy for humans here (calmly, remembering Frok's indifference to the agreement)... But the original agreement was for the people to govern with the organization's guidance, Carlos (sighing with worry and looking at Ather)... I hope he doesn't hurt himself (smiling calmly)..."
> **Ather:**
> "Then I'll go to the organization with Derek as we agreed (calmly, with a forced smile)..."
> **Eks:** (Jokingly, looking at Ather)
> "Alright (calmly, having given up on convincing him)... If there's any other serious problem, call the emergency line (jokingly, pointing to the phone)..."
> **Ather:** (Lightly joking, but with a clear message)
> "If you meet Sajjad, don't let him take any files; I don't want any emergencies (calmly)... In my thoughts: I don't want him involved in the Gene Bisha file issues (worried)... His approach to the Research Center will be a huge problem (pressing his hands harder)..."
> **Eks:** (Calmly, but firmly)
> "Alright... Since you're better, don't exhaust yourself (placing a hand on his shoulder)... I know you're obsessed with work (with a broad smile)..."
As they exited the room, Frok and Shahin appeared together, seemingly indifferent to the surroundings.
> **Frok:** (In a childlike tone, as if proud of himself)
> "Oh... You finally woke up, Ather!"
> **Ather:** (Calmly, trying to control himself)
> "Yes... I'm fine." But Eks was very annoyed by their presence and was about to leave.
Frok swiftly passed in front of Eks.
"Is this someone from the organization... (staring at Eks childishly)..."
Shahin replied, "Yes, don't you know...?" Before he could finish, the wall cracked, and an image of Naryn appeared opposite him, motionless.
Frok turned to Eks.
"Eks, you know I don't like nuisances (smiling calmly)..."
> **Eks:** (Extremely angry but trying to control himself)
> "Are you trying to vent your anger over Naryn on this picture (with sharp irritation)... or at me because I was her subordinate (pointing to himself)...?"
> **Frok:**
> "Who said I'm angry at you two... Hmm, just because she hid Sirius from me, or because of her agreement with that bastard Theodore to separate him from the North (breaking more glass and the place, despite his very calm features and a childish smile on his face)... But I might get angry if you take his things (calming the place and speaking gently)... Maybe he's just annoyed because he's hungry, isn't that right, Shahin (laughing gently and sarcastically at them)..."
Everyone fell silent in shock.
Shahin held his head in annoyance.
"Enough, we need to go. You told me you wouldn't do these childish things anymore (shaking his head as if innocent)..."
Back to the present,
Eks, in his thoughts:
"Frok's words are a threat to Carlos's organization (annoyed by his words)... Because from the start, he's disliked it due to Naryn and also because Theo has influenced Sajjad's thoughts (sarcasm with boredom)... But what does he mean by hungry (worried and very confused)... I've heard this word once before (suddenly remembering, then panicking)... No, no, if this is true, nothing good will come of it (worried and terrified)... (remembering Frok's cruelty) Frok, you madman, what are you planning..."
In the background, Dalia said, "He's been tired these days (stroking Ather's hair, concerned)... So he's probably exhausted (sighing, Riman nodding, but internally worried)..."
> **Riman:** (Worried, as she didn't know)
> "When did Ather get sick? I didn't see you at the ceremony either..."
Eks ignored her at first, but after her insistence:
"Ahem, he's just tired from a slight cold (gently and calmly, smiling)..."
In his thoughts: "He's right, Ather is like Naryn, she doesn't believe (looking at her calmly and seriously)... But no matter what, she won't be her (reassured)... Our biggest problem is if someone tries to exploit her (annoyed and cold, not as cheerful as usual)..."
Dalia noticed, "Riman, do you know the places we're going to? You might find them interesting..."
(Smiling and happily, she stroked Riman's cheek, doting on her)
At that moment, Frok and Shahin entered together. Frok seemed as playful as ever, while Shahin tried to hide his sarcastic smile.
Eks didn't greet them or speak to them, just exchanged cold looks.
> **Riman:** (In her thoughts)
> "What's going on... This person is also looking at me; I'm very worried (referring to Frok, remembering his power from the last time)... He's a bad person (afraid and tense)..."
> **Dalia:** (Speaking loudly)
> "So... Let's leave..."
---
Suddenly, Frok asked with feigned innocence.
> **Frok:** (Childishly sarcastic and indifferent)
> "Is this thing coming with us?" (pointing to Riman, who exploded with anger internally)
> Riman, in her thoughts: "This monkey calls me this? I have a name, you world..."
> **Frok:** (Taking small steps away, approaching her provocatively)
> "Why are you a coward?... Shouldn't you be braver..."
> (Leaning slightly towards her, smiling innocently)
> "I hate this type of salmon... I prefer macaron."
> **Riman:** (Nervous and afraid, almost falling)
> "I don't understand..."
> **Shahin:** (Intervening sarcastically, looking at Frok)
> "He means you're annoying (calmly and very gently)... and we have no use for you (looking at her and gesturing with his hand)... This is the translation of his words, don't worry (indifferent and calm)..."
> **Riman:** (In her thoughts)
> "May God curse you (extremely angry)... Note: Don't curse, children (warning)..."
> **Frok:** (Yelling like a small child)
> "Come on (yawning from boredom like a very small child)... Let's go (loudly). I'm annoyed today; I want to play (bored)!"
> **Shahin:** (In his thoughts)
> "He's angry this time because he didn't find anything fun here (sighing with a smile)... I need to take him to the resort before we return (anxious)... Of course, everyone will think he's angry because of Naryn and Theo (sarcasm and mockery)... But in reality, he's not angry or annoyed (looking at Frok)... He wanted to destroy the place earlier because he felt bored (tilting his head with a peaceful smile)... We're sure Sajjad will return himself (laughing calmly)..."
Eks intervened again, trying to calm things down.
> **Eks:** "Wait a moment..." (calmly and composed)
> **Frok:** (Childishly annoyed)
> "What?"
> **Eks:** (Calmly, but firm)
> "I won't go with you to the same place (smiling calmly)... The most important thing is that you'll meet a woman with silver hair who will guide you inside the auction (happy)..."
> **Frok:** (Yelling like an angry child, looking at Shahin)
> "Didn't I tell you we'd go to the festival and set off fireworks? How can you trick me?" He writhed on the ground.
> **Shahin:** (Calmly, but provocatively)
> "I told you we'd go (trying to pull him up)... We're going to the auction in Hawkmouth (calmly, anxious)..."
> **Frok:** (Yelling angrily, waving his hands)
> "Fine, and what's it to me? You promised we'd have fun (very annoyed and stopped)... I'll destroy the place quickly to end everything (thinking)!..."
> **Shahin:** (Calmly, trying to calm him down)
> "Frok, don't be rash (calmly, looking at him sarcastically)... They need the files (firmly)..."
> **Frok:** (Mockingly, raising his eyebrows)
> "Don't they know the files? Don't they have spies? How can they be so stupid? You should have known the evidence before destroying anything (surprised and with great sarcasm)!..."
> (Turning his back, but speaking angrily)
> "You're a failed organization!"
---
Dalia looked very angry, but Eks intervened to calm her down.
> **Eks:** (Placing a hand on Dalia's shoulder)
> "Mr. Frok... If you don't want to go..." (calmly, but annoyed)
> **Frok:** (Smiling sarcastically, grabbing his arm)
> "I don't want to go with Shahin (Shahin calmly, anxious about Frok's arrival)... Despite my anger (like a cute child)... He'll take me to the festival, won't he (looking at Shahin angrily and nodding as if accepting, wishing for death)..."
> **Eks:** (In his thoughts, sighing and annoyed by his behavior)
> "He's very moody... Like a child (sighing 💢)..."
They all left the hall, while at the same moment, Derek met Ather as he exited through the other door. They exchanged glances.
> **Derek:**
> "What are you doing here?" (calmly and kindly, easing the tension)
> Ather replied, "Shouldn't I reach this room if I'm also tired (his gaze puzzled by his own behavior)... Anyway, I was looking for you (sighing)... Let's go (calmly)..."
They walked out together.
> **Ather:** (Serious, looking at him)
> "We need to focus on the organization quickly (firmly and seriously)... Especially the spy issue (calm and ready for confrontation)..."
He paused, then added:
"And find out who's responsible for bringing the Gene Bisha weapon into the organization today (very annoyed)..."
> **Derek:** (Shocked)
> "You mean...?"
> **Ather:** (Nodding)
> "Yes, they sent us this thing. Unfortunately, we heard about it just a little while ago (annoyed)... We need to destroy them quickly before our enemies intervene in our territory (with imposing eyes)..."
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At the top of the tower, where strong winds blew and cast shadows over the dark city, Sajjad stood silently. His eyes gleamed with calm and coldness, while Taylor smoked a cigarette calmly, as if he paid no attention to his surroundings.
End of chapter 😢
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