Jayjay pov
"…I just realized something."
"What?" he asked.
"I don't know your name."
He laughed. "Seriously?"
"I was busy not passing out," I defended. "Forgive me."
He smiled and said, "It's Eli."
I repeated it slowly. "Eli."
Then, because my mouth hates peace, I added,
"I will probably forget that."
He laughed. "I figured."
I waved awkwardly. "Good night, Eli. And… thanks for not letting me die in a room."
"Try not to get locked anywhere else," he said.
"No promises."
I walked into the villa, heart still racing—not from fear this time, but from something I couldn't explain.
Great. Almost died. Missed dinner. Met a stranger. Learned his name at the end like end credits.
What a night.
By the time I finished, Keifer dragged a hand down his face.
Then he sighed.
Then—annoyingly—he smirked.
"So," he said, "you scared me half to death, got rescued by a mystery hero, and came back like nothing happened?"
"I almost passed out," I muttered.
He leaned closer. "Yeah, but you're alive. Which means I can kiss you."
I glared at him.
He smiled wider. "Next time you disappear, at least leave a note. 'Dear Keifer, I am temporarily locked. Do not panic.'"
I shoved him lightly.
He laughed, then softened. "I'm just glad you're okay."
That part was quiet.
Real.
After he finally went back to bed, I lay awake for a long time.
My body was tired—but my mind wasn't.
Eventually, hunger won.
Midnight snacks always win.
I slipped out of bed and padded downstairs, careful not to make noise. The kitchen light glowed faintly as I opened the fridge.
That's when I noticed it.
The entrance door.
Slightly open.
I frowned.
Did someone forget to lock it?
Then I heard it.
Voices.
Outside.
Low. Careful. Not loud enough to understand.
My stomach tightened.
I slowly walked toward the door, heart pounding with every step.
I peeked outside.
Sienna.
She was standing just a few steps away, phone pressed to her ear. Her back was to me. I couldn't hear what she was saying—only pauses, sighs, and one sharp whisper I couldn't make out.
Who is she talking to… this late?
I leaned forward slightly.
Nothing.
The call ended.
Sienna lowered her phone, stood there for a moment, then turned toward the door.
Toward me.
Panic rushed through me.
If she sees me, this gets awkward. Very awkward.
I stepped back instinctively.
That's when it happened.
A hand suddenly grabbed my arm.
I gasped, the sound caught in my throat as I was pulled backward—fast—into darkness.
The door behind me closed silently.
The room was dark. Cold. Dusty.
My heart slammed in my chest as the grip tightened, keeping me still.
A voice whispered close to my ear—
"Don't scream."
I froze.
What… is going on?
And then—
The door locked.