The resort was in chaos.
Carla watched as buses rolled in to pick up the confused and gossip-hungry employees. The once vibrant air was now thick with dread. No one said it, but everyone knew something was wrong.
Karen was missing.
Carla glanced toward the forest where Alex and Luca had disappeared. Her stomach churned, she knew Alex would never leave without Karen but she also knew that whatever they found out there could change everything.
In the forest
Alex walked silently, his gaze dead ahead, his mind racing. His phone buzzed....it was a blocked number.
He answered without a word.
A distorted voice echoed, "Tell her to stop digging or she'll stay buried."
Click.
Luca froze. "Was that...?"
Alex nodded slowly. "They know we're close."
Karen's POV — Inside the cave
Her throat was dry. Time had become a blur. Minutes? Hours? She wasn't sure.
She heard whispers.
Not loud, not direct, just echoes of conversations long gone. Her name among them, her past, her regrets.
Karen pressed her back against the cold wall. "You don't even know me," she whispered.
"Oh, but he does."
She flinched. The hooded man stepped into the dim light. His face...still hidden. But there was something about the way he stood…
"You're not from here," she said.
"No but I've been waiting here for him and you just became the perfect bait."
Karen swallowed. "For who?"
The man tilted his head.
"Alexander Knight."
Back outside…
Alex stopped.
A cold chill ran down his spine.
"She's in the caves."
Luca looked at him. "Are you sure?"
Alex's eyes were glowing..., not literally, but something primal flickered in them. "I know it."
They ran.
Back in the cave…
Karen stood, gathering her strength. "If you think I'm just going to sit here and cry...."
"I don't," the man said. "You're stronger than that, and that's why he chose you."
"Who...?"
But before she could finish, the cave trembled.
Dust fell from the ceiling.
The man's head snapped up. "They're coming."
Then he turned to her slowly and smiled.
Outside the cave entrance…
Alex reached a sealed stone wall.
"No way in," Luca said.
Alex touched it and the bracelet in his hand pulsed.
Suddenly, the stone cracked.
Luca stepped back. "What the hell....?"
Alex didn't say a word.
He stepped forward into the darkness.