But before Athena could answer, Nnenna suddenly felt something, a cold, sharp sensation at the back of her head.
The click was faint, metallic, cold, but Nnenna felt it more than she heard it.
A chill crawled up the back of her neck, sharp and unmistakable.
She didn't need to turn around to know what it was.
A gun.
Pressed against her head.
And by who?
Only one person in the basement was free enough to move.
Only one person she wouldn't have suspected.
Only one she would've trusted even blindfolded.
Darius.
Arthur's voice came next, quiet but deadly. "Darius."
That single word carried a storm, anger, disbelief, warning, all buried under a cold tone that sent a shiver through the room.
Nnenna's body went numb. Her mind fought to process what her heart already understood.
Darius?
No. Not him.
It could've been anyone else. Anyone.
But not Arthur.
Not Carl.
Not Little Sweetie.
And definitely not Darius.
