Bridge To Delphilia

❥ Chapter Thirty-Five: Reunion

JACK

I made my way inside, checking each side of the fortress and carefully trying to enter each passage without getting caught. I feel the back of my neck tingle with this cold air circling around the fortress.

The main Hall is empty which is a surprise, almost everyone gathers in here at this time of the night.

When I heard light footsteps I immediately went inside a small room. I closed the door softly and leaned on the wall, waiting for the footsteps to disappear. I fished out my walkie-talkie and pushed the button.

"I'm inside." I whispered. I waited for Roni to answer but there was only silence on the other line.

"Roni." I called again. The steps grew louder so I kept the walkie-talkie on the pocket of my pants and held my breath.

After quite some time, the hall fell silent so I decided to go out. Slowly I opened the door. I peaked and checked each side and no one's around so I went out of the room.

I followed the passageway and turned right but before I could see the end of the tunnel-like path, the walkie-talkie beeped. I immediately grabbed it and pushed the button.

"Hello, Roni?" I whispered. I can't talk that much or they'll find me. I waited for her response but all I heard was a sharp intake of breath.

"Roni?" I called again.

"Sorry, Jack."

My arm hair rose up when I heard that voice. I can feel the lump in my throat as my hands start to shake on their own. I opened my mouth to say something but I froze.

"Roni can't come to the phone right now, may I take a message?"

Then it was followed by a hoarse bark of laughter. That kind of evil laugh. I held on to the walkie-talkie tighter and motioned it near my mouth. I swallowed hard and tried to talk.

"Are you still there, Jack?" He muttered again. Then it was followed by soft muffled cries. That's Roni!

"What did you do to her?" I tried my best not to sound nervous but I am. I was more nervous when I heard Roni's desperate cries. She's struggling right now.

"She has a few scratches but that's it. You know me, I can't possibly hurt her, can I?"

"Don't you dare touch her. I'm warning you!" I muttered as I went back to the Hall and followed the passageway I used in order to get inside. I have to get out and rescue Roni.

But I froze once more when I heard the cry of a baby. It is not far away from where I am standing. I paused on my tracks, unable to decide which way to take. I need to make sure Roni is okay but I know that cry is from my child and she's near. I can't decide who to save first.

"You're running out of time, Jack!" The person on the other line laughed again after saying that.

"Save our baby. Don't mind me." I heard Roni's weak voice on the other line but it was immediately followed by her screams. She's in pain.

"What did you do?" I shouted. "Oh, I just stabbed her stomach with my nails since she won't shut up. But don't worry, that won't kill her."

"Damn you, Matt!" I cursed. He laughed once more before the line cut off. "Shit!"

I am torn. I don't know what to do, which path to take. Roni is suffering because God knows what Matt did to her. But my daughter is waiting to be rescued. 

I took a deep breath. I stood up straight and turned left. I have to rescue her first.

RONI