Page 98 of Drop His Mask

Present Day

Tears fell from Julian’s eyes as he watched Raven hug her little girl. The sweet child wrapped her small arms around her mother.

“The door is unlocked now. I will meet you at the ship,” Drago advised before fleeing his room.

The Creators were oddly silent as this all played out, but Julian no longer wore his ear piece, or his mask, or his collar. And they weren’t on this island to stop it. He watched the scene play out, already knew how it would end, but nonetheless, pure hot molten rage still threatened to melt him as Felix tugged Raven away from her daughter. As the explosion went off, separating her completely.

Nightingale was back.

A master manipulator.

Julian could understand how this would work, knew that a mother, acherished,being in this game went against all of the outside world’s beliefs, against their very laws. Perhaps it would serve to end this once and for all, but if not, hopefully the series of explosions would do the trick.

Julian didn’t look back, as he sprinted from the place he had lived for far too long. He was well above the chaos that would ensue below, but this time he wouldn’t be watching it. The years in this inescapable prison had warped him, changed him, hurt and nearly broken him, but now in this moment, he could recognize he would do it all again.

If only for her.

He was already on the ground floor, and because of that, his escape would be easy. Easier than it had any right being. Julian ran to the door that led to the beach outside, the one that was usually bolted shut and barred over.

It was open.

Sprinting through it, his shoes buried into the sand, hot rain falling across his skin as he made his way outside for the first time inyears.

The sun had set hours ago, and it was only the moonlight that guided his way.

He made his way to where the ships were docked. It wasn't too far, but he still half-expected to be gunned down before he got to the dock.

This had all been timed perfectly.

Most of the Sponsors were gone as were the Creators. The extra guards were being used in the current game and to prepare for the rapidly-approaching new one. Drago had practically brought an army, evidenced now by the men jumping from the docked ship. Coated in gear and armed with weapons.

They had expected him, and the soldiers made a path for him to the boat. Julian had wanted to retrieve Raven himself, to ensure she was safe. But when he had seen her in Felix’s arms, he realized that Nightingale wanted her alive. He realized she would be protected, that she didn’t need to be seen with The Host, that he was more dangerous with her.

“You made it. The men are going in now to retrieve the requested players, along with my brother of course.” Drago was at the helm of the ship, leaning back and looking out across the sea. “195, 182, 173, 174, 32, 33.”

“What about Jayce? Player 58? You promised his safety too.”

“Ah yes, the father of the child. He will be safe, but I am afraid Anadil has different plans for him.”

Julian wanted to argue, to fight, to turn around and go back to rescue him, but what good would it do?

Drago had a literal army.

Julian was just one man.

Chapter 53

I Need To Stay Alive

Enzo

Present Day

The TV flickered on in their home and confusion swept through Enzo. He exited his bedroom to find Maverick and Levi in the living room watching the device pensively.

“Why is Raven there? What is going on?” Enzo asked nervously, his eyes flickering from the screen to his brother, then to Levi. The unease in the room was palpable but they had agreed to put their grievances aside, if only for their own survival.

“Nightingale,” Levi stated, rising to his feet. “Are you both dressed? It’s nearlytime to leave.”

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