Chapter 54: Ready

"What’s the report?" the man asked over the phone, leaning back in his seat. "Was it her?"

{We couldn’t verify it, sir. The man I sent over was nearly stabbed in the head. Thankfully, the strike wasn’t meant to kill him, so he managed to escape.}

The man’s brow furrowed. "Who was about to stab him?"

{The man who lives in that house.}

A quiet hum escaped him. "So it’s true. He has reawakened."

He crossed one leg over the other, his expression turning thoughtful. "How many people are stationed around the place?"

{Three at the moment. They’re covering the surrounding streets and alleys. Anyone who steps out of that door will be seen immediately.}

The man took the phone off speaker and pressed it against his ear. His gaze drifted toward the window as he considered the situation.

"Keep the patrol going through the night as well. I need an answer within two days, regardless."

{Yes, sir. But there’s a problem. It appears someone is actively hunting us. A few men have been spotted around the site, searching for hidden surveillance.}

The man’s expression hardened. "Did anyone get captured?"

{No, sir. But they’re quick, and they’re experts at this. We may have to keep relocating our men, but that won’t work for long. Once the streets grow quieter, their search will become much easier.}

He clicked his tongue in irritation.

"Who is helping him from behind the curtains?"

It was becoming a serious problem. They couldn’t afford to get caught. If their operation was exposed, the situation could unravel far beyond what they had anticipated. Worse still, the unknown force working behind the scenes could become a troublesome variable later.

He fell silent for a moment before making his decision.

"No, change of plan. Do one thing. Place hidden cameras around the house, then tell your men to leave before evening."

{But, sir...}

The man’s voice dropped, carrying a weight that immediately silenced the hesitation on the other end.

"Unless you can confirm who these unannounced sniffing dogs are and eliminate the threat they pose, this order will be followed. Do you hear me?"

{Understood, sir.}

The call ended.

The man lowered the phone and let out a long sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he braced himself for what came next.

The surveillance operation was one problem.

The reawakening was another.

But informing the lady of the situation would be the most difficult part.

....

"What are we going to do now?" Jean asked as she fed Elara the milk she had prepared, carefully supporting the bottle as the little girl drank.

"Hmm. We’re shifting," Kai told her as he stood before the cupboard.

"When?" she asked, confusion flickering across her face. They had clearly abandoned their plan to relocate tomorrow, so she couldn’t understand what had suddenly changed.

Kai turned slightly, a faint smile touching his lips.

"Now."

Jean’s eyes widened. "Wait... it’s nine, Kai."

Kai nodded calmly. "And that’s exactly why it’s the safest time for us to move."

He opened the cupboard and pulled out a bag, then began gathering the essentials. Important documents went in first, followed by a few changes of clothes and anything else they couldn’t afford to leave behind. His movements were quick, the urgency of the situation evident in the way he barely paused between each item.

"We can’t give them the chance to make their next move or come up with a better plan," he said. "That’s why we’re moving tonight."

He glanced over at Jean and softened his voice when he saw the uncertainty in her expression.

"Don’t worry. I’ve discussed everything with Ben. There’s a car waiting for us a little farther away. Once we leave this place, we’re not coming back."

Jean remained slightly stunned. She hadn’t expected the move to happen so soon. She had been preparing herself for the possibility that their plans would be delayed by several days, and in the meantime, she had already begun thinking about how they would live quietly and keep themselves completely hidden.

Now, with Kai already packing their belongings, she looked down at the few things around her.

"Shouldn’t I be packing things as well?"

Before Kai could answer, Elara suddenly reached out and clutched the fabric of her mother’s shirt in her tiny fist. She held on tightly, almost as though she understood that something was changing and was reluctant to let her mother go.

Both Kai and Jean noticed it and could only sigh helplessly.

"Tell me where your things are. I’ll put them in the same bag so they’re easier to carry."

Jean nodded. "My clothes are either in my bag or in the laundry basket."

She didn’t have many belongings to begin with, so there wasn’t much for him to pack.

Kai had no trouble finding her bag, but when he lifted the laundry basket, something slipped free and dropped onto the floor, landing directly in plain sight.

Black.

He froze.

"..."

Jean sighed and shook her head.

"If you’ve had your fill, mind putting it inside too?"

Kai was slightly flustered as he nodded.

He immediately crouched down, picked up the garment, and placed it in the bag as well.

There were not many things to bring since he never planned on shifting the furniture. Though he wanted to bring some food items they simply didn’t have the choice now.

Once he leaves, he would inform the owner about it and he would take care of things here.

Or maybe he could come back himself and check further if they left behind something.

’Though coming back here for the time would be troublesome.’ He decided to think about it later.

Soon, they were done packing.

Kai held the bag in his hand, having double checked everything they need was in there.

Jean have worn her shoes, glancing around the house to check if they have taken everything.

And Elara,

*Brrp*

Well fed and ready for the adventure.

°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment.