Chapter Twenty Four

Thomas's P.O.V*

Thomas guided Brian through the woods, tracing the footprints that were imprinted in the muddy ground. Observing their surroundings with a displeased expression.

Brian inquired, "Do you believe they have traveled a significant distance?" Expressing his thoughts, Thomas replied with a smirk, "Most likely not. The ongoing rain and their unfamiliarity with this forest are considerable obstacles." Acknowledging Thomas' response, the curly haired male suggested.

"Perhaps it would be expedient if we split up and search independently." As the rain gradually subsided into a light drizzle, he further added, "That doesn't sound like a bad idea. How about you venture in that direction, while I continue straight ahead?" Agreed upon their plan, Thomas turned right, affirming, "Alright, let me know if you find any leads." With these final words, both men headed their separate ways.

Thomas observed Brian's straight path with an exhaled sigh, contemplating his intention to aid Ace. Soifon's query about his involvement lingered in his thoughts as he strolled down his own path.

"Perhaps the woman's inquiry holds merit. What is my reason for assisting Ace?" Thomas murmured to himself, cigarette in hand. "I am uncertain whether Ace will uphold his promise of payment."

Inhaling from his cigarette, Thomas continued his soliloquy. "Admittedly, Ace is not known for reneging on his commitments. However, I am apprehensive about his treatment of these women." His green eyes scanned the forest, his familiarity providing a slight advantage over Brian in locating the women. "Once I locate them, what course of action should I pursue? Shall I offer assistance or return them?

· Voight's P.O.V*

It has been two days since Erin and Soifon were captured and they have yet to be found. No further leads have been found aside from the footage from the cameras. Even Brian could not be located despite thorough searches.

Voight sat in his kitchen examining the pictures obtained from the cameras, hoping to discover anything new. Justin arrived a few hours later and joined Voight at the table. 'How is it possible that we haven't found anything?' Justin questioned, tossing a folder onto the table. 'Ace better hope that we find them soon, and that they are still alive-' Justin began, but Voight interrupted him.

'We will find them, and we will ensure that they are alive when we do,' Voight responded calmly. Though he believed they would ultimately locate Erin and Soifon, he couldn't help but fear that they may have suffered harm. It was nearly eleven at night when Voight rubbed his temples. 'We need to get some rest and resume our search in the morning,' he declared, rising from his seat. 'Oh, come on, Dad, we can keep looking,' Justin objected, getting up from his chair.

Voight gazed at his son, placing his hand gently on Justin's shoulder. He spoke with a sense of urgency, yet also a hint of caution, 'Justin, I am determined to locate them as expeditiously as possible. However, it is essential that we do not render ourselves ineffective due to exhaustion. Let us rest for the night and resume our efforts in the morning.' As Voight maintained eye contact with Justin, his son assented with a nod. 'Very well, but I shall remain awake for a while longer to continue searching,' Justin responded.

Voight acknowledged his son's commitment and acknowledged his own inability to convince Justin to retire for the evening. 'Do not remain awake for an excessive duration,' he cautioned, before making his way to his own room.

· Soifon's P.O.V*

Soifon emitted a groan in her slumber as she nestled against a plush object by her head, which stirred her awake with a perplexed expression. She extended her hand to rub her eyes, dispelling the drowsiness obstructing her vision.

Once fully oriented, she directed her gaze at the individual upon whom she had rested her head, and a smile graced her features as the recollection of the events following Ace's introduction of herself and Erin flooded her mind. Her cerulean eyes fixed upon Erin's peaceful form as slumber enveloped her.

Soifon straightened her posture and elongated her arms, emitting slight sounds of exertion. "I eagerly anticipate returning to our abode, wherein we shall enjoy the comfort of a soft mattress," she whispered, delighting in her musings. She then turned her attention back to her beloved, who remained in a state of slumber, rising from her position after planting a tender kiss upon Erin's cheek.

She proceeded to make her way to the entrance of the cavern, where the fading daylight indicated the approach of dusk and the cessation of rainfall. "It appears that we have a few more hours until morning," she murmured, taking a step outside the cave.

Soifon extended her arms overhead one last time, wincing as her body protested the movement. 'Oh, be quiet,' she scolded herself. 'I am aware that you are in pain, but I cannot help it at the moment.' She furrowed her brow, wondering why she was arguing with herself. With a small chuckle, she shook her head and took a few steps away from the cave.

'I should procure some firewood and flint to start a fire,' she whispered, venturing further away from the cave.

Soifon collected scattered sticks and logs that were strewn about the ground, grateful for her past experiences in the outdoors when she had run away from her adoptive parents a few times. She had been away for almost a week and a half.

Sighing softly, she hummed to herself as she gathered sticks, logs, and even some stones and flint.

Whilst gathering sticks, Soifon entertained herself by singing, relishing the refreshing breeze on her uncovered shoulders."There's a place that I know. It's not pretty there and few have ever gone. If I show it to you now. Will it make you run away?" She melodically vocalized one of her preferred songs by the renowned artist Kelly Clarkson.

· Erin's P.O.V*

Erin, while asleep, bit her lip, suggesting she was either deeply asleep or trapped in a nightmarish state. With a clenched jaw, she emitted soft whimpers.

In her slumber, she murmured, 'No, please refrain from inflicting further harm upon her.' As tears streamed down her face, she dreamed of Soifon being forcefully separated from her and subsequently murdered by Ace and Jack, who immobilized Erin so she couldn't reach her lover. Both men wore smirks as they callously laughed at her futile attempts to rescue her beloved.

Erin's eyes abruptly opened upon hearing her partner's shriek in the dream. To dispel the haunting reverie, she covered her face with her hands and whispered, 'It is merely a dream.'

Upon regaining her composure, Erin scanned the cave with a frown, her gaze falling upon the absence of Soifon. Concerned, she whispered, 'Soifon? Where have you gone?' As she stood, a worried expression filled her green eyes, disquieted by the unsettling feeling she was experiencing, especially after the troubling dream she had. Making her way to the entrance of the cave and stretching her legs, she observed that it was only dusk and the rain had ceased, providing a glimmer of hope.

However, the absence of her beloved was a cause for alarm. 'Soifon?' she called out again, reaching the mouth of the cave. 'Where could she have gone? Has she been captured or lost?' Thoughts played on loop in the older woman's mind.

'Perhaps she ventured out to gather wood or something,' Erin speculated, her eyes scanning the dark forest illuminated by only a faint ray of moonlight and a smattering of stars.

Erin commenced walking further away from the cave while making adjustments to her dress. She expressed her hope to successfully escape from the current location, whispering her desire to avoid encountering any individuals that Ace may have sent to search for them.

Irritated by Soi's sudden departure, she questioned her actions by saying, 'Damnit Soi, did you really have to leave me behind?' While scanning the ground for any bare footprints, her green eyes focused on the task at hand.

With determination, she added, 'Once I locate you, woman, I will administer punishment for causing me such immense fear.' Progressing through the muddy terrain, the echoes of Soifon's screams from her dream replayed incessantly in her mind.