Xeria’s P.O.V

"I told them everything like we decided," I tell Ivan, and he nods. He's still in the hospital, and we all have been on regular visits.

"Like we decided, right?" he confirms.

"Yes, each word and everything that was revealed at that time, nothing more," I assure him with a nod.

"Tarquin hasn't been himself; he is pretending to be okay in front of me," he says, biting his lower lip.

"He loves you. He didn't waver until you regained consciousness. None of this is going to change anything; if anything, it's going to make us stronger." I tell him my observations, and he nods.

"Ms. Xeria?" A nurse knocks on the door.

"Yes?" I answer, looking back.

"The doctor wants to talk to you," he informs me.

"Me?" I ask her, confused.

"Yes, please," he confirms and then leaves.

"I'll be back," I kiss Ivan's forehead as I leave.

"Yes, Doctor," I ask, taking a seat.

"Ms. Xeria, we ran some blood tests the other day you were here," she informs me, and I begin to think of the worst, like what happened to Mom.

"What is it?" I ask her.

"You're pregnant. Do you want to have an ultrasound?" she informs me and then asks me, and I look at her, my mouth hanging open.

"Yes, yes, I do," I nodded and followed her.

When I leave the doctor's office, I exhale while holding the reports in my hands.

I'm going to have twins; I'm so overwhelmed. I need to tell Khaos, so I take out my phone as I enter the elevator.

"Long time no see," says a voice behind me, and I freeze.

"Hand me over the phone, would you?" he requests, and I quietly comply.

"Let's go; we have a lot to talk about." He laughs, and I feel a sting in my neck before passing out.

Khaos’s P.O.V

"Where's Beryl?" I ask Ivan, bursting into his room, followed by Beryl’s dad.

"What happened? She went to see the doctor," Ivan answers, panicking.

"She's not anywhere I can't reach her. If she was here, then how did she vanish into thin air?" I shout, running out of patience.

"We have searched the entire building; there's no sign of her," Calix barges in with no information.

"He got her." Beryl's dad slumps down in the chair.

"We have to find her; there's no way we'll find Axel that easily." Ivan attempts to stand up, but Tarquin holds him down.

"If we don't hurry, we'll lose her," Beryl's father warns me.

"There has to be a way," he whispers.

That's the issue: we can't get hold of Axel so easily. He's clever; this is his area of expertise. It's impossible to outsmart him this easily. Even if I burn all of my resources, his territory is distinct, and he is firmly in control of it.

I pull out my phone and enter the number that my grandfather gave me. I never expected to use it, but now I have no choice. If I don't ask for his help, I'll lose Beryl. I hear the phone ring while holding my breath.

Please, just this time.

"Dad, I need your help, please." I exhale.