Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

"Let's focus on finding a way out first," Melody said nonchalantly, a hint of a smirk on her lips. "There's no point in bickering if we're all going to die here anyway."

The others glanced around, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, let's find the exit. There's plenty of time for revenge after that."

Dexter turned to Melody. "Any idea where the exit might be?"

Melody eyed the corridor. "There's a difference between this floor and the one above. The emergency exits are blocked, but the structure of the building should be consistent. Even if the layout is complex, there has to be a pattern we can follow."

"Enough with the riddles," Bran snapped back, his voice low. "Not helping."

Melody's expression darkened, clearly angered by Bran's comment.

Without saying a word, she simply raised her hand. "Then you find the exit."

Bran scoffed. "Remember when I said we should work together first? Looks like I was right."

Melody pointed to Jaxon's body. "Seems like someone did die, so I wouldn't call it a total loss." As the argument heated up, Dexter intervened, annoyed. "Is this really the time for a fight?"

"We'll look for the exit," Bran motioned for Annora and Zoe to follow.

"What if you find it and don't tell us?" James stepped in front of Bran, blocking his path.

We were suddenly surrounded.

"And what do you propose?" Bran asked, his voice deep and firm.

"Leave her behind," James pointed at me, suggesting they keep me as a hostage to ensure they'd share the exit information.

"Nice try," Bran shot back coldly. "Think I don't see through you?"

Leaving me behind would give James an opportunity to...

"You're overthinking it. We just want to survive," James said with a smile, looking at me. "She's close to that lunatic. Keeping her makes me feel safer."

"Go look for the exit," I whispered to Bran, hiding a dagger up my sleeve. "Just come back for us when you've found it."

If James insisted on taking me as a hostage, it would only lead to a.

, and with their numbne

n't stand a chance

we

Bran frowned, clearly wanting to argue, but he held back. "Call if there's trouble."

I nodded.

Melody shot me a mocking look before turning away, clearly enjoying the situation.

Dexter's expression was grim, but he managed to slip something into my hand as he passed by.

I was startled but quickly hid it in my sleeve.

It must have been a small, curved knife, a perfect fit for my hand.

"Hand over the dagger," James demanded, knowing I was armed.

"You better cooperate, or else..." James approached, his eyes threatening.

I reluctantly handed over my dagger to James.

James made a move as if to search me, and I warned him. "Don't push it, or we'll all go down together."

Considering we were on their turf, James backed off a bit.

He sneered, grabbing my chin. "That madman seems very fond of you rushing to your aid, keeping you safe. How could he leave you behind? With us?" Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Leaving me with them felt like being thrown to the wolves.

"Do you think he's watching us right now, from behind the cameras?" James pointed to a corner of the room.

I frowned, remaining silent.

"What if we..... have our way with you? Think he'd come to your rescue?" James's interest seemed piqued.

It looked like they were all waiting for Bran to find the exit, so James thought, why not have a bit of 'fun'?

"Life's too short. Might as well enjoy

can, right?" James began

to the others,

e can, right?" James beat

it

o they

in targeting me.