"It's going to take about 10 to 12 hours to get to where they are," the tracker said, his voice low but firm.
Noah exhaled deeply and looked around at the group. Everyone's faces were worn and drained, their eyes heavy with exhaustion.
"Let's go in the morning then," Noah said. "Everyone is tired, and I think Flora needs to rest too."
He said that because it was already 3 a.m., the moon was now hidden behind thick clouds.
"Morning might be too late, Dad," Flora said, her voice trembling.
She stood, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as though trying to hold herself together.
"I also think we should go tonight. We need to save him,"Reed said, his brows furrowed in worry for his friend who was likely sleeping bound and helpless.
"Willow would never hurt Alder," Sage defended quickly, sitting upright, her fists clenched in her lap.
Flora turned to her, her eyes blazing. "I know she's your friend, but we can't be sure. She picked money over him four years ago. She probably kidnapped him for money again!"
Her voice cracked with anger, and tears streamed down her cheeks. She was trembling from head to toe.
Sage shook her head, her face pale but resolute. "If she kidnapped him for money, she would've called us by now. That shows she isn't doing this for money. She probably just wants to see him."
Her voice faltered at the end. Though angry at Willow, she still couldn't believe she'd cause real harm.
Flora stepped forward, her eyes narrowed and voice shaking with venom. "Maybe you connived with her to kidnap your brother."
Gasps filled the room. The accusation hung heavy in the air.
"I haven't been in contact with her for four years, and I don't see a good reason to make her kidnap my—"
"Enough, you both!" Leif thundered, standing to his feet. The room fell silent instantly. His tone was harsh and commanding.
"Let's go get Alder back tonight," Leif said firmly, his eyes darting between everyone.
"I think Mr. Montclair is right," Iris said gently. She rubbed her arms, glancing out the window. "We're all tired, and it's about to rain. Let's go by morning."
"I also think we shouldn't put our lives at risk just to save one person," Laurel added softly, though she looked away, guilt flickering in her eyes.
"Let's just give the address to the police to get him for us," Juniper said. Though her voice was neutral, her fingers nervously twisted the hem of her sleeve. Deep down, she knew Willow wouldn't hurt Alder, but she feared Alder might fall for her all over again.
"That's also a good idea," Reed replied with a nod.
"Let's do that," Leif said, pulling out his phone and calling the police. He relayed the address clearly.
"Settled then. Let's all sleep and get enough strength tomorrow to face whatever is there to face," Reed concluded.
Everyone nodded and began to move towards the rooms they had booked before, the air heavy with tension and unspoken worry.
---
The Next Morning
Willow woke from her sleep around 6 a.m., rubbing her eyes before looking toward Alder, who was either just waking up or hadn't slept a wink.
"Good morning, sunshine," she said with a gentle smile, but he didn't respond. He looked away, jaw tight.
"Did you have a good night's rest?" she asked again, feigning ignorance to his cold demeanor.
"Yes, I slept like a baby," Alder replied, sarcasm dripping from every syllable.
"Oh... really?" Willow forced a smile and pressed her lips into a thin line. She knew he was being sarcastic. She also knew he was uncomfortable, but she didn't have any choices left.
"Then you can continue sleeping here," she said casually.
"Willow," Alder said, his voice urgent.
"You had no problem calling me Will last night," she teased, trying to ease the tension.
"Willow, I want to use the restroom. Really bad," Alder said, his face strained with discomfort.
Her eyes widened. "Oh..." she muttered. She had thought about everything in her plan—except this.
"Should I bring something so you can use it here?" she asked nervously, her voice unsure.
Alder glared at her, incredulous. "How is that possible, Willow?"
She panicked, fidgeting with her fingers. "I can bring a bowl and help you... bring out your thing. Then you can relieve yourself. I promise I won't do anything more," she said, raising her hand in a mock oath.
He stared at her like she had lost her mind.
"I can't untie you," she said, almost pleading, confusion clouding her expression.
"Did you even think about what happens when I need to use the bathroom? I mean... really use it?" Alder asked, frustrated.
Her blank stare told him everything—she hadn't.
He sighed. "Willow, what will I never break?"
She blinked. "My heart?" she teased weakly.
"Are you still in the mood to play?" he asked. His voice was serious now, strained with urgency.
"Your promise," she replied, her voice lowering as guilt crept into her eyes.
"Then I promise, if you untie me, I won't try to run or leave you alone. I'll stay until my family finds me," Alder said, sincerity shining in his eyes.
"Alder..." Willow whispered, torn.
"Don't make me pee on myself, Willow," Alder warned.
Finally, with trembling hands, she untied his legs, then his hands.
Even if he decided to leave, could she really stop him?
As soon as he was free, he bolted toward the restroom she'd been using. Moments later, he returned and collapsed into a chair, eyes closed, breathing heavily.
Willow stood motionless, watching him. Her heart pounded as she waited for what he'd do next.
Suddenly, Alder stood and faced her. Willow dropped to her knees instinctively.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
Alder smirked slightly, but it didn't reach his eyes. "What if I tie you up now?"
"You know I can't hold my pee for long. Please don't tie me up," Willow said quickly, hands rubbing together in a pleading gesture.
"I want to take my bath. Lead me to the bathroom," Alder said.
"As your lordship pleases," Willow replied with a weak smile, leading him down the hall. "I thought I was the kidnapper here... but it seems I am the victim."
Even if he left now, she'd cherish the little time they had shared.
Upon reaching the room, Alder looked around. "I need a change of clothes. Don't tell me you didn't prepare for that."
Willow smiled and opened a closet filled with neatly arranged men and women's clothing—mostly black.
"You really prepared a lot," Alder commented, choosing a black casual outfit before heading into the bathroom.
Willow returned to the sitting room and saw Alder's phone. She picked it up, realizing it was off. She plugged it in and hesitated. Her curiosity pulled at her.
She tried his birthday. Wrong. Sage's birthday. Still wrong. His father's death anniversary. No luck.
After a pause, she tried her own birthday. Nothing.
"What did you expect, Willow?" she murmured. She sighed and gave it one last try—the day they broke up.
The phone unlocked.
Her heart ached. "He must really hate that day... or me."
She didn't have time to dwell. She accidentally tapped the call log and saw that Flora's last call had been answered. Her eyes widened in panic.
They'd be here in 6 to 7 hours.
Frantic, she ran back to the room and began packing clothes.
Alder stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed. "What are you doing?"
"Just packing some clothes. Who knows, we might be on the run soon," she joked half-heartedly.
"Whatever," Alder muttered.
Willow ignored him and carried the packed clothes to the car.
When she returned, Alder asked, "Where's my phone?"
"Why? You want to call them to pick you up?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"I just want to check the news."
Willow smirked and picked up the remote, turning on the TV. "Check the news there."
He stared at the screen. No news of his abduction.
Willow went to the bathroom again. This time, she emerged quickly—wearing only a towel, her hair damp.
"Are you sure you took your bath?" Alder asked, raising a brow.
"None of your concern," she replied sharply. "Can you leave the room? I want to dress."
"I've seen every crook and corner of your body. What's there to be shy about?" Alder said,smirk as a matter of fact.
"My body probably changed over the years," she said, half-laughing.
She picked her clothes and went back into the bathroom.
When she stepped out, she wore a white outfit—an exact couple's match to Alder's black.
"Let's go get something to eat out," Willow said.
"Really? You're very generous for a criminal," Alder said.
"I'm not a criminal," Willow defended.
"Oh, you're a kidnapper," Alder countered.
"Whatever," she muttered, holding up a small spray and waving it gently.
"With this, I can knock you out anytime I want," she warned playfully.
She tilted her head. "So choose—will you go willingly, or by force?" She smirked, eyes glinting.