Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan) novel Chapter 2666

Gabriel’s expression remained unchanged. “Here to avenge him?”

The masked man let out a gravelly chuckle, the voice modulator making it sound like the rasping growl of a wild beast. “You didn’t really think we’d just let Giles’s death slide, did you?”

He gestured, and one of his men pushed Kant toward him. His fingers brushed against the boy’s neck. “Is this your son, Gab?” he sneered.

“No,” Gabriel replied coldly.

“Doesn’t look like it. But I’m sure you wouldn’t want an innocent child to die in front of you, would you?” the masked man said casually.

Kant was pale with terror, shaking uncontrollably. He looked at Gabriel, his eyes filled with fear, but he didn’t beg for help or plead with his captor.

Sylvia spoke, her voice sharp. “He’s just a boy from a farming family in the village below. Take me as your hostage instead. Let him go home.”

The masked man looked at Gabriel. “What do you think, Gab?”

Gabriel dropped the gun he was holding. “The organization has rules. Using women and children as hostages is something only the lowest scum would do. I’m the one you want. Do what you will with me, but let the woman and child go.”

Sylvia shot him a look, shaking her head slightly.

Gabriel met her gaze, his eyes dark and intense. “Do as I say.”

Sylvia clenched her fists but said nothing more.

The masked man, however, laughed his grating laugh. “I can let the boy go. But not this woman. Her name is Sylvia. She used to be one of yours, didn’t she?”

Gabriel’s eyes narrowed, his stare turning deadly.

“Then let the boy go,” Sylvia insisted.

“Not so fast. Without him, my men wouldn’t stand a chance against you. I’m not a fool,” the masked man said, then ordered his men, “Tie them up.”

When they were securely tied, Sylvia turned her head to face the masked man. “Can you let the boy go now?”

The masked man sneered. “Don’t worry. We’re professional mercenaries, not savages.”

He beckoned to one of his men. “Take him down the mountain. Take him home.”

The mercenary, a man with drooping, cruel eyes, looked at Kant. “Come with me.”

Kant was too terrified to move.

Sylvia looked at him. “Go with him, Kant. It’s more dangerous for you to stay here.”

Kant trusted her completely. He gave a small sob, then walked toward the frightening mercenary.