They were beast slaves, bereft of thought, conditioned only for carnage.

Witnessing this, Holden was consumed by fury. He balled his hands into fists, his whole frame shook with unrestrained anger, and a fierce desire to kill Zayden surged through him.

Struggling to maintain composure, Holden's voice came out tight and controlled. "Where have you taken her?"

Over the speaker, Zayden's mocking laughter reverberated. "Oh, she's somewhere interesting, Holden. After everything you've done, stealing my resources and embarrassing me, it's only fair I return the favor. How does it feel, knowing Ariana's fate is just a thread away from disaster and you also can't safeguard your own children? You're absolutely powerless now."

As Zayden's jeers continued, Sonia, witnessing Ariana treated Like an animal ready for the butcher, snapped. Her rage boiled over, and she yearned to dismantle Zayden piece by piece.

"Son of a bitch! I'll make you pay for this, Zayden! I'll flay you alive!" Sonia spat out with rage, poised to charge. Knowing the other party had guns nearby, Adrian quickly stopped her, his voice a low hiss. "Calm down! We need to stay alive if we want to catch Zayden. Don't do anything rash."

Zayden sneered through the broadcast, taunting, "It looks like Ariana has many friends ready to stand up for her. Even if she were torn apart right now, she'd still be smiling.”

After uttering those chilling words, Zayden burst into a wicked laugh, delighting in the gruesome image he had conjured in his mind.

Holden's anger surged as he clenched his teeth, fighting to stay calm.

“Have you finished with your childish taunts? Tell me, what game do you want to play? I'm ready. But before we begin, I want to see you and my children."

"Don't worry. You'll see your children," Zayden replied, his voice now triumphant. "Because of our family connection, I'll allow it. Go to Warehouse Five alone. Bring anyone else, and you'll only find their dead bodies."

“Okay, Holden said somberly. "I will go alone, but only if my children are safe until my arrival."

Zayden smirked. "You'll find out their fate when you arrive."

The broadcast then went silent.

Following Zayden's directions, Holden made his way to Warehouse Five.

As he disappeared into the distance, Sonia's heart sank, and she turned to Adrian, her eyes filled with worry. "What should we do? We can't let him face this alone. It's obvious Zayden has something sinister planned."

Sonia was too frightened to say more.

Adrian's expression was grave, knowing Zayden was armed. But he also couldn't just follow Holden without a plan, risking a disaster that could play right into Zayden's hands.

Just then, a small stone dropped near Sonia. Looking up, she saw Mitchel hiding in a secluded corner, signaling them to come closer.

As Sonia and Adrian quietly approached, Mitchel pulled two silenced pistols from behind him and handed them over.