“We need to focus on more important things than bickering."

"The only thing we could do is to deal with Moss," Holden said, eyeing Bennett. He mentioned the strategy Bennett had earlier proposed-drugging Moss' drink.

As the group strategized about drugging Moss, a sudden noise interrupted them-the unmistakable sound of a lock being turned from outside.

Although the intruder had yet to enter, Ariana and the others were convinced it was Moss; who else possessed such freedom of movement here anyway?

Ariana quickly glanced at the door before turning to Holden, instructing him calmly, "You and Bennett must leave immediately to avoid detection by Moss. We cannot jeopardize our plans."

Bennett and Holden nodded in unison, promptly retreating to their original room, leaving Ariana and Adrian here.

After Holden and Bennett had returned to their room, Ariana and Adrian hurried to reposition the wall lamp to its original state.

With the mechanism activated, the walls sealed once more, restoring everything back to normal.

Ariana and Adrian exchanged glances, then feigned ignorance, each absorbed in their thoughts-one leaning against the wall with vacant eyes, the other seated on the floor, head lowered in despair.

At that moment, Moss stepped into the room.

His footsteps resonated through the stillness, yet Ariana and Adrian remained oblivious, avoiding eye contact and seemingly lost in their gloomy moods.

Moss remained unfazed by their indifference toward him and gloomy expressions. He had imprisoned enough individuals to recognize the resignation of those confronting imminent death. After witnessing such scenes repeatedly, he had become numb.

Carrying a medium-sized box, Moss approached Ariana, causing both Ariana and Adrian to tense up.

“What are you doing?" they exclaimed in unison.

"Don't worry; I mean no harm," Moss assured them with an oddly warm smile. “Tomorrow is for experiments, and I want to ensure you don't create disturbances tonight. That's why I'm here-to help you sleep well."

With that, he opened the box and retrieved a syringe filled with sedative, aiming it toward Ariana.

Ariana understood the potential dangers of Moss' drugs, struggling as Moss tightened his grip on her arm.

Yet, the more Ariana fought in fear, the more exhilarated Moss appeared, his smile growing increasingly unsettling.

“It's alright; it won't hurt. You'll feel better soon." He raised the syringe, speaking softly as if soothing a child.

Adrian rushed forward, attempting to stop Moss, but Moss pushed him aside with force.