Audrey stood at the edge, her back to him, gazing into the star speckled abyss. “Jason?” she called, her voice a soothing balm to his racing heart. “I didn’t know you’d come.”
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Relief flooded through him. She was here, just as he needed her to be. “I had to, Audrey. Ace is playing with your feelings, and I can’t let that happen, he wanted to say to her but held back feeling a sense of guilt and anger overwhelm him.”
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I thought Ace’s constant presence in your life makes you uncomfortable? He asked with Jealousy laced in his harsh tone, is that Jealousy in his tone, he asked himself with doubt.
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Audrey turned, her expression a blend of confusion, hurt and concern. “But he said he wanted to show me something important.
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Before Jason could respond, there was a sudden flurry of movement outside. Ace stepped out from the shadows, his figure ominous and predatory. “Surprise! I thought we could negotiate,” he grinned, pulling out a hidden flashlight. “Earlier tonight, I found something extraordinary. Why don't we all take a look?”
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The tension in the air thickened. Jason recognized Ace’s manipulation. He took a step forward, positioning himself between Ace and Audrey. “We’re done here, Ace. Your little games need to stop.”
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But Ace laughed, illuminating the crumbling wall behind him. The light revealed strange markings symbols that looked as if they had been scratched into the surface over decades. “You think it’s just about Audrey?” Ace retorted, his voice dropping to a whisper.
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Jason felt his blood run cold. The tales surrounding the observatory came rushing back to him. “You’re trying to distract us,” he accused, shifting protectively closer to Audrey. “What are you really after?”
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With a gleam in his eye, Ace suddenly switched gears. “How about we make it interesting? Solve the puzzle, and we unearth whatever lies beneath. Lose, and…” He trailed off, leaving a chilling implication hanging in the air.
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Adrenaline surged through Jason as he turned to Audrey, their eyes locking in.
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“Are you with me?” he whispered, his voice steady amidst the unfolding drama.
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Audrey nodded, her resolve matching his. “Always.” Although Jason didn't notice the change in Audrey's eyes but Ace noticed the pause when she said "Always.
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As they stepped forward, Ace understood that no matter the outcome, it wouldn’t just be a battle for Audrey’s heart. It would echo through time, and that could alter the course of their lives forever.
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His eyes settled on Audrey's lips, same time she said please. She feared the two of them will get hurt, Ace read her lips and thought otherwise, clenching his fist together.
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But when he saw tears clouding his girls eyes, Audrey's facade slipped revealing a glimmer of the love for Ace hidden beneath the tears, it was gone as quickly as it came but he noticed it.
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Retreating a few steps, Audrey was now part of the assemble cast that could rewrite their fates, she means the world to him. At that moment he knew he had to take another approach to end whatever was between him and Jason.
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Ace stepped aside, Jason with a confused expression uttered, what? You are just going to let us go?
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With a swift movement Ace turned back to punch the wall, he dropped his cut hands to his side and screamed leave before I change my mind.
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Lets go Audrey, Jason said, leading the way. But when Audrey got to Ace side, she stepped closer to Ace, the warmth of her presence providing a protective layer against the chill that hung in the air.
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Her heart fell momentarily that she reached into her pocket, sliding a folded note quickly Into his hands as they passed.
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The gesture went unnoticed by Jason but to Ace, it was a lifeline.
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