Chapter 398

After getting the scoop from the Atlantis guards, Leroy wasted no time showing up at our place.

He took a quick look at me and my crew, then asked, "Hey, where's the other gal? Why's she MIA?"

Leroy's sharp eye caught onto our missing member right away, surprising me.

I shot back, "She's under the weather, taking it easy. So, Leroy, spill it. What's up? If we can lend a hand, we're all in."

I kept it vague, hinting to Leroy that we might not be able to assist.

Leroy shifted back to the main topic but didn't jump into answering me. He mentioned, "You know, this island's got a ton of unsolved mysteries, especially those hidden passageways."

Having navigated a few secret passages myself, I nodded, "Oh, there's plenty. Any idea why they're there?"

Leroy shook his head, sounding regretful, "I'm clueless too. It's just what the old folks say, that these secret paths have been around for ages. Supposedly, before us, a bunch of folks landed here, leaving behind loads of hidden passages that vanished mysteriously later on."

As for who those folks were and where they vanished to, Leroy mentioned they were in the dark too. The history books of Atlantis didn't touch on these events; they were only passed down through word of mouth.

Leroy went on, "Once we settled here, some of the secret passages got unlocked, but some are still sealed tight, almost like they don't want us snooping around. Even after over two thousand years of us Atlanteans poking around, we still can't crack 'em open."

Leroy's words carried weight.

It seemed like there was a sealed-off secret passage in Atlantis, and Leroy might be looking for my help to crack it open this time.

I stayed quiet, waiting for Leroy to spill more.

He glanced at me and said, "I'll be straight with you. In Atlantis, we've got a hidden attic that's been standing for thousands of years, not only still standing but perfectly preserved. Interested in checking it out with me?"I stayed silent but turned the tables on Leroy, asking, "You mentioned needing our help last night. What's the deal?"

Leroy cut to the chase, "We need you to help us crack open all the passages in the attic. We're aiming to unveil the secrets hidden up there and figure out who stashed them. But it's risky business, and you gotta tread carefully."

Even though we hadn't agreed, Leroy's words made it seem like we were already on board, with him cautioning us like we were in.

In reality, Leroy's words carried more weight than what he said. The attic was a dicey, uncharted territory, but with Atlantis in a bind, not agreeing felt like a safety risk.

I probed Leroy, "And if we say no?"

Leroy grinned. "Alex, let's keep it real. The lady in your room ain't around anymore."

I shot up, slamming my hands on the table. "What did you do?"

It hit me that Leroy's earlier words were a setup.

Leroy motioned for me to chill. "Relax. If you help us, I'll let your lady go right away. She's safe and sound, but moved. I'll make sure she's looked after. You can pick two folks to roll with you; the rest will stay here with us."

The others who didn't understand Atlantis's language got antsy, led by Joseph.

Seeing me get up and slam the table, Joseph followed suit, demanding, "Alex, I'm lost here, but are we throwing down with them?"

Before I could reply, Susan yanked Joseph down, scolding him, "Cut it out! Stop stirring the pot!"

Lisa translated for the others who were in the dark, stirring up frustration but leaving them powerless.

William turned to me. "Alex, what's the play? It's on you."I chuckled, calming everyone down. "Let's make sure everyone's safe. Stay cool for now. I'll have a chat about Emily's situation with him."

Switching languages, I bargained with Leroy. "Can I see Emily? She's not feeling great, and not seeing her has me on edge. You do understand a guy's worry for his lady, right?"

Leroy nodded, exchanged a few words with the guards behind him, and then escorted me out.

After a ten-minute walk, the carriage pulled up at a fancy mansion with a sprawling estate, likely owned by the priestly line.

Guided by Leroy, I soon laid eyes on Emily.

She looked puzzled by the situation, and as soon as she spotted me, she hesitantly hurried over, burying her head in my chest, softly crying, "You scared me. I thought something had gone down when you suddenly brought me here."

"How you holding up?" I hadn't expected Leroy to discreetly bring Emily here within half an hour. I inquired, "You good? Are you feeling any pain?"

"It stings a bit, but I'll survive. It comes with the territory of being a grown woman," Emily blushed, playfully nudging my neck, pouting as she scolded me softly, "You're such a tough guy. Good thing I stuck close to you last night; otherwise, I'd be kicking myself. What if I never saw you again?"

I caressed her head, "Don't fret. Even if I have to crawl, I'll come for you. Count on it."

"Haha." My teasing lifted Emily's spirits. She questioned, "Alex, what's the deal now? Why did Leroy bring me here solo?"

I didn't spill all the beans but mixed truths with lies. "He wanted you here first. The others will join soon."

"And you?" Emily nodded, locking eyes with me. "You coming too?"

I pondered for a moment before responding, "I might have to swing by later. I got something to help Leroy with."

"Is it risky?"

"Not at all. Just helping Leroy unlock the attic. They say it's full of mysteries, and since we've tackled a hundred puzzle doors, he wants my expertise."

Emily bought into my story, patting her chest, "That's good. But stay safe. Don't do anything reckless."

"I got it. While I'm out, take care of yourself too." I planted a firm kiss on Emily. "Wait for me to return. It's urgent; I need to head back and decide who to bring along."

Reluctantly releasing my hand, Emily understood it wasn't the time for mushy moments. Sporting a relaxed smile, she said, "Go ahead. I'll be waiting."

Only when the carriage vanished into the distance did I turn away, heading back to our place.

My comrades hurried over, anxious to hear about Emily's well-being.

"She's okay, chilling at Leroy's pad now," I updated them.

Then I added, "I thought we were in the clear, but it looks like we've stumbled into another mess. If we don't play ball with Leroy, we might struggle to keep ourselves safe."

Joseph chimed in. "What's the big deal? We've got a trump card."

"The trump card might not cut it with Leroy," Lisa analyzed. "It could be useless against him."

I agreed. "Exactly. Leroy seems to have this all planned out, using us to clear the priestly lineage and royal family of their sins and stop the live sacrifices. Lana's curse and the other pendant might not faze them much."

Andrew sneered, taunting, "Even if Earth's population vanishes, we won't bring along two troublemakers!"

Renee snapped back, "Who are you calling a troublemaker? Say it again if you dare!"

Lily shot Renee a glare. "Zip it. You're so aggravating! Alex would be nuts to bring you two along. Quit stirring up trouble here; it's annoying!"

"You better not!" Renee dragged Tim away, afraid I might change my mind and include them.