Beyond The Facade

Chapter3

The incessant gunfire and panicked screams filled the air. People were running with no destination in their mind. They hid behind the reception desk, behind the display cases as the bullets ran across the room.

“Why….. Why are they not getting what they want? They should take whatever they want and leave.” a woman behind the reception desk mumbled with a shaky voice.

The man beside her replied, “It's either they couldn't find what they came here for or they couldn't get it, they are trying to buy more time.”

“Stay down!!! Everybody!!!” The masked figure commanded with a gun in his hand as he stood at the center of the room. Freya gazed at him and her legs started to shake as she tried to control her breathing.

Freya watched as another masked figure emerged from a room with a priceless masterpiece, his eyes crinkled at the corners as they gazed at the artwork.

A triumphant smile spread across their faces as they let a soft whoop of joy. They exchanged handshakes and chucked in laughter. Then, in a coordinated motion, the pair began to withdraw.

But instead of retreating towards the main entrance, they headed towards a secret passage.

Then, the lights went black and there was only darkness in the room. Nothing was seen, the only sounds heard were the people's hearts beating fast and their rapid breathing.

Freya stood still as if she didn't want to find herself in front of the masked figure. Tears rolled down her eyes at the thought of it. “I cannot die today, no”, she murmured to herself. She wished to walk out of this place safely.

Freya felt a sudden, sharp sting in her neck, like a hot needle had pierced her skin.

She tried to cry out, but her voice was trapped in her throat. A gradual paralysis spread through her body, making her limbs feel heavy and unresponsive.

Her head began to spin as she lost control of her balance. She felt herself falling, but her descent was slowed by the gentle grasp of someone's hands.

As she was lifted off the ground, Freya's head dropped back. She tried to resist, but it was all in vain. The sound of chaos slowly vanished, then everything went blank.

“Wake up!!…. Wake up!!” A faint voice she heard in her slumber accompanied by the warmth of someone's hands hooking her shoulders.

Her eyes opened, but her vision was still unclear. She stared at the gentleman leaning in front of her, his hands still on her shoulders.

She grunted as she lifted herself up from the sofa with the help of the gentleman. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hands, trying to shake off the haze.

Her eyes met at a large built-in entertainment center with cabinets and open shelving which contained books and other items. There's a flat-screen TV in the center.

The room has a cozy seating area with a sofa and an armchair, complemented by a lamp and a coffee table.

She gazed back at the gentleman. “You… I know you.” she said, but her voice was hoarse and barely audible. Her thoughts slowly began to clear, and she remembered their conversation at the art gallery.

“Aeron and you are?” He asked.

She hesitated for a while but then replied afterward “Freya.”

He walked towards the window, opened the curtains slightly to have a view outside. “Well, Freya, we are both trapped here.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Trapped?” she asked. “I need to leave this place. My boss must be waiting for me” she commanded as she quickly rose from her seat.

“Be my guest.” he replied coldly. He retreated from the window and sat on the sofa while she rushed towards the door, held the doorknob and tried pulling the door open, but it was locked.

She hit the door countless times. “Is someone there? Hello?” She shouted at the top of her voice, hoping that someone would come and open the door.

She took a few steps back and positioned herself, she ran towards the door and pushed herself against the door hoping to knock it down, but it was a wasted effort.

She placed both her hands on her hips as she circled around the room and thought of what to do. Suddenly a spark of hope ignited within her “my phone”. She could call for help, alert someone to her location.

She patted her pockets only to feel them empty. Her phone was nowhere to be found. She turned to Aeron. “You don't look anxious. You seem just perfectly fine locked in here well, unlike you, I have things to do other than stay here,” she complained in annoyance.

“Well then, go do them,” he said sarcastically, as he swept his arm towards the door and then fell back to its original position. She scoffed at his response.

Freya's frustration boiled over. The thought of being behind confined in a space her heart raced in a way she couldn't control anymore, her vision began to blur, and her legs trembled beneath her.

Aeron's expression changed from sarcasm to concern when he heard her breathing heavily. He rose from the sofa and rushed towards her. "Freya, hey, calm down," he said, his voice soft and gentle.

But Freya was beyond consolation. Her heart raced, and her lungs constricted as she found it difficult to breathe. She felt like she was drowning in her own fear.

Aeron wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she shook uncontrollably. “Shh, it's okay,” his warm breath whispered against her ears. But she didn't stop, rather her breath increased, threatening to burst free.

And then, without thinking, he pressed his lips to hers as one of his hands grasped the left side of her face. His soft lips brushed against hers, gently nibbling her lips, and it was a calming balm to Freya's nerves.

Freya's panic slowly stopped, and it was replaced by a sense of wonder. She hadn't expected Aeron to kiss her, but somehow, it felt right.

As they broke apart, Freya gazed up at Aeron in curiosity “What...why did you do that?” Freya asked with her voice barely above a whisper.

Aeron shrugged, his eyes never leaving hers. “I have been told that a kiss can calm the nerves and stop panic attacks.”

Freya's heart skipped a beat. She didn't know what to make of Aeron's kiss, but she knew she wanted more.