Footsteps suddenly echoed down the corridor.
Alexander reacted instantly.
"Someone's coming."
The guards raised their weapons.
Emily felt her heart start racing again.
Had the organization already found them?
The footsteps grew louder.
Closer.
Then a group of armed men appeared at the end of the hallway.
They wore dark uniforms with no visible symbols.
Alexander stepped in front of Emily.
"Stay behind me."
The leader of the group raised a hand.
The others stopped.
For a moment neither side moved.
Then the leader spoke.
"You shouldn't have come here."
His voice was calm but firm.
Alexander did not lower his guard.
"Who are you?"
The man ignored the question.
Instead he looked directly at Emily.
His gaze was intense.
Almost curious.
"So this is her."
Emily felt a chill run down her spine.
"You know me?"
The man nodded slowly.
"Everyone in our organization knows you."
Alexander's patience was running out.
"What organization?"
The man's expression remained calm.
"You'll learn soon enough."
Then he gestured behind them.
"You should leave this place now."
Alexander frowned.
"And if we don't?"
The man met his eyes without hesitation.
"Then the next people who arrive won't be as patient as I am."