~ Rewritten Fates ~

Chapter 37 - In Harm's Way for You

Henry sits on the couch, his leg bouncing anxiously as be glanced at the clock for the hundredth time. It's been three hours since Alex last called, and each passing second feels like an eternity. Picking up his phone again, he dails Alex's number, his fingers trembling slightly. The line rings endlessly, but there's still no response.

"Where are you?" he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper, tapping the phone screen repeatedly in frustration.

The sound of cars passing outside draws his attention momentarily, each one sparkling a fleeting hope. But as the moments strech on, the absence of Alex weighs heavier. A knot tightens in Henry's chest, his heart racing as uninvited thoughts flood his mind. He inhales deeply, trying to steady himself, but a deep unease gnaws at him, whispering that something isn't right.

Henry sits on the edge of the couch, his hands trembling as he clutches his phone. His heart pounds with every passing second, each beat a reminder of Alex's absence. Flashbacks of a similar, harrowing night flood his mind, leaving him feeling helpless and terrified.

"Please pick up, please!" he whispers desperately, almost breaking down. His voice eschoes in the empty room, his breathes shallow and uneven.

Diana, oblivious to the chaos, is safe at her friend's house. Henry glances at the clock-it's already 10 PM. Worry grips him tighter as he realizes Alex still hasn't come home. Where could he be?

Henry sighs heavily and dials another number, his fingers shaking. "Hello, Pez? I really need your help right now!" he pleads, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. "On my way!" Percy responds without hesitation. As Henry ends the call, he stares at the door, his eyes filled with hope and dread, silently begging for Alex to walk through it.

>>>>>>

"Henry, are you okay? what's wrong, mate?" Percy exclaims as he enters, rushing to find Henry on the floor in tears. "Al.... Alex." Henry stammers, his voice chocked with emotion. "I'm sure something's wrong. He's not answering my calls. It's been so long since he left for his house... I don't know, man..." his words trail off as fresh tears spill.

"Hey, it's okay, Hen, I'm here." Percy says gently, pulling him into a reassuring embrace. "Listen, I've got an app that can track Alex's location. Don't worry I've already informed Shaan, and he'll join us on the way, alright? We'll find him together." he says calmly.

Henry nods, his hands trembling as he wipes his face. Percy helps him to his feet, his grip firm and steady, offering silent reassurance. Together, they hurry toward the car, urgency propelling every step.

~~~~~~

Alex's eyes flutter open, his head throbbing with sharp pain, and the sensation of sticky, dried blood on his forehead sends shivers through him. His vision remains hazy as blinks rapidly, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The room is dimly lit, unfamiliar, and eerily quiet. A chill runs down his spine.

"Henry?" Alex's voice comes out hoarse, barely audible. He squints, forcing his eyes to adjust, but the pounding in his skull makes it nearly impossible. As he moves slightly, a cold, metalic clink draws his attention. His gaze drops to his right hand, now secured tightly in a handcuff. Panic starts to set in as he pulls against it, the restraint refusing to budge.

The realization that he's confined and alone in this strange place sends a surge of fear through him, his breathing quickening despite the pain.

"What the hell!" Alex whispers under his breath, straining against the restraints. He tries to remove them but finds himself immobilized. Frustration seeps in as he leans his head back and closes his eyes. A sudden realization strikes, sending a cold shiver down his spine. For a moment, he freezes, the weight of the situation sinking in.