Chapter Twenty: The Silent Siege

The forest stretched out before them, dense and alive with shadows. Taehyung crouched low behind the thicket, his sharp eyes scanning the distant compound that loomed like a fortress in the dark. The hum of electric fencing buzzed faintly in the air, a stark reminder of the dangers ahead.

Soojin’s voice crackled through their comms. “I’ve got eyes on the perimeter. Infrared scans show twelve guards on rotation outside. There’s no way in without tripping the alarms unless we take them out quietly.”

Taehyung adjusted his earpiece, his voice calm but commanding. “Daehyun, you and I will take the north side. Minho and Soojin, cover the east. Let’s move.”

Daehyun gave him a curt nod, his expression grim. “You sure Lisa’s here?”

“She’s here,” Taehyung replied firmly, his grip tightening on his weapon. “Kane wants me to come for her. He knows I will.”

The team moved like shadows, their footsteps muffled against the forest floor. Taehyung’s heart pounded in his chest, but his face remained stoic. The thought of Lisa—alone, scared, possibly hurt—drove him forward.

As they approached the compound’s northern fence, Daehyun held up a fist, signaling a halt. He pointed to a guard patrolling the area, his flashlight cutting through the darkness.

Taehyung nodded, his movements fluid as he crept closer. The guard paused, his back turned, giving Taehyung the opening he needed. With practiced precision, he lunged, wrapping an arm around the guard’s neck and pulling him into the shadows. The struggle was brief, the guard’s body slumping silently to the ground.

“Clear,” Taehyung whispered.

Daehyun moved up, planting a small device on the electric fence. It emitted a soft beep before short-circuiting a section of the barrier. “We’re in,” he muttered.

The two slipped through the opening, the compound’s cold steel walls looming over them.

Meanwhile, Soojin and Minho worked on the east side, their progress slower but steady. Soojin’s tech skills were invaluable as she hacked into the compound’s surveillance system, temporarily disabling cameras along their path.

“We’ve got about five minutes before they realize the system’s been tampered with,” Soojin whispered.

“Then let’s not waste time,” Minho replied, his eyes scanning for movement.

The team converged near the central courtyard, their comms filled with quiet updates. Taehyung raised a hand, signaling them to halt as he spotted a group of guards clustered near the main entrance.

“Kane’s doubled security,” Daehyun murmured. “He’s expecting us.”

“Good,” Taehyung said, his eyes narrowing. “Let him think he’s in control.”

Soojin crouched behind a stack of crates, pulling out her tablet. “I can create a diversion, but it’ll only buy us a couple of minutes. Once the guards move, you’ll have to move fast.”

“Do it,” Taehyung ordered.

Soojin tapped furiously on her tablet, and moments later, a distant explosion echoed through the compound. The guards shouted in confusion, their attention diverted as they ran toward the source of the commotion.

“Go,” Taehyung hissed, leading the charge.

They slipped into the building, the air inside cold and sterile. The hallways were dimly lit, the silence oppressive. Taehyung’s senses were on high alert, every sound magnified.

“She’s close,” he thought, his gut telling him they were on the right track.

Soojin’s voice came through the comms. “You’ve got movement ahead. Three hostiles, heavily armed. Avoid confrontation if you can.”

Taehyung gestured for the team to take cover. They waited as the guards passed, their heavy boots echoing against the metal floor. Once the coast was clear, they continued their advance.

As they reached a junction, Daehyun pointed to a door marked with a keypad. “That’s gotta be it,” he said.

Soojin scanned the lock remotely, her fingers flying across her tablet. “This is a tough one. Give me a minute.”

“We don’t have a minute,” Taehyung growled, his patience wearing thin.

“Then distract them,” Soojin snapped back. “I’m doing my best here.”

Taehyung and Daehyun positioned themselves defensively, their weapons ready. The tension was suffocating as Soojin worked, the seconds stretching into what felt like hours.

Finally, the lock beeped, and the door slid open.

Inside, the room was empty, save for a single chair and a bloodied scarf draped over the backrest.

Taehyung’s heart sank. “No,” he muttered, stepping inside and grabbing the scarf. It was Lisa’s.

“She was here,” Daehyun said, his tone grim. “But they moved her.”

A sudden voice crackled through the room’s speakers, cold and mocking.

“Taehyung, Taehyung,” Kane’s voice echoed. “So predictable. Did you really think it would be that easy?”

Taehyung’s grip on the scarf tightened, his jaw clenching. “Kane,” he growled.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Kane continued. “Lisa’s safe… for now. But if you want to see her, you’ll have to play my game. Let’s see if you’re as clever as you think you are.”

The room filled with static before falling silent.

Taehyung turned to his team, his expression deadly serious. “We’re not stopping. Not until we find her.”

Daehyun placed a hand on his shoulder. “We’re with you, Tae. To the end.”

Taehyung nodded, determination burning in his eyes. “Then let’s finish this.”

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