Chapter 106: A Dangerous Discovery
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Even though danger is still there, small hope stays with them. They must find Amina; they need to know what happened and why she put herself in a problem to help them. The lady spoke of spirits, saying she had a connection to a world others couldn't understand. It was a dangerous belief, but it was their only clue.
Their search begins right in the centre of Lagos, through busy markets and secret corners of the city. They ask everyone who might see Amina but find nothing. It was as if she had vanished into thin air.
Feeling sad but with strong resolve, they focus on the museum. They feel a need to know what was wrong in the vault. All details are needed for solving Thorne's puzzle.
They returned to the crime scene, which before was a large museum but was now just a space. There were many broken items, and in all this disorder they discovered one clue—a small metal object hidden under debris. It resembled the key similar to one they used for unlocking the secret chamber.
They felt a mix of happiness and worry while looking at the key. It is just one part of a bigger puzzle, this key that maybe can solve Thorne's secrets. With more courage, it became their next job: to find out what this key could unlock.
As time went by, days turned into weeks while they continued to work on the puzzle. They discovered a hidden group connected to Thorne - not only dealing with art but also part of a larger corrupt organization. It was the realm of dark forces where might and riches held sway.
After they investigate, they find a small village in Nigeria very far away from any city noise. In this peaceful countryside place, they meet an old lady who has the answer - her eyes are filled with wisdom from many years ago.
"Oh, this is key for Olumide vaults," she said with respect. "Your ancestors, they were very great kings and protectors of this place." However, their heritage got taken away - hidden from all views."
Eki and Dapo felt surprised. Their family, the Olumide family, had a long history of royalty and power. The lost heritage was very important for this adventurous performance.
She took them to a hidden cave, where old power stays. Inside this cave is a room that holds items more precious than what you see in museums. It contains history's richness and displays the strength of our ancestors' powers.
While they kept searching, the chamber showed everything about Thorne's greed. He was not only after Moonlight Lease artefacts; he wanted all of Olumide's collection and did not mind killing for it.
As time moved on, they began to understand how serious their situation had become. It was not only about fighting for themselves anymore; it also became about protecting the place they came from - the centre of their country.
In the big room, Eki and Dapo had thoughts going around in their heads. What they found was so huge that it made them feel very small next to it. This is not only about things taken from here; it feels like a history swipe, an erased inheritance.
Dapo very quickly said, "We must move these things away. Thorne will return soon."
Eki showed she agreed by nodding, and her heart started to beat faster. She said, "Yes, but how do we make it?" We can't just depart like this and take everything with us."
Selecting the most important artefacts was a very difficult task. They spent many hours on this since they understood that taking everything with them was not possible. It was very important for them to keep their heritage safe by protecting as many things as they can.
While they worked on the final tasks, a noise came to their ears. They heard footsteps echo in this large underground area. Eki and Dapo exchanged scared glances. Thorne was back.
They were hiding behind one big rock, trying hard not to breathe. Thorne's footsteps came closer; he was speaking on a mobile phone with a voice that was quiet but also scary.
"Look," he was saying. "The complete set. It's a more significant discovery than what we thought."
Eki and Dapo looked at each other in a way that showed they both understood the situation. They knew leaving this place was necessary, but the main problem remained: how to do it?
Eki suddenly got an idea. She recalled the secret path they found earlier; it seemed difficult to believe, but this was their only chance.
"We have to go," she whispered to Dapo.
They do not speak anymore, only turn around and start running away. The sound of their footsteps makes an echo in the cave. They could hear Thorne's shouts from behind, yet they didn't dare to look back.
They arrived at the hidden path exactly when Thorne's steps got closer. They gave one final glance backwards, entered the narrow way and closed the heavy stone door behind them.
Running away was not something they could do, but feeling safe was possible. They had work to finish - moving the items to a protected place where keeping them secure and also checking them out would be easier.
As Eki walked along the dark road, she met Dapo. She said with firm determination: "Thorne needs to be revealed." We must not let him get away."
Dapo nodded, his eyes filled with resolve. "We'll find a way," he replied.
They were in a small, hidden spot. Their minds were running quickly. They have escaped from Thorne's control for now, but they know this is only the beginning. This man is very dangerous and he will not stop easily.
"We can't stay here," Dapo said, his voice filled with urgency. "He'll find us."
Eki's heart was beating very fast when they said yes. They needed to leave, but where should I go? They were escaping from someone, being chased by a powerful and unforgiving adversary.
"We can, we can ask the police," Eki said with a slight tremble in her voice. "We cannot let him get away."
Dapo hesitated. "And risk ending up behind bars?" he countered. "They might not believe us."
Eki felt more certain he was correct. The police began suspecting the group might be guilty, so blaming Thorne only worsened things, like throwing extra wood onto a fire that was already burning strongly.
"We have to be careful," Dapo said. "We can't trust anyone."
Eki, too. Alone, we must be together.
In the quiet, they heard a noise from outside the room. It was the footsteps of someone getting nearer. Eki and Dapo exchanged anxious glances with one another. Thorne had found them.
They went to the only other escape, a small window with bars. It was dangerous but their single hope.
When those people stand close to the window, suddenly the door of the room opens with a loud crash noise and Thorne's voice rings out in the dark room.
"Nowhere to hide," he said, his voice filled with cold satisfaction.
Eki and Dapo, make a last hurried look at each other with great urgency. Then, after another glance between them, they silently climb through the window into the night.
They fall to the ground with a heavy sound, feeling pain start in their bodies. They turn their eyes towards the warehouse. Lights start to flicker, and then Thorne comes too. He steps out from there, appearing on the balcony with his shadow showing clearly against the night sky.
When they began to run, a strong light flashed in their eyes. A car was moving towards them, its headlights breaking through the night's darkness. It was Thorne who had arrived to collect them.
