As soon as the news of Astrid's disappearance becomes public, it quickly becomes viral. Not only because it is the 21st disappearance as of today according to the authorities, but also because of the $3 million reward.

As time passes, such an incident has sparked various discussions. People are expressing their opinions or insights about the situation. While most citizens are concerned about their safety, there are some who still think that this isn’t true, despite factual evidence being displayed right in front of them.

There are also rumors and theories circulating around the country concerning the infamous 21 missing children from privileged households. Some are speculating that an illegal organization is kidnapping them for, perhaps, ransom or some sort of penalty for terminating their contracts while some are guessing that a new serial killer has just appeared in the country. Of course, in Astrid’s case, none of these theories are true as she has decided to leave everything behind.

Perhaps Astrid and Athena are lucky that no one has noticed them being together and theorizing that they ran away. Although they are not sure when will this moment last. People have eyes. Surely, they will find out if they are able to gain evidence. The likelihood of that occurring is high, especially given how eager people are for the windfall.

Unless . . . one of them has a plan.

“You’re all over the internet, honey,” says Athena, scrolling down her bed. She is sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard as Astrid is lying down beside her.

“Hm?” Astrid responds. “This isn’t good.”

Athena nods. “Yeah. The more people who know you, the more difficult it is to remain anonymous. I suppose it's a good idea to shelter at an abandoned hotel in the woods for the time being. At least, there’s no people around aside from the four of us.”

Astrid exhales a sigh. “It’s quite scary in here. It’s dark and cold. We could’ve just stayed in your house.”

After Astrid consented to join her, Athena took her to an abandoned hotel in the woods as their accommodation. Despite the lack of air conditioning, the building is gloomy and frigid, as Astrid stated. They are lighting themselves with a little lamp, a flashlight, and the light of the moon.

The place isn’t that filthy or cluttered, as if someone has recently cleaned the area. Although there are still dust and fallen leaves in the vicinity, as well as damaged furniture scattered throughout the hotel. Their chamber, however, is tidy. The bed is sturdy and the mattress is soft enough for them to sleep comfortably. There are no dust, fallen leaves, or grime on the floor. In the restroom, there is also a huge drum filled with water, providing them with an ample supply of clean water. Lastly, the wooden window shutter in front of their bed has been destroyed, enabling moonlight and wind to enter the chamber.

They have several choices, but Athena picks the abandoned hotel for fear that people may identify her and Astrid in case Astrid's family places her on a bounty. The hotel is the finest place to hide for a short period of time. At least, there’s no people around and no one will find them.

“The maids will notice you,” responds Athena. “Not that I don't trust them to keep a secret, but it's better to be safe than sorry. We're fortunate to have come here in the middle of the woods, and your disappearance becoming viral won't be a problem for a while.”

Astrid submits in silence, staring off into space as though deep in thought. Then she speaks, “I’m sure my mother has gone feral. Selene has most likely already informed them that I was not with her yesterday. I know she made a promise, but I also know she'll give them information to help them find me. She’s just worried, and I feel awful since I placed her in such a tough situation.”

“We wouldn’t be in this tough situation if not for your mother’s pressure on you. If she isn’t that strict or hungry for perfection, then you wouldn’t be here with me. We may be out there, living our lives to the fullest because we could finally be ourselves; we could finally show people our relationship.” Athena lies down beside Astrid, cradling her head. She strokes her lover’s hair. “After a few days, you wouldn’t have to worry about all of this anymore. That I am certain of. This will be over soon.”

She kisses her goodnight.

An old gentleman places two paper bags packed with food on the table next to the bed where Athena and Astrid spent the night before. “Good morning, my humble ladies. I’ve prepared your breakfasts; please eat as you please,” he greets them.

Athena gives him a smile. “Thank you for the service, Theodore. You didn’t have to bother doing so. I’d love to serve the food for my lover.”

Theodore chuckles. “I have to bother doing so, my little Athena. It is my duty as a confidant to serve you. Although I do not remember assisting you to run away in my job description, so kindly consider this as a favor from your friend.”

Theodore is Athena’s confidant. He’s been there to serve her ever since she’s a child. Athena’s father, an entrepreneur, has hired him to take care of his daughter, as he doesn’t have enough time to spend time with her. Growing up, Theodore has become Athena’s second dad and best friend.

He is also supportive of Athena’s career and relationship. He is a gem Athena wouldn’t want to lose.

“The breakfast seems delicious.” Astrid giggles. “What’s our meal for this morning?”

Theodore takes the paper bag off. He hands out four blue Tupperware containers and two water bottles filled with cold water. “It’s pretty simple, actually. Loco Moco is a traditional dish. It's made out of steaming rice topped with a juicy hamburger steak, a fried egg, and a savory mushroom gravy.”

Athena takes a sniff at the container. “You call one of your specialties simple? How can you call it simple, this is one of my favorites.” She chuckles.

Theodore laughs a bit. “If you permit, I’ll take my leave. I still have a few matters to take care of.” He bows his head in reverence.

Athena gives him a nod. “Yes, you may leave.”

Theodore puts his right hand on his left chest and inclines his head before leaving. As he exits the door, Astrid asks, “I just wonder where we will go now. What’s your plan, Athen?”

Athena smiles.

Selene tears hysterically in the Gavi household's dining room, sitting on a sofa near the dining table while Orion strokes her back to console her and the Gavi brothers silently eat their breakfast while watching her cry. She couldn't quit blaming herself for what had happened to Astrid. She can't even get a decent night's sleep, knowing that Demeter is angry at her and is refusing to do anything but to cry and sleep in her bedroom.

“I’m sorry. I’m really really sorry. It’s all my fault,” mutters Selene. Her eyes are puffy and red, and her face looks pale.

Tired of Selene’s drama, Eros finally clicks and speaks, “Oh, it is obviously your fault. What’s the point of apologizing if it already happened? As if it would bring her back.” He rolls his eyes.

“Eros, stop,” Orion calls him out, still stroking Selene's back and handing her a glass of water.

Eros’ twin, Eryx, groans. “Eros has a point. Astrid asked Mom’s permission so she can hang-out with Selene, not with her fucking girlfriend. If Selene just didn’t let her go on a date, then she wouldn’t disappear. Then maybe Mom wouldn’t refuse to eat right now just to spend her time mourning the loss of her favorite child and hurling valuables away.”

As Cadmus hears it, he snickers and claps his hands. “Wow. That’s such a nice act. You guys didn’t even care about Mom or Astrid before this happened so I wonder why you act now like you do.”

Eros drops his utensils on the dish before him. “We do care. Maybe you just didn’t notice it,” he retorts.

“Care?” Cadmus frowns. “In what aspect? You’re busy wasting your time with girls, alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. You don’t even give Mom an ounce of respect and treat Astrid right, so where’s the care you are talking about?”

“Eros, Cadmus, do not start a fight. It’s breakfast time for heaven’s sake.” Orion’s voice is stern.

Ares eats his food, uttering nothing, while Selene takes deep breaths to try calming herself down.

“Ha, says the one who took advantage of Astrid’s foolishness.” Eros ignores his father’s warning. “Have you already forgotten the time you stole Astrid’s funds for her thesis research just to feed your gambling addiction? She almost didn’t graduate because of you!”

Cadmus slams the table, standing up. “I never stole her funds! How many times do I have to tell you that?!”

“Stop lying, Brother. It’s definitely you!” Eros rises from his seat, grinning as he glares at Cadmus. “I know you’ve done more than that not only to Astrid but to the whole family!”

“Can you fucking stop blaming me for the things I didn’t even do?!” Cadmus' voice rings out across the room.

“How could we not?!” Eros retorts, approaching Cadmus. “You’re an absolute piece of shit and a fucking disgrace to the family!”

“Then what do you call yourself huh?!” Cadmus grabs Eros by his collar. “Do you think you’re any different from me?!”

“You, bastard!”

Upon hearing their confrontation, Ares rolls his eyes and continues eating his meal. The rest, on the other hand, restrains Cadmus and Eros from fighting, distancing the two of them to avoid physical fights. Cadmus and Eros then continue to hurl their madness against each other to the point that their words turn into gibberish.

This is how the two boys are all the time. Unless one of them is gone, a week in the Gavi home would not pass without them confronting each other. Whether the issue is minor or major, they will always argue over it.

Cadmus and Eros couldn't stop yelling at each other until a notification from Ares' phone appears in the middle of their squabble. Ares has just received a message from an unknown sender.

Unknown  — Sun, Jan 21 2035, 6:52 am

Bayrich Wilds

King Peak’s Hotel

Don’t bring reinforcements.