We all look at each other tensely. Nolan goes to the room's door, locks it with a key, draws his pistol, and signals us to keep quiet with a finger to his lips. Todd grabs the stone from the floor. Nolan gestures for us to step aside and not stand directly in front of the door. Footsteps echo along the corridor, and it seems like there is only one person. If they opened the door, it meant they knew the code or somehow bypassed the lock, I think. Nolan listens attentively, as do the rest of us. The knocking on the door sends a collective shiver through us.

"Nolan?" comes a muffled male voice from behind the door. "Are you in here?"

Nolan frowns and clicks the locks on the door. When it swings open, a tall man in a formal suit appears in the doorway. He wears leather gloves on his hands as if it is autumn outside. There isn't a speck on his patent leather shoes; I could see my reflection in them. His pale blue eyes move from one of us to the other, lingering on me and Todd, before finally settling on me. I look away, uncomfortable under his scrutiny.

"Damn it, Felix!" Nolan breathes out. He looks over his brother's shoulder into the hallway, but it's empty. Felix steps over the threshold, and Nolan closes the door with a light click.

Felix slowly removes his gloves, meticulously tracing each finger. We watch him, transfixed. His pale face betrays no emotion, and his dark hair is slicked back, similar to how Nolan's was when we first met.

"I hope you brought an entire army and a helicopter," Nolan says, his forehead creasing. Felix spares him a glance before shifting his attention back to me. He walks further into the room, sits on the sofa, and waits for all of us to join him. Nolan rolls his eyes.

"Poser," he exhales and nods to us to go to the fireplace. Sitting around Felix (I stay at the window to be away from him, but that doesn't save me from Felix's annoying look), we wait for him to start talking.

"So?" Nolan presses impatiently.

"No," Felix tilts his head. "I didn't bring the army with me. Or a helicopter, but," he adds, noticing Nolan's frustration. "There's a seaplane at the pier."

Felix glances around at all of us again, licking his lips.

"Alex, right?" He looks directly at me, and I tense. How did he know my name? Mel and Todd also glance at him suspiciously, but Felix pays no attention to them. I nod hesitantly, but he doesn't inquire further. He turns to Nolan.

"I suppose a private conversation is impossible," he says, nodding towards Todd and Mel with a small grin in his eyes. "I can understand, you're exhausted, frightened, upset - your mother and little sister are missing. And you must be craving answers to your questions, I understand that," he says all this, but there is not even a hint of empathy in his eyes. "I have one request - please react calmly," his gaze grows more serious. We all remain silent, tensely waiting, ready to absorb his every word. "I was contacted by... some people. Richard, Guinevere, and Stacey are safe and sound."

"What do these 'people' want?" Mel grimaces, Felix casts a glance at her. "Money?"

"Money," Felix repeats, breathing out a little relaxed, as if talking about the weather. "Everyone wants money. That's how the world works."

"And how much money do they want?" Mel inquires. Felix studies her face.

"I didn't say they want money," Felix replies, squinting, his words drawn out unpleasantly.

"Then what on earth do they want?" Mel asked irritably, growing impatient with his cryptic responses.

"Well, here, the matter becomes a little curious," Felix pauses. "They need... younger brothers," he looks at me and then at Nolan. Nolan's face changes, but he doesn't look surprised.

"But dad said... and I..." Nolan starts.

"I don't understand," Mel says, frowning. "Are they suggesting we trade Alex for mom and Stacey?! Are they out of their minds?! Our brother ends up with some scumbags, and we just merrily go about our business?! We need to go to the police!"

Felix clicks his tongue. "There's a small problem, Miss Charleston. The police can't help you. And even if they decide to act, it might be too late."

"But we're not giving up Alex!" Mel exclaims, her eyes widening. She stands up and positions herself in front of me, Todd stands by her side, and I feel a surge of warmth wash over me. Felix regards them sternly.

"Well, of course, we can wait," he retorts, defiantly glancing at the clock. "Until it dawns on you that you have no choice. One minute is enough?"

Mel seems on the verge of pouncing on Felix. "Wait, you mean you're agreeing to give up your brother, Nolan, for your father?" she asks incredulously.

"Well," Felix drawls somewhat indifferently. "It's up to him."

"Are you serious!?" Mel asks in disbelief, casting a questioning look at Nolan, who appears just as stunned.

"Is this some sort of deceptive move?" Mel attempts to grasp onto something. "Alex and Nolan trade places with mom, Stacey, and Richard, and then we go to the police and rescue them?"

Felix shakes his head. "No, they stay."

"They stay where?" Mel almost cries out.

"In Leviathan's house."

"Where?!" Mel asks in bewilderment. Nolan lowers his head, gazing at the floor.

"I can go in Alex's place," Todd offers.

"No!" Mel and I exclaim sharply.

Felix shakes his head again. "Which part of "they need younger brothers" do you not understand?"

Todd responds with a bitter, determined look, a side of him I probably have never seen before.

"Father said it wouldn't affect me anymore!" Nolan finally speaks up as he gets to his feet, locking eyes with Felix, who calmly meets his gaze.

"Father was wrong," Felix replies slowly.

"What does it mean?!" Nolan exclaims.

"Do you really want to discuss it now?" Felix asks, tilting his head. Nolan glances quickly at all of us.

"What's the difference?" Nolan says viciously. "I need to know why dad and you suddenly changed your minds! Initially, it seemed like you weren't going to give me to anyone, even though you saw them lurking around me!"

"Well, dad didn't change... But as you can see, he's not here. I have to deal with this issue."

"But you're dealing with it by throwing me into the fire. Great, brother. As always!" Nolan's eyes flash with anger and resentment, but it barely affects Felix.

"Fine, don't save our father," Felix says indifferently, giving Nolan a steely look.

"I want to know what the hell is going on!" Nolan's voice hardens.

"Father had an agreement," Felix begins, but Nolan interrupts him.

"An illegal one! And I did my part!"

Ignoring the interruption, Felix continues, "Father broke it, as it turned out, to our detriment. He also put me and the entire company, where many people work, at risk."

"So, you're sitting here with a straight face and telling me that I must become a slave for the sake of your company?" Nolan's voice grows colder. He glances at me, positioned behind my brother and sister, clenches his teeth, and fixes his gaze on Felix.

"Not mine, but our father's, and yours too. I'll repeat once again, it's your choice," Felix says calmly.

"Of course," Nolan nods, tilting his head. His gaze turns cold, his voice firm and composed. Now, they truly look like brothers.

"This is not a prison, not the dungeons of the Inquisition," Felix states evenly.

Nolan lets out a barking laugh, "You have no idea what you're talking about!"

Felix stares at him. "Don't exaggerate. Nobody will torture you... hmm... you certainly won't be killed. At least, that was the promise."

"They kidnap people!" I shout from behind Mel and Todd. "So, I doubt these people's company will be pleasant or safe!"

Felix sighs. "I can't sit here and comfort you all day. The situation is unpleasant, and your only choice is to go voluntarily now to secure your relatives' release or to get there by force. But then, there's no guarantee that your mom and sister will be okay."

"Wait!" Mel interjects. "I don't understand. What does Alex have to do with this? Ok, Richard broke some agreement and owes them Nolan, but what about Alex? They can't just demand every younger brother! This is some form of terrorism! They must be stopped!"

"Well, you also had a father," Felix responds, narrowing his eyes. "Maybe he broke some agreement as well."

"This is madness," Mel shakes her head in shock. She turns to me, gripping my shoulders tightly. "No, Alex, don't even think about going. We can't appease these terrorists. Mom won't survive this! We need to go to the police. They'll sort it out. These psychos need to be stopped."

"But what about Stacey?" I ask, thinking of my little sister and how frightened she must be. Mel, Todd and I exchange intense glances. "Listen, we need to buy some time. The most important thing is to get mom and Stacey back. I promise I'll find a way to get out of there and contact you, okay?"

"No, Alex, please," Mel whispers, her eyes pleading, almost tearing up. Todd squeezes my shoulder firmly.

"Besides, I won't be alone there. Nolan will be with me," I say, looking at Nolan, who doesn't meet my gaze. I kind of want to find support in his eyes and face, and he nods almost imperceptibly. "We'll figure something out together. Tell mom and Stacey that I'm back home for my guitar," I try to hide the sadness behind a grin. Todd and Mel hug me tightly.

"We'll be waiting for any sign or message from you," Todd says softly. Mel sobs in my ear, and I struggle to hold back tears. Finally, we open our arms, and I move closer to Felix.

"I'm ready," I say. Felix looks up at me.

"Reasonable and noble," he says with a barely perceptible smile, then looks at Nolan, whose face remains expressionless. However, he straightens up and walks towards the door. Felix stands up, and as a group, we make our way to the house's exit. We pass through the garden once more and head down to the pier, where a seaplane and a boat with a sailor are waiting.

"Well," Felix turns to Mel and Todd, "Rem will take you to the yacht, where your mother and sister are." He waves towards the sea, and I notice a silhouette of a grand yacht in the distance. "They are not aware of what's happening since they were drugged to sleep. So you better follow Alex's lead and tell them he ran away home. Or you can raise a panic, but, in this case, I can't guarantee Alex's safety."

"Are you not sailing with us?" Mel asks, her hostility barely concealed.

"No, I'll be back later," Felix replies. "And you," he turns to me and Nolan, "take your seats on the plane."

I turn around and raise my hand in farewell to Mel and Todd. They look at me with genuine sorrow, my eyes start to sting, so I force a smile and quickly board the plane, taking a window seat. Nolan sits beside me, and Felix settles in front of me, giving the command to take off.

"Oh, by the way," Felix says, turning to Nolan. "Give me your gun, please."

Nolan scowls at his brother but reluctantly hands over the weapon. The pilot starts the engine; the plane turns, accelerates, and takes off. I watch as the boat with Mel and Todd aboard sways on the waves, gradually moving farther away. I shift my gaze from the window and feel Nolan's warm hand on mine. He tries to offer me comfort with a glance, and I don't even know how to look at him.