Not A Small-Town Girl

"Xavier also made sure that as soon as they were out of this mess, he would take on more jobs; movies, commercials, anything, so Danielle wouldn’t have to get involved in dangerous stuff ever again.

"Meanwhile, Danielle had no idea what was going through their heads.

“Danielle," Howard started cautiously, "where exactly did you get that gun?"

"She noticed the way her dad, mom, and Xavier were staring at it, wide-eyed. Thinking they liked it, she smiled. "You like it? Don’t worry, I’ll get each of you one when we’re out of here. But you’ll need some training first, I can teach you."

"She couldn’t help but feel proud of her design. It was funny her parents liked this kind of thing at their age, but if it made them happy, she would teach them, even if they’d never actually need it.

"The three of them froze, exchanging frantic glances. Howard raised his hands. "No, no, sweetie, we’re not asking because we want one. We’re just curious, where did it come from?"

"Danielle’s smile faltered, realizing her mistake. "Oh. Well, it’s mine. I didn’t buy it or anything."

"Howard and Vivian stared at her like she’d just confessed to a crime. "Yours?" Vivian asked, her voice trembling. "Honey, you’re not... selling guns, are you? Please tell me you’re not doing something dangerous. If you need money, we’ll help!"

“Wait, selling guns?!" Xavier interrupted, looking horrified. "I thought she was, like, an assassin or something!"

"Danielle blinked, realizing she might have given herself away with those shots. "Not entirely wrong," she said with a shrug.

“What?!" Xavier nearly yelled, staring at her like she had grown a second head. "An assassin? Seriously? That sounds like something out of a movie!"

"Howard pinched the bridge of his nose. "Danielle, how many… uh… people have you, you know, taken care of?" His voice dropped to a whisper. "Look, it’s okay. When we’re out of here, I’ll make sure everything gets handled. Nothing will come back to you, alright?"

"Danielle couldn’t help but laugh. "All of you, relax. I haven’t done that kind of work in years. And this gun isn’t illegal, it’s a custom design I made myself. If you don’t believe me, ask Elliot. I gave him one too."

“Elliot?!" Vivian nearly shrieked. "Your brother knew about this? And he didn’t tell us?!"

"Danielle nodded, keeping it cool. The identities they knew about were the easy ones to handle. The rest were a little more... complicated. No need to give her parents more reasons to freak out.

“Don’t blame Elliot," Danielle said. "I’m the one who told him to keep it under wraps."

"Howard’s eyes drifted to the enormous pit in front of them, but his thoughts were stuck on his daughter’s dangerous secrets.

“Danielle, this stuff is too risky," Xavier said, his voice firm. "When we get out of here, I’m going to work twice as hard, take every gig I can, and make sure you never have to do anything like this again."

"Howard and Vivian nodded, their concern etched on their faces. "Exactly," Vivian said. "Whatever we have, it’s yours. We’ll wire you every cent as soon as we get signal."

"Danielle laughed softly, shaking her head. "You all don’t have to worry about me. I’ve got plenty of money."

“That’s not the point," Vivian said, her voice steady now. "You’ve been through so much without us. Let us make it up to you, okay?"noveldrama

"Danielle hesitated, then sighed. "Alright. If it makes you feel better."

"Xavier stepped closer to the edge of the pit, peering down into the darkness. "This thing is massive. How are we supposed to get across? Unless someone is hiding wings, we’re stuck."

"Danielle scanned their surroundings, her sharp gaze darting over the rocky walls. "There’s a path over there," she said, nodding toward the other side. "There must be a way. Let’s look for some kind of button."

“On it," Xavier said, and they fanned out to search.

"Meanwhile, David’s group was navigating their own set of challenges. Traps were scattered along their route, but his team handled them with ease, their experience showing in every move.

"If Danielle were there, she would’ve noticed something strange. Even though David’s group had entered through the same opening, they weren’t on the same path. That was the unsettling reality of Blackpool Village’s forbidden zone.

“David," Jaden called, his voice cutting through the quiet. "You’re sure Xavier and the others came this way?"