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I place a wireless earbud in my ear, securing it with some tape. When everything is in place, I mentally prepare myself for the hard part of this plan.
Going to the outdoor terrace, I lean over the railing as I do another quick inventory of the distance between each floor. We're on the fourth floor, and that means I'll have my work cut out for me.
With a deep breath, I swing myself over the railing, gripping it tightly with my hands as I move my feet around in an attempt to locate anything I can use for support. I manage to touch a protruding metal bar with the soles of my feet, stabilizing myself for a moment. Butthatis the only surface available.
The outer walls of the building are all smooth concrete, and the lack of edges is going to make it hard for me to scale it down. At most, I'll have to improvise a few things.
And that's exactly what I do I move one hand to grip the metal bar, flinging myself lower and hanging in the air. My body tenses as my entire weight rests on one arm. My muscles are not what they used to be, my strength having decreased considerably after so long without proper exercise. Still, my body remembers everything, and I nimbly grab on to the bar with the other hand, balancing myself in the air.
Knowing each floor will likely put a strain on my body, I have to move fast or I risk losing my strength and falling to my death.
Butthatis simply out of the question.
Taking a deep breath, I turn my head to the side to look at the lower floor.
Each terrace is identical in design. Except for the roof that connects the floors, there is only one small ledge and no windows, giving it a penthouse feel without paying the steep price for it.
The terrace right under me has some fake grass strewn around, as well as some kids' toys. Immediately, I wince at imagining throwing myself right on top of the toys, the pain already echoing in my bones.
Shaking myself, I simply spot a cleaner part a bit further to the right—at least one that shouldn't hurt as much.
Moving along the metal bar, I reach the designated spot. Tightening my hold over the bar, I start swinging myself back and forth to gain momentum.
This is it. The moment when I'll either succeed or…not.
Considering that the latter option is out of the question, I simply refuse to acknowledge it, focusing all my strength on making the jump.
The wind in my face, my body dangling in the air, I build enough momentum and I jump.
I just jump.
Used to similar situation, I automatically duck and roll as I'm about to meet the ground. And as I brush against the fake grass, rolling a few times without encountering any toys on my way, I exhale sharply in relief. Luckily, there also doesn't seem to be anyone around.
One floor down. Two more to go.
Getting to my feet, I dust myself before stretching my muscles. When I feel confident in myself, I head to the ledge, swinging myself over it and getting ready to repeat the entire ordeal.
I manage to lower myself to the bottom metal bar, gripping it with both hands as I assess the situation on the next floor.
This time, instead of fake grass, pebbles are strewn all over.
Wincing, I close my eyes, pushing against anticipated pain as I only focus on my goal.
Getting rid of the threat to Raf's life.
Nothing else matters. Not the way, nor the casualties. Just the result.
My fingers wrapped around the metal bar, I start a light sway, ready to build momentum before the jump.
But just before I can push myself even further to garner speed, a low melody erupts from my pouch, making me still as well—or as much as I can considering I'm just hanging in the air.
Immediately, I stiffen, knowing there's only one person who could be calling—the only one I could never not answer to.
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. And another. My heart is pounding in my chest as I flex my arm muscles to hold my weight as I use one hand to click on my earbud, accepting the call before quickly resuming my grip.
His voice immediately comes through.
"I bet you're all bored without me, aren't you?" he asks in a playful tone.
