Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
Chapter 1938

Sylvia breezed into the room, her gaze landing on the stony-faced Jonathan. She arched an eyebrow and said, "Didn't Gab mention he didn't want your help? Why did you come here?" Jonathan pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice husky with tension. "Estelle's in Citadel!"

Sylvia's expression shifted slightly. "Is she here for Gab?"

"It looks like it!"

Sylvia pondered for a moment. "Then she must have gone to Zion!"

Jonathan furrowed his brow. "Zion? What would she be doing there?"

If Estelle was looking for Gab, and the information he had gotten while in M Country was that Gab was in the city of Citadel, why would Estelle head to Zion?

Sylvia spoke firmly, "I suspect that Gab might be in Zion as well."

Jonathan's eyes darkened. "Are you certain?"

Sylvia shook her head. "It's just a guess. I only got here a day before you."

Jonathan stood up swiftly. "Then we must go to Zion now!"

Sylvia blocked his path. "You can't just barge in there; you might ruin Gab's plans!"

"I'm not in the mood to care about anyone's plans. I need to find Estelle now!" Jonathan exuded an overpowering presence, his tone laced with impatience and a cold intensity that matched the frost in his deep-set eyes.

Ever since he had found out that Estelle wasn't in C City, he hadn't slept for two nights straight. His temper and patience were on a razor's edge.

"Estelle has been here for a few days, likely under a covert identity. If you go blundering in, you might put her in danger," Sylvia tried to reason with him calmly.

"Zion?" Jonathan's voice was a mix of anger and sarcasm. "Is that Raiden's territory? If he dares touch Estelle, I'll flatten Zion!"

With that, Jonathan strode past Sylvia and headed for the door.

"Mr. Lamont!" Sylvia called after him, rushing to keep up.

"Mr. Lamont?" A guard approached with another man in tow. The man stood at the doorway, blocking Jonathan's exit. "I'm from Eagle Valley!" Jonathan paused, then demanded, "Where is she?"

The man glanced around and lowered his voice. "Let's talk inside."

Jonathan gave him a piercing look and turned back into the room.

Once they were alone, the man said, "Please, Mr. Lamont, stay your hand. Estelle is indeed here, and she's safe for now. You don't need to worry."

Jonathan's eyes were ice-cold. "There is no way I can rest assured until I see her."

The man said, "Estelle came here not only to find Gab but also for a confidential mission."

Jonathan narrowed his eyes. "What mission?"

The man shook his head apologetically. "Sorry, it's top secret. I can't disclose it."

"Who assigned her this mission?"

Again, the man hesitated. "I can't reveal that either."

Jonathan's frustration simmered. "Then tell me everything she's done since she arrived, where she is now, or I'll have to find her myself!"

The man relented a little and gave Jonathan a brief rundown of Estelle's arrival in Citadel, her encounter with Lambert, and following him to Zion afterward.

"Two days ago, Estelle ran into some trouble, but I just got word she's out of danger now."

Jonathan pressed, "What trouble? Is she hurt?"

"No!" the man assured. "She is perfectly safe now."

"How did you know to find me here?" Jonathan asked.

"It was Josiah who recognized you."

Josiah? Jonathan's expression turned even colder. Josiah was in Citadel too but didn't dare to meet him in person!

Jonathan took a moment to compose himself, looking out the window in the direction of Zion and finally nodded. "Fine. I understand."

He was here now, and he wouldn't let anyone harm her again.

The man said solemnly, "Thank you, Mr. Lamont, for your understanding. I'll keep you posted with any news about Estelle."

"Okay," Jonathan responded, his tone unreadable.

"I'll be on my way then," the man said, lowering his head slightly before leaving.

Once the man was gone, Sylvia approached softly. "Are you feeling better now, Mr. Lamont?"