A fleeting glimpse of someone familiar caught his eye.

At first, he hadn't registered it. But then, a moment later, it hit him.

He glanced over quickly, but the person was already gone.

He got up and started scanning the room.

“What's going on, Barth?" Briseis asked, noticing his unusual behavior.

Without answering, Barth made his way toward the door.

Lilah was somewhat taken aback and trailed behind Barth.

He rushed to the door and scanned the area for a while, but he didn't spot anything.

Eventually, he came to think it was just his imagination.

"What's the matter?" Lilah inquired, her brow furrowed.

With a wry smile, Barth responded casually, “Nothing. Maybe it was just my imagination."

His tone was unusually chilly, carrying an elusive emotion.

At that moment, Lilah grasped something and also fell silent.

That night, everyone had a bit too much to drink, except Barth.

Eventually, Lilah had to call for a designated driver to get her home.

As time went by, Lilah slouched in her seat, feeling a bit woozy, and soon drifted off to sleep.

"Miss, miss?"

The driver's voice jolted her awake in a whisper. Lilah stirred and blinked at him, disoriented.

"What's happening? Are we there?"

She started to open the door, ready to get out.

“There are people here."

The driver's voice shook as he spoke.

Lilah squinted and looked up. Sure enough, a group of men and women surrounded the car, each one holding a knife.

They were on a mountain road leading to the villa. There weren't many people around, and if a scuffle broke out, nobody would be there to witness it.