Chapter 20. Maze

Ellise opened the door to the kitchen, her stomach rumbling loudly. She froze when she saw Xanthis. Apparently, he was making a phone call. He seemed to be very tense and pissed as he spoke using Italian. Narrowing her eyes, Ellise moved behind the counter, making sure to stay out of plain sight.

The only word among Xanthis’ statements that she was able to understand was ‘Emperor X’. She found it odd that he was talking about ‘Emperor X’.

Immediately he noticed her presence, he became very jumpy and nervous.

He coughed into his handkerchief.

“I didn’t hear you come in,” he said, smiling nervously.

She returned the smile half-heartedly.

“Who was that? You sounded very upset,” she said.

He cleared his throat awkwardly.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I’ll just go and have some rest,” he said and left her alone in the kitchen.

As she brought her glass of water to her lips, her thoughts wavered.

***

“I have to go now. Amelia is waitin