(Author's note: The dialogues in telepathy are italicized. Enjoy the soundtrack above by clicking on it.)

  "Airport team, report your status!"

  "All clear, sir!"

  "Harbor team, how's your end?"

  "No sign of the target yet, over!"

  "What about Ms. Ryler's team?"

  "Same here, sir!"

  James is in the surveillance room, monitoring the stakeout police teams at locations where William Kensington might appear. After killing two officers and escaping during transport, Kensington became the prime suspect in the Black Hood serial murder case. However, two hours have passed since his escape, and the police still can't locate him.

  James watches the technical teams trying to find any clues about Kensington's whereabouts, but there's been no progress. The tech leader looks back at him and shakes his head in frustration.

  James sighs deeply and calls the last stakeout team on his list. "Concert team, how about you?"

  Kyle responds, "It's hectic here. We've been spreading out and patrolling without disturbing the show, but nothing abnormal so far."

  "Stay alert, everyone," James transmits his thoughts to all stakeout teams. "He may try to escape through the quietest gateway or head to the most crowded place to fulfill his whim. We have to consider all possibilities."

  "Got it, sir!"

  They respond firmly and continue their mission. The tension is palpable; no one dares to lower their guard. They all know how dangerous Kensington is and how reckless he can be when cornered. Wherever he appears, a fierce encounter is inevitable.

  "Take it easy with that tube, Gab," Kyle whispers to an anxious Gabriel standing beside him near the stage. "You'll break it if you keep holding it so tightly."

  Gabriel releases the small tube hanging around his neck and stares at it intently.

  "What else can I do? It's the only thing we can rely on right now," Gabriel says while glancing around suspiciously. "Can you call for more backup? What if he's hiding in the audience?"

  "The team here is already the largest," Kyle explains. "We need backup at other locations too."

  "Yeah, I get it," Gabriel sighs. "I'm just worried about An."

  "Don't worry. As soon as there's a sign of him, I'll be there right away and capture him before he can do anything," Kyle reassures Gabriel. "And I doubt he'd be here. He set up all that drama with Rachel and the car crash to escape. He'd flee to another city or country rather than come to this dead-end place and get caught."

  While Gabriel ponders this, large screens around the stage start showing a countdown, with lights flickering in sync with the bass hums. A deep vibration resonates through the ground and air, building suspense. "One..." The countdown reaches its final second.

  In an explosion of light and sound, the stage comes alive. Brilliant beams of color shoot into the sky, dancing in time with the pounding rhythm of the opening song. The music erupts—a symphony of guitars, drums, and vocals fills the night air. The crowd roars, their voices merging with the music in a harmonious celebration.

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "Ladies and gentlemen," a voice booms over the loudspeakers. "The concert has begun! For the next few hours, let the world outside fade away as we share this magical musical experience together!"

  The hosts come out to introduce the show and stir up excitement. Standing next to the stage, Gabriel and Kyle wince from the deafening volume but quickly adjust and focus on their mission, scanning for any abnormalities.

  On the other side of the stage, a cameraman operating his equipment professionally is none other than William Kensington himself. Wearing a black hat and a dark crew uniform that blends perfectly into the shadows, he stands unnoticed. If he were just a few meters closer, Marcus's blood tubes on Gabriel's and Kyle's necks would light up—but for now, they remain unaware due to the distance.

  "Everyone get ready to be dazzled! It's the phenomenal Anna Lanes opening this incredible night!"

  As anticipation buzzes through the crowd, Gabriel's and Kyle's hearts race—not because of the serial murderer on the run, but because of their little sister's entrance.

  The night sky above is illuminated with dazzling lights as a drone descends gracefully from above. Suspended beneath it is Anna, radiant in a stunning, shimmering outfit like the rising star she is. Her presence elicits cheers from afar.

  "Does she really have to go over-the-top like that?" Kyle looks up impatiently at Anna descending. "She knows no fear."

  Gabriel says pale-faced. "Tell me about it!"

  The drone lowers Anna gently onto the stage; as her feet touch down, powerful notes of her hit song burst forth—lively music matching her epic entrance seamlessly.

  Everyone is captivated by her voice soaring through each note, resonating with energy and passion, while vibrant stage lights pulse in sync with the beats, casting colors across the sea of fans. Her performance is electrifying, with every movement and note powerfully synchronized.

  In the midst of that emotional moment, Kyle suddenly says to Gabriel what he's been holding back and usually finds hard to express.

  "I'm sorry, Gab."

  Gabriel turns to him, eyes wide with surprise.

  "About the questioning," Kyle continues apologetically. "I doubted you and hurt you with my thoughtless words. I'm really sorry."

  Gabriel looks at Kyle's sad expression. This troubled look doesn't suit him at all.

  "Well, I guess I'll have to get used to this," Gabriel shrugs. "I have a detective for a brother, after all."

  "Hey, you have no idea how conflicted I felt," Kyle nudges Gabriel, trying to explain. "When you were proven innocent, I was so relieved. And I've seen how reliable you've been, escorting An and all. I trust you completely now!"

  "No, please don’t," Gabriel pushes him away half-jokingly as Kyle throws his arm around Gabriel's shoulder. "I'm feeling pressured."

  Even though the tension is still there, it feels more breathable when they are in it together, just like the old days.

  "Through the storm I hold my light; dreams in heart I'll win this fight."

  The catchy lyrics almost reach William's heart, but he feels nothing except the excitement of satisfying his lust for killing soon. He adjusts the camera, zooming in on Anna more clearly, while carefully moving the hidden gun beneath it, pointing directly at the idol girl. The crew members are busy watching the performance, paying no attention to him.

  Anna's song reaches its final part. The crew prepares the highlight of her performance: a display of fireworks. They quietly count down to it behind the scenes.

  "Here we go..."

  A wicked smile blooms on William's distorted face as he tightens his finger around the trigger. When the firework explodes, he will fire.

  "Urgent! There's a signal here!"

  A stakeout team member's mental voice rings out, alerting all relevant police teams.

  "My tube's glowing. Requesting backup... at the harbor!"

  Kyle urgently tells Gabriel, "The guy's appeared. I'm going!" Then he vanishes in the blink of an eye.

  Gabriel is left standing alone beside the stage. Some officers are nearby, but they seem to relax a bit after hearing the target has been spotted elsewhere.

  "Pew!"

  A fire flower blooms brilliantly in the sky, followed by others. In that split second when everyone looks up to admire the fireworks, Gabriel sees the glaring light from the small tube on his neck. Without enough time to search for the serial killer or think of anything else, Gabriel follows his instinct and dashes toward Anna on the stage.

  "An! Head down!" Gabriel shouts, startling Anna. She stoops down reflexively, her wide eyes filled with panic and confusion.

  Suddenly, as Gabriel runs to Anna, time seems to slow down. A flood of memories from the old, dimly lit alleyway seven years ago washes over her. Gabriel reaches her, wrapping his arms around her protectively. Through his touch, the familiar intense feelings rush through Anna's mind, overwhelming her. Yet, to her surprise, they are not the cold, scary murderous intents she remembered, but genuine care and a desire to shield her from danger.

  "Bang!"

  The sound of a gunshot blends with the fireworks, initially unnoticed by the large audience. Then, the screams of people near the stage ring out, plunging the crowd into chaos.

  "Ahhhh! Someone's shot!"

  "Anna! Noooo!"