Terrence could hear a shot being fired on the other side of the line, then silence. The arm that was not holding the phone was slung around his wife, who was still trying to break free from his hold.
Before Terrence could ask what had happened, the man on the other side spoke,
"Master. We were ambushed, but it's solved now."
The light finally went back on, illuminating the hall that wasn't as sparkling anymore, shards lying around, the luscious birthday cake on the ground—somewhere young people were still fighting about who knows what.
Terrence looked for everyone who came with them, only to see a panicked Meier running in his direction,
"Paige is gone!"
Jane froze, and Terrence put her down, walking to the table where he had seen Paige before the power cut.
He only found Maurice, who was crouching on the floor, holding his neck,
"I was knocked out." He felt terrible about losing Paige.