Continuing chapter 5...

  Lawrence stopped his movement to ask Aeris an important thing. He projects a whispered but firm voice.

  Lawrence: “How exactly should I act?”

  The silver-blue haired girl changes her body language; She tried to remember how that guy acts like.

  Aeris: “Sigh… I’m trying to remember his name again. Eh, I completely forgot. Anyway, he’s arrogant. Likes to joke around and he’s a massive hypocrite. If you play along, no one’s going to suspect a thing.”

  Lawrence: “But, joke about who or what?”

  Aeris: “He is all big talk, that’s all.”

  Lawrence nods his head; That was all he needed. Lawrence clears his throat to start his acting, he walks firmly fully confident about himself. His jégosgalia remained active as he encounters two nearby guards, slowly storing their appearances for Aeris and Eleorona to disguise with.

  The trio moved through the underground base, Eleorona projected a questioning look to Aeris

  Eleorona: “Why can’t you just walk arou- Hold on, yeah I forgot, sorry.”

  She interrupts herself remembering the reason.

  Aeris: (Harsh smirk) “Everyone knows I’m a traitor, I can’t risk myself.”

  Lawrence knocked off the two guards who luckily did no sharp sounds for someone to notice. Their appearances were absorbed, yet they remained the same. Lawrence went back to Aeris & Eleorona’s location; The base’s entrance.

  Aeris gained a new body complexion, the same as Eleorona. Their voice changed, thus, Lawrence had to consume the triple of stamina until they could find a safe place. Passing through checkpoints easily, their disguise had a convincing look to keep them unnoticed. Most guards seemed to care little about them moving through. But, there was one elite guard feeling such intriguing sensation from the moving guards; He glanced, letting them go. As set forth, Aeris gave a frown at the security patterns.

  Aeris: (Muttering) “Something’s off…”

  She exhaled, closing her eyes like she’s about to announce something.

  Aeris: “Listen, I was recruited 11 months ago by Hjalmer to guard him. I only took the job because I needed that money… so bad. Back then, this base followed a strict schedule. But now…?”

  She glanced at the guards passing by.

  Aeris: “This is different now.”

  The trio found themselves alone in a secured room, Lawrence deactivated his jégosgalia, softly panting due to the draining usage. Eleorona takes a look on him, placing her hands on her back.

  Eleorona: “Are you okay? Did you surpass the limit?”

  Lawrence: (Panting) “Luckily no.”

  The silver-blue haired girl stares at her own hands. She felt odd during her disguise.

  Aeris: “Lawrence, despite I changed my appearance to a man, how could I feel my own body?”

  The italian felt pressured. His head, from looking to the ground to stare at her, finding a way to answer it. It was an uncomfortable but interesting question, even Eleorona stares at her with no comments.

  Lawrence: “I rather explain that when we’re done with all of this disaster…”

  Aeris nods at him, smirking. They had no time to wonder around to talk about their jégosgalia. Then, she activates Steelheart Fury, sending waves of magnetic force through the air. She could feel light vibrations of low-conductivity fibers; Her speculation was right on track. The sensation attracted Aeris’ curiosity, stepping towards a seemingly empty corridor.

  They followed her, proceeding towards a harden gray wall, a painting of the ocean with rolling waves hung there. Below it, a phrase was stamp into the frame. A riddle.

  Eleorona: (Raising her right brow) “Why is there a riddle?”

  Aeris tilted her head, thinking back.

  Aeris: “Hmmm… Hjalmer likes riddles, or at least, that’s what he says.”

  Eleorona: (Frowning) “That’s not right. He hates riddles. He couldn’t even solve a simple one back then.”

  A loud and brief silence. If Hjalmer had been lying about this, then what else had he been pretending to be? Aeris lowered her gaze, exhaling slowly once again.

  Aeris: “That bastard’s been putting on an act since the beginning. How surprising.”

  She added, with a sarcastic tone. Meanwhile, Lawrence analyzed the painting as he read out loud.

  Lawrence: “I’m blue as the soothing sky. I kiss the shores of many prestigious lands. A path once ruled by merchants bold. Where golden lions dominated. A divide between the land that steps upon the sea, with hidden depths still yet unknown.”

  He took a long pause, expressing his thoughtful face.

  Lawrence: “This sea… it’s in Italy.”

  Aeris’ eyes widened slightly as she realizes what it meant.

  Aeris: “The Adriatic Sea. But what does it have to do with-”

  Her words cut off as Lawrence instinctively turned the painting over. Another phrase was recorded into the back. This one talked about something else; Something tied to a hitman.

  “Therefore, I accompany the rough waves of my united sea. The unseen blades wait for the arrival of him, who proclaims himself as ‘The One’.”

  Aeris: (Whispering) “The real base… Is in the Adriatic Sea.”

  Before they could act on this investigation, a sharp voice resonates through the base.

  ???: “Oi, three guards are down near the main hall.”

  At that point, fighting was their only choice. Aeris, Lawrence and Eleorona barely had time to react before a group of Hjalmer’s personal guards arrived, cornering them.

  While Lawrence and Eleorona adapted their usual combat stances, Aeris cracked her knuckles as she smirks proudly.

  Aeris: “Heh, we’re done sneaking around.”

  They fought their way through, dodging and countering as the alarms honk throughout the base. The three moved rapidly, evading capture until they emerged onto the surface.

  Lawrence: (Glancing & Panting) “We’re out. Now what?”

  The silver-blue haired girl wiped a smudge of blood from her lip.

  Aeris: “We head for the Adriatic Sea. If the real base is there, we need a way to get across.”

  Lawrence: (Nodding) “A boat. A yacht. Whatever we can find to travel there.”

  Swapping scenes, Donovan stood over the knocked out Top 2, her breath coming in broken gasps. The fight pushed him to his limits but had found the weakness and exploited it despite fighting for 28 minutes with all the fallen Tops. Now, there was only one left. Top 1.

  Top 1: (Chuckle) “Hm, not bad Ivanel.”

  The last oponent rolled his shoulders and cracked his knuckles to get ready.

  Top 1: (Wide grin) “Guess it’s my turn.”

  Even if the teenager won against the other tops, he knew the huge disadvantage he is experimenting. Donovan was exhausted, worn from battle, but Top 1? He had barely lifted a finger until now. The man claimed they were evenly matched, that the Top ranks were supposed to be on par with Donovan, but the teenager could tell the real even match was about to begin. They stared at each other locking their gaze. Donovan took the first step closing the distance in a instant. His fists connected with a flawless combination; Left jab, right jab, uppercut, body hook and a roundhouse kick. Top 1 didn’t follow, maintaining his defensive skills by reading him. Then, the teenager paused.

  Donovan: “How about we fight without our jégosgalia? Just hand to hand

  Top 1: (Raising a brow) “And now you want to negotiate?”

  He exhaled a short laugh thinking how absurd the negotiating is.

  Top 1: “Why would I even agree to that?”

  Donovan: “To test our abilities, no tricks. Just combat.”

  Top 1: “Hesitated and smirked) “Alright.”

  Now, Top 1 did the first step executiing an axe kick but eventually getting blocked from Donovan who raised both arms in a cross block, countering with a low kick. But… Top 1 barely reacted. Something felt off. His intincts told him he was about to be hit but nothing came. A feint that never existed. A split second and

  A punch connected, snapping his head to the side.

  Another attack, another miss, another impact. Rhythm was miscalculated when his body moved when it shouldn’t. Top 1 wasn’t just predicting him, he was controlling him like a puppet.

  Donovan: (Growl) “Tch, playing dirty just like Hjalmer.”

  Top 1: (Laughing) “Dirty? Are you sure I’m doing that?”

  Once again, another attack, another feint. Donovan blocked the wrong angle, having a blow connected to his stomach. His vision went blur for a second as saliva flew from is lips. He staggered, three septs back. It wasn’t being a fair fight but, fair fights don’t exist in this world. Donovan had to think on a plan to win against this man. Being aware that he used his 4 remaining thoughts to counter the 4 hitmen, he relied on his penultimate thought which he used against Top 2 being a future sight ability. To test out his chances, he throws some clean punches as he picks up the rhythm. But Top 1 quickly adjusted his pressure, being in the offensive. He feints but this time, Donovan realized something. Instead of reacting to what he sees, sensing was his only option. Top 1 sees how Donovan flinches unnaturally thinking he finally succumbed to the distorted timing.

  Top 1 in his mind: “Good, he’s set in my trap now.”

  The hitman smirks confidently, but… Was this Donovan’s idea?

  Sure, it was. The moment Top 1 commits a charged uppercut in an orthodox stance, Donovan was already countering it with a slip-body shot. Instead of reacting, pre-emptively repositions himself where the attack will end, not where it begins. He connects the attack making the hitman grunt out loud noticing the damage on his liver. Top 1 pressed forward, but the teenager had seen enough. Donovan could see in Top 1’s radiant hazel eyes the victory.

  And then, at the crucial moment…

  He used his last thought, Delayed Execution. Granting him the ability to delay his attacks and complete the motion in a perfect timing. A knee shot forward and Top 1 hesitated. The attack looked like an illusion, and a fraction of a second, Top 1 ignored it, but it was real. Turning tables, Donovan grabbed Top 1’s hit and smashed his knee into his ribs with full force. And again, Top 1 grunts of pain. But, the hitman retaliated instantly, however Donovan blocked it, stopping his attack mid-motion. Their eyes met again, and for once, Top 1’s reaction gradually lost control. Donovan’s fist struck clean to the iron chin. Then, Top 1 stepped back, rubbing his jaw. A small laugh escaped him.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Top 1: “Pff, haha not bad, not bad. We’ll meet again if fate decides.”

  A low rumble vibrated through the air as a skyrocket descended onto the battlefield. Soldiers moved quickly, gathering the knocked Top members. Donovan stood there on one knee, bloodied and exhausted, watching them leave. With all his efforts, he barely stood up, extending his right arm in a diagonal position where glimmering particles form a sloped cutting line which travels towards the skyrocket but slowly, indicating Donovan’s exhaustion. He did nothing else other than watch the enemies leave. His family, still sheltered nearby, appeared as the ship left the battlefield. Their faces were a mix of relief and amazement. His little cocusins yelled his name in excitement, two of his aunts hurried towards him asking if he was alright. His uncles laughed, proudly. And then his mother stood before him. She didn’t need to say much. Her golden eyes softened.

  Irene: (Whispering) “You’re growing slowly, but strong just as a Ivanel, my son.”

  He exhaled sharply. His body wobbled and his family quickly helped stabilize him.

  Donovan: (Asked as he rubbed his sore jaw.) “Where’s Dad?”

  Irene: “On his way. He wants to talk to you.”

  Donovan: (Blinking twice) “Am I failing a subject?”

  Irene: (Laughing & patting his back.) “No, no, you’re doing fine in school. Just wait, you’ll see.”

  But then, her expression turned serious.

  Irene: “How’s your sister?”

  Her son hesitated, pulling out his phone

  Donovan: “Oh- uh, I was just about to call her.”

  After waiting 10 seconds, no one responded.

  Donovan: “A lot has happened in three days… I’ll tell you when the right time comes.”

  One of his uncles announced they were heading to the home, leaving Donovan alone with his mother. She glanced him, signaling her concern in her eyes.

  Irene: “What about your jégosgalia, is everything fine with it?”

  Donovan: (Frown) “Why are you asking me that in the first place?”

  The mother sighs, remembering how his son does not like to talk about his jégosgalia.

  Irene: “You still don’t realize what capacity you can achieve, do you?”

  The boy lowers his head exhaling a little.

  Donovan: (Sigh) “I’ve used all my thoughts.”

  Irene: (Eyes widened) “What? Why?”

  When he was about to respond, a car with a simplistic style, a red coupe pulls up to the parking lot. A tall man with a defined physique stepped out, a recognizable man through his scar over is face. He carried a shopping bag in one hand, being Jakov Ivanel.

  Jakov: “Hello there!”

  The man greeted her wife and his son enthutiastically, showing a gentle smirk.

  Jakov: “Here, honey.”

  He handed the bag to his wife, peeking inside and gasped.

  Irene: “You got my favorite chocolate and that comic book I always talked about! Thank you!”

  Donovan slightly groaned, looking away as his parents hugged. Then, his father turned to him, expressing his remarkable serious expression.

  Jakov: “We need to talk. But first, let me put these away. Wait here.”

  As his father and mother walked inside, Donovan’s mind raced. Fights, exhaustion, horrible scenarios, there was a lot of things going on in his head if he did not take responsibilities. And his next decision was… Going back to Italy. His iconic particles began forming around him. Just as he was about to take off, a firm hand grabbed his shoulder.

  Jakov: “And where do you think you’re going?”

  Donovan: (Clenched jaw) “I don’t have time. They’re still fighting.”

  Jakov: “And what exactly will you do? You’re exhausted. Your mother told me you used all your thoughts. You have nothing left. Only your basic cuts and your fists.”

  No answer, only silence. Donovan knew he was right. But despite this, he positioned himself in his leap position.

  Jakov: “Do you really think you’re winning a fight with what you have left?”

  Donovan responded through the intensity of the particles concentrating; He thought to himself that could be his only way to finish this criminal activity. The sound began to become somewhat high-pitched, Donovan was about to leave.

  Donovan: “I can’t just sit around while they fight..”

  Jakov: “Of course not. But, what will happen if you collapse in the middle of a fight?”

  His father crouched slightly, squeezing his son’s shoulder to hear him once again.

  Jakov: “I know that feeling. That urgency. The fear of waiting another second until the most miserable scenarios occur. You are not invincible, If you don’t rest, you’ll end up dead in that fight.”

  Donovan asked to himself, what could go wrong despite having his own fighting style and his base usage of God’s Rend? The teenager tried to convince himself he could be fine by having enhanced flexibility, but no. His father continued to be realistic.

  Jakov: “I won’t tell you what to do, son. But ask yourself, do you want to help them or be another body they have to carry?”

  A solid question. Its dazzling particles lower the intensity to the point of fading, he made up his mind. His father gets up before his son, who decided to stay at home to recharge his batties and go with at least a few thoughts available. Jakov gave a relieved smile approaching his son by passing his arm over the end of his shoulder, assimilating a side hug.

  Jakov: “Well, let’s eat while you tell us what happened during this days.”

  Eleorona, Lawrence and Aeris stood by the curb, waiting for their taxi. Car past by ocassionally like a daily day. Lawrence tapped idly on his phone, while Eleorona scrolled through messages from her singing studio. Aeris, however, stared blankly at the scenery, lost in her thoughts. Her fingers twiddle against the strap of her bag as something tugged at the back of her mind, thinking she forgot something.

  Aeris: (Furrowed brows) “Wait… how will Donovan be?”

  She asked suddenly, turning to Eleorona with concern. The woman of golden eyes looked at her, blinking out of her messages.

  Eleorona: “Now that you say it… He never told us what he was doing.”

  She sighed closing the chat and pulling up her brother’s number.

  Eleorona: “I’m going to call him.”

  The phone rang once before Donovan answered immediately.

  Eleorona: “Donovan! Are you ok- W-What are you doing at home?! You never told us anyting.”

  She raised her voice in amazement. She knew her brother well, he was probably tangled up in another fight. As for the background noise, the family was eating their lunch while chatting and laughing from their anecdotes.

  Donovan ??: “Yeah, but first, say hello to Dad.”

  He replied with a calm but firm voice.

  Donovan??: “He just got back from his conference.”

  Eleorona: (Widened eyes) “Dad’s back?”

  She leaned closer to the phone, as her curiosity piqued.

  Eleorona: “Oh hi Dad, how was the meeting? I’m here with Lawrence and Aeris waiting for a taxi.”

  The man’s tone came through the phone as a sharp and intrigued tone.

  Jakov??: “A taxi? Didn’t Lawrence buy a car a few months ago?”

  Eleorona: “Well, yes but we were-”

  Her connection was unstable, Jakov quickly tappinig on the videocall icon while Eleorona’s connection tried to go back on track.

  Jakov??: “What are you up to?”

  After some seconds, her signal went stable. She heard his father despite the delayed video.

  Eleorona: “We were… Uhhh…”

  On Donovan’s video, it only showed some portraits of the entire Ivanel family. She felt confused, asking if anyone was there. No one answered but after some seconds, her father slides back to the video jumpscaring her daughter. Eleorona jolted back despite being 26 years old and one of the strongest members of the Ivanel family.

  Jakov??: (Laughing) “Hahaha! Still so jumpy, Eleorona! I thought you left those scares in the past. Haha.”

  Lawrence listened, and couldn’t hold back a chuckle as he moved his head to his left, avoiding Eleorona’s face. She rotates her head towards him, glaring.

  Elerona: “What did heard?!”

  She hissed, ready to punch him on the guts. Ignoring that, Eleorona announces what was going on.

  Eleorona: “Anyway, we went to one of Hjalmer’s base which was the original one in the past but now… It’s just a decoy base. Turns out the real one is in the Adriatic Sea.”

  Jakov’s expression changed, tensing his facial muscles.

  Jakov??: “The Adriatic Sea. Are you telling me the real base is built under the water?”

  Eleorona hadn’t thought of that. She turned to Aeris.

  Eleorona: “Aeris, where exactly did we track them?”

  Aeris: “Svetac Island. It’s isolated.”

  Jakov??: “Svetac? That island is deserted. There must be a reason it was chosen.”

  Who could say, this conversation was getting more and more interesting to the point the others stopped chatting, listening the conversation through Donovan’s phone calmly.

  Eleorona: “Yeah… Also, when you were in Italy, Donovan, didn’t you find a document about… agh, what was his name?”

  Donovan: “Kael Keene. The assasin of the U.S. prime minister.”

  A loud silence. Jakov and Irene exchanged a glance. Donovan was no longer just a teenager with a difficult past, he was uncovering something bigger than they had anticipted. Through the dvasinis nexus, the psychic connection shared between them. Jakov spoke privately to his wife.

  Jakov via DN: “Honey, do you think I should interfere?”

  That idea… Irene glanced towards the dining table, careful not to draw attention.

  Irene via DN: “Things are getting complicated… but I wouldn’t worry. Don’t do anything as for now, Donovan can match that friend of his…”

  Jakov via DN: “We don’t know how dangerous Hjalmer is. It has been 4 years since he left… I wonder how Donovan feels about the current situation.”

  Irene via DN: “Let’s ask him when he’s free. I’m quite concerned.”

  Jakov via DN: “I say the same, still, we need to be cautious. If Donovan keeps using his jégosgalia…”

  Irene: “The same thing will happen as before…”

  She finished her husband’s thought with a soft but serious tone. Jakov exhaled through his nose

  Jakov: “I think we can leave it at this for now.”

  They disconnected from their nexus just as Eleorona spoke up again.

  Eleorona: “Well, that’s- Ah! The taxi’s here. I’ll call you later, Donovan! Bye!!!

  Jakov appeared on screen and waved, the others also said goodbye despite not appearing on-screen.

  Donovan: “Alright. Stay safe.”

  The call ended and everyone went back to their own business.

  Dvasinis nexus, the psychic connection shared between them, Jakov spoke privately to his wife. Irene, do you think I need to interfere?

  Irene glanced toward their dining table, careful not to draw attention. Things are getting complicated... but I wouldn’t worry if Donovan were upfront about the fights he’s had with Hjalmer. He’s our son, but he can take care of himself.

  Jakov nodded slightly. Still, we need to be cautious. If Donovan keeps using his jégosgalia...

  Irene finished his thought, her voice soft but serious. The same thing will happen as before...

  Jakov exhaled through his nose. Let’s leave it at this for now. We need to keep listening.

  They disconnected from their nexus just as Eleorona spoke up again. "Well, that’s that. Ah! The taxi’s here! I’ll call you later, Donovan!"

  "Alright. Stay safe," Donovan replied before the call ended.

  The living room was quiet. Donovan sat on the couch lost in his thoughts. With his peripherical view, blurry familiar figures appeared. It was his parents, who stood before him. Their expression seemed concerned, he knew this wasn’t a casual talk.

  Donovan in his mind: “Ah, now what? What do they want to talk about this time? About some stupid advice of who knows what.”

  His father sat across for him with a direct tone.

  Jakov: “How strong is Hjalmer?”

  Donovan blinked repeatedly as his response.

  Jakov: “How strong is he?”

  Donovan: (Frowning) “Why are you asking me that in the first place?

  Neither of his parents answered right away. The silence pressured him. He exhaled and leaned back, slowly crossing his arms.

  Donovan: “It’s… Difficult to determine how strong he is as for now. Last time I fought he showed me things I’ve never seen from him before. Like…

  He goes blank again, trying to find an appropiate word to describe his former friend.

  Donovan: “Sigh, I can’t get the word.”

  Jakov: “It’s okay, how about this. If you fought him again, could you win?”

  Donovan: (Pauses, considering his quiet confidence.) “I don’t know. I feel like I’m… Changing in some way. I don’t know what way but I am changing. Honestly, I’ve never got this feeling before.”

  Irene’s lips part slightly, as if about to say something, but she decides to not talk. her fingers tigthen around the hem of her sleeve.

  Donovan: (Noticing her hesitation) “Mom?”

  Irene: (Forcing a small smile.) “It’s better if I explain it another time.”

  Donovan: (Widening his eyes) “Hm? Why not now?”

  Irene: (Steps back, still smilling) “You will understand it soon, explaining it right now will just be nonsense.”

  Jakov and Irene get up almost at the same time, ending their brief talk with his son, who was slowly figuring it the truth about the Jégosgalia.

  Jakov: “We’re going shopping. And don’t stay up late.”

  He announced firmly, turning his head to Donovan as soon as he was about to leave the living room.

  The teenager closed his eyes, deeply exhaling. He stretched himself for some relaxation and once again, he went blank in his thought looking at the ceiling. But then, his phone buzzed. It was Eleorona.

  Donovan: “Yeah?”

  Eleorona??: “We’re leaving for Svetac in a few minutes.”

  He quickly positioned himself sit, slightly leaned forward amazed.

  Donovan: “What? Already? Are you still at home?”

  Eleorona??: “Yup! But the trip takes around eleven hours. Might as well get it over with.”

  Donovan: “But… Aren’t you guys arriving at 2 a.m. or something?”

  Eleorona??: “Around 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. Oh and quick question.”

  Her brother hummed, ready to answer.

  Eleorona??: “Is Hjalmer a heavy sleeper? Look— I’m just asking because we want to infiltrate at those hours.”

  Donovan: “Yeah he is, but I don’ know if he still is. Just give it a shot.”

  Eleorona??: (Firm tone) “Okay then, cya-”

  Before hanging, Donovan tells her to wait.

  Donovan: “How is… Ummm…”

  He went silent, embarassed of asking such question which he rarely does.

  Donovan: (Slightly stuttering.) “How is… A-Aeris doing?”

  His sister did not opened her mouth. She hold her laugh through the call. Donovan did not say anything, because it only displayed audio. His concern increased.

  Donovan: “Is she okay or…?”

  He decided to not talk anymore as he let Eleorona say something, but out of nowhere, she burst into a laugh, surprised by how concerned he sounded like. Donovan’s expression changes into dissapointment, regretting his choice.

  Eleorona??: “Pffft, hahaha! Well, well, look who is falling in love, haha.”

  Donovan: (Quick sigh.) “What? Now I can’t be worried about a friend?”

  Eleorona??: (Slowly fading her laugh.) “Hahaha, she’s fineee, Dov.”

  No response. Once again, a moment of silence enough to make Eleorona do the real talk.

  Eleorona??: (Switching a smile to a concerned gaze.) “Or that’s what I believe… I’m trying to cheer her up but she’s so quiet. This thing is getting her stressed.”

  Donovan: (Soft & concerned tone.) “We shoud… I don’t know, spend more time with her and play basketball?”

  Eleorona??: (Exhaling through her nose.) “I hope we can end this…”

  Donovan: “Yeah… Well, good luck on your way there, I’m going to take a nap.”

  Eleorona??: “A nap? That’s odd. You don’t do that often.”

  Donovan: “It’s-”

  Eleorona??: (Quickly replying.) “It’s your jégosgalia, right?”

  Donovan exhales, answering with a hum while nodding.

  Eleorona??: “Hmph. Remember a nap takes about twenty to thirty minutes.”

  Donovan: “Yeah, take care.”

  Eleorona??: “You too.”

  The siblings hang up. Donovan took a nap as he promised, while Eleorona falls in complete silent, glaring at an icey collar, glimmering as it caught her attention, standing up from her bed and walking towards it to grab it. She goes to her mirror, putting it slowly on. All ready to begin their risky journey.

  Since Lawrence knew Italy’s security has gotten a bit worse, he decides to travel first by taxi, then a train. Leaving from Monte Sacro to Port of Ancona estimating to be 3-4 hours.

  The trio stood at the port, carrying bags over their shoulders. The sound of the waves warned them… Silence filled between them. Eleorona adjusted her scarf against the breeze, while Lawrence checked their tickets and Aeris, remained still gazing at the horizon.

  Their journey to Svetac had begun.

  Chapter 6 ends.