Eirene stared at the black screen as Eucliea hung up.
> "She talked like…"
Her voice trailed off, throat dry.
Like someone trying not to wake the sleeping dog.
Eirene knew Eucliea well. Knew how calm sounded when it was real—and how it frayed when it was fake.
She sat in silence for a beat, then exhaled through her nose, heavy.
> "She did something," she muttered. "And now I'll have to pull her out."
That was the worst Eirene could imagine.
But the truth?
Was worse than her worst thought.
She opened her phone, checked Eucliea's live location—her fingers froze.
> "A farmhouse?"
A blink.
"That farmhouse?"
She stood up. "Why would she…?"
No answers. Only motion.
Eirene didn't tell a soul. She grabbed her keys and drove.
---
Zaherran Police Headquarters
A senior officer leaned over the strategy table.
> "Start monitoring everyone entering the Equinox stadium. If the accused is Indran, they might just come to see the game."
Another officer chimed in, "And if someone matches the sketch?"
> "Take them into custody immediately. Don't wait for confirmation."
---
Back at the Farmhouse
Panic simmered.
Sathvic rubbed his temples. "We can't go to the match. Heck, we can't even take the return bus to Indra—they're watching everything."
Alethea's jaw clenched. "Only the girl's sketch is made. You two take Inaya and go back. I'll survive somehow."
Zorion stared at her like she'd lost her mind. "Are you crazy? They'll suspect you. They might kill you."
She gave a bitter half-smile, shrugged like her bones were tired.
Alethea blinked fast—one eye glinting, one rimmed red.
> "It's okay. They won't catch me."
No one believed that. Not even her.
Silence.
Then a small voice cut through the fog.
Inaya stood at the door, hugging her rabbit tightly.
> "I'm not going back without Big Sis Alethea."
All three froze.
Alethea turned. "Inaya, this isn't a game—"
> "I don't care. I'm staying."
She stomped her foot.
"If she's in danger, I stay."
Her bottom lip trembled, but her eyes didn't flinch.
Zorion crouched down, touched her shoulder gently. "You like big sis Alethea. Dont you ?"
> "I do. They're scared. You're scared. But I'm not leaving her behind."
Alethea's chest rose, tight. Her breath snagged. She looked at Inaya—really looked.
And that was when she almost cried.
Zorion looked at Sathvic. Sathvic looked at Eucliea.
They all knew:
Leaving just one behind wasn't an option.
And now, everything had changed.
Eucliea clapped twice, stood up, and let out a long sigh.
> "Okay. You know what? Let's eat first and let the problem be the problem for our future selves."
---
After Breakfast.
Sathvic leaned back, patting his stomach. "I'm full."
Eucliea stood with her hands on her hips, staring at the fridge like it was an unsung hero.
> "This place's fridge still working is a miracle."
Zorion smirked. "Yeah. Otherwise we'd be eating… I don't know. Air and anxiety?"
He nudged a half-empty bowl.
> "These were already leftovers to begin with."
Alethea raised a brow. "Leftovers of leftovers."
Inaya, proudly munching, held up her spoon.
> "It's not bad aight."
Everyone chuckled.
And then—
CLINK.
The sound of the gate creaking open.
They froze.
Footsteps.
> "Eucliea? Eucliea!"
Eucliea stiffened. "Wait—Eirene?" She glanced at the others. "Why is she here?"
Too late.
Before anyone could duck behind a curtain or dramatically dive under the table, Eirene appeared at the doorway—
And stopped cold.
Zorion, half a spoonful of rice in his mouth. Sathvic with a napkin tucked into his collar. Alethea mid-sip. Inaya waving.
> "…Zorion?"
Her voice cracked a little.
"Why are you guys here... here?"
A long pause.
Then Eucliea stood. "Okay. Before you panic…"
Zorion stood beside her. "Let us explain."
And together—halting, overlapping, but honest—they spilled the truth.
Inaya. The kidnapping. The sketch. The whispers of Indrans framed as criminals. The fear.
How Alethea volunteered to stay behind.
How Inaya refused to leave her.
How they didn't know where else to go.
How the farmhouse… became a bunker.
By the end, the silence stretched again. But this one felt heavier. Fuller. Real.
Eirene folded her arms. Exhaled.
> "Okay. So… you idiots are in way more trouble than I thought."
Eucliea smiled weakly. "That's usually how it goes."
Eirene. "I think I have a plan."