"Who?"
Mira shook her head as she answered, "They were guards we have never seen before in any of the fractions. They had no energy signatures and no records in our data. We couldn't detect anything."
She stopped speaking, and her expression made it seem like she was revisiting the mories of that particular day from eleven years ago.
It was Thorne who continued the story. "Before we could have even realized what was going on, they attacked us with so sort of powerful sleeping spell, one that knocked us out in seconds. And when we woke up, we were already locked in that dungeon."
The one who spoke next was Elandra. Her voice was soft as she voiced out the horrors she and the others went through. "At first, we did everything to get out from there. But no spell, no protest, no planning, and no negotiation worked in our favor. They knew exactly what they needed to do in order to keep us trapped there."
She stopped long enough to take a deep inhale before continuing. "There were powerful spells all over that place, forcing our powers to stay dormant no matter how many tis we summoned them. They fed us just enough, but it was always laced with herbs or potions that kept our strength and powers down. They gave us just enough healing to survive… not enough to escape."
There was a deep silence once she finished. No one was eating at this point and the air felt heavy.
"After a while, we finally found out why we were kidnapped and trapped in that place," Dain said, breaking the silence. "They were waiting to catch you and wanted to use us as bait."
He t Rune's eyes. "They thought you would co back soday. And when you did… they would control you... through us."
Rune lowered his head. The guilt was creating a thick blanket around him like a storm cloud. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I should have been stronger. I should have found you sooner."
"You found us," Mira said, placing her hand over his. "That's what matters."
There was no decrease in his guilt but he did look sowhat grateful for her words.
The rest of the breakfast continued slowly but steadily. The six warriors were eating with the hesitant, almost reverent pace of n and won who hadn't tasted real food in over a decade. They hardly spoke between bites, and when they did, it was only in hushed murmurs or glances shared across the table that spoke volus no words could.
Grace, Davian, and Dr. Kian made sure the table never went empty. They stood now and then to refill platters with fresh fruits, to offer them warm bread, or to gently place another pitcher of healing tea near their plates.
Dr. Kian's potions had also started taking effect. There was color returning to their faces and light creeping back into their eyes. Still, the fatigue in their bones and minds was not going to vanish with one al.
But while everyone else was busy eating, Rune barely touched anything. Though his body was here, his mind was adrift in a fog of guilt and reflection. Every ti he looked at one of them, at their too-thin fras, their tired eyes, the faint scars still etched into their skin, his shoulders seed to carry a heavier weight - sothing that didn't go unnoticed by Grace. Yet, she remained silent and didn't point it out.
"He doesn't look alright." Davian whispered beside her, nodding discreetly at Rune.
"No," she murmured back, her gaze still fixed on Rune. "But he will be."
Davian gave her hand a light squeeze. He too seed to be aware of exactly what was going on with Rune and his eyes were filled with worry for the young man. But he knew that Rune was strong... strong enough to get past his current phase with a little support.
Once the table was cleared and the sun was higher in the sky, Grace rose from her seat and clapped her hands gently, drawing the attention of everyone seated.
"You need rest," she said softly. "There's not enough space in the villa to house six more people comfortably, but I have arranged another place close by. It's quiet, secure, and has everything you'll need."
The six warriors nodded in silent gratitude. None of them resisted. Their bodies were crying out for real beds, pillows, silence, and most importantly… safety.
With a wave of her hand, she summoned a portal that shimred gold and violet with its edges glowing with the pulse of her unique energy signature. The air trembled slightly as the magic wove its way into existence, forming a doorway to a sleek, one of the newest constructed apartnt buildings on Street 189.
Rune was first to stand as he announced, "I'll stay with them."
She turned her attention to him. "I was hoping you would."
Then she contacted 2025 through their shared mindlink. "I want you to monitor their vitals while they rest. Even though we have already checked them, we can't risk a relapse. Watch for spikes in body temperature, internal energy surges, anything out of the ordinary."
2025 imdiately accepted its new task. "Understood. Vital signs will be continuously tracked. Alerts will be sent to you and Dr. Kian if abnormalities are detected."
anwhile, Dr. Kian handed a small box to Rune. Inside were six vials, each containing a clear, iridescent liquid. "Sleeping potions," he said. "They are mild, but still powerful enough to quiet their minds. They'll wake up in ten hours - well-rested and stronger."
"Thank you, Kian," Rune said as he closed the lid of the box.
"No need for thanks," the doc replied, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Just make sure you rest too."
Before they all could have moved to leave, Grace stopped Rune. "Let's have a word."
All eyes were on her and Rune, especially those of the six of his teammates. But Grace decided to ignore their curious and probing gaze and pulled Rune into the hallway leading to the bedrooms.
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