The sun was just starting to dip when Winter and Kyo made it back to their own cabin. The forest felt quieter now, the echoes of laughter and campfire songs from Daniel's family fading into memory.
Kyo plopped onto the front steps, stretching out his legs. "You know, that wasn't so bad," he said, glancing at Winter. "A few hours with normal people. I almost forgot what that felt like."
Winter shrugged, but there was the ghost of a smile on his face. "Yeah. Kids weren't half as annoying as I expected."
Kyo grinned, nudging him. "We should take Eldo out sometime when he gets back. Just us. No assassins, no spirits, no chaos. Just some camping, the woods, and maybe I'll finally teach you how to make a real s'more."
Winter rolled his eyes, but he didn't say no. "Sure. Maybe we'll even get through a whole day without some disaster."
Kyo looked up at the deepening sky, hopeful. "He'd like that."
Their quiet was shattered by a distant explosion—sharp, echoing through the trees—followed by a chorus of high-pitched screams. Both froze for a split second.
"Tell me you heard that," Kyo said, already on his feet.
Winter's eyes had gone ice-cold, all warmth gone. "Grab your gear. Now."
Without another word, they dashed into the woods, sprinting toward the sound. Branches whipped at their arms and faces, the forest blurring past as they ran. The screams grew louder, more desperate, threading through the trees.
"You think it's the company again?" Kyo called, lightning crackling at his fingertips.
"Or something worse," Winter muttered, picking up speed. "We don't wait to find out. Move!"
Leaves and brambles tore at their clothes, but they didn't slow down. Whatever was waiting in the heart of the forest, they'd face it together—ready or not.
Winter and Kyo tore through the trees, their breath quick and shallow, the echo of that explosion still ringing in their ears. A black trail of smoke curled above the canopy, guiding their frantic path. They leapt fallen logs and ducked whipping branches, the screams coming sharper now—children's voices, raw with terror.
They burst into the campsite clearing, hearts pounding. The pickup truck was a twisted, burning wreck, flames licking at shattered metal. Debris littered the clearing, and the acrid smell of gasoline hung thick in the air.
Before either could speak, two small figures sprinted toward them out of the smoke. "Winter! Kyo!" Volio wailed, clutching Varia's hand as they stumbled forward, tears streaming down their soot-streaked faces.
Winter dropped to one knee, catching Volio as the boy crashed into him, sobbing uncontrollably. Varia flung herself at Kyo, fists tangled in his jacket.
"It's okay, it's okay, you're safe," Kyo tried, voice trembling as he held her.
"No we're not!" Varia shrieked. "Dad—Dad was in the truck! It just—there was this BOOM, and—and—" Her words dissolved into sobs.
Volio's voice trembled, barely understandable. "He told me to get my bug journal. He said he'd just grab the matches from the truck, and then—then—" He broke down completely, clinging to Winter.
Winter's jaw clenched. He looked Kyo dead in the eyes. "We need to get them out of here. Now."
But before they could move, the hairs on the back of Winter's neck prickled. Out of the woods, two shapes emerged—tall, deliberate. Their faces resolved in the firelight: No. 1, sunglasses gleaming, a cruel smile playing on his lips, and beside him, No. 2, face twisted with cold hatred, hands already curling into fists.
Kyo's hands crackled with electricity, his eyes burning with fury. "You..." he whispered, every muscle tensed.
Winter's face went cold, voice low and urgent. "Kyo, take them and run."
Kyo shook his head, defiant. "No. I'm done running." His eyes locked on No. 1, and a shudder ran through him—memories of pain and humiliation, of helplessness, flashed behind his eyes.
Winter's voice cut through, harsh and desperate. "Stop being childish! You know who they are. You know what they'll do. If something happens to me, you're their last chance. Don't throw that away!"
Kyo's fists shook, but he looked down at Volio's tear-streaked face, then at Varia clutching his sleeve. Gritting his teeth, he scooped Volio into his arms and grabbed Varia's hand. "Hold on tight. Don't let go, no matter what."
He took off at a sprint, Varia stumbling to keep pace as they vanished into the trees, Kyo glancing back only once to see Winter standing alone, facing both assassins.
No. 1's grin widened. "Look at you, playing hero. You're a real dumbass if you think you can do this alone."
Winter glared, ice already forming at his fingertips. "Maybe. But it's better than standing with you."
No. 2's gaze was pure venom, his silence heavier than any insult. He stared at Winter like a man who'd waited his whole life to settle a score.
The clearing filled with the roar of flames, the ragged sobs of children, and the electric promise of violence. Winter squared his shoulders, meeting their stares without flinching.
"Come on, then," he spat, voice a razor's edge. "Let's get this over with."