The underground facility was alive with movement. Every corner buzzed with activity—soldiers preparing security protocols, engineers running final checks, and leaders ensuring that every detail of the historic event was flawless. Today was the day. The meeting that would change the world forever.
But amid the chaos, Sophia woke up to an unusual silence.
She reached out, expecting to feel Mirshad's warmth beside her.
Nothing.
Her eyes snapped open. The space beside her was empty, the blankets slightly folded back, as if he had left hours ago. A frown crossed her face. She sat up quickly, glancing around the room, but there was no sign of him.
Her heart clenched.
Without wasting another second, she threw on a robe and stepped out of the room.
The underground was fully awake. People were everywhere, moving in a coordinated rush, setting up final arrangements for the meeting. She spotted Baba overseeing some preparations and hurried toward him.
"Baba," she called out.
He turned, immediately noticing her expression. "What is it, daughter?"
She hesitated for a second before speaking. "Mirshad. He was with me when we slept, but now he's gone. I've checked everywhere, but I can't find him."
Baba's face darkened slightly. He looked around and signaled to Rayyan and Amir.
"Find him," he ordered.
Rayyan and Amir exchanged glances before immediately setting off in different directions.
Within minutes, the entire underground was searching. They checked every chamber, every corridor, every corner—but Mirshad was nowhere to be found.
Then, finally, Malik checked the private room.
His voice echoed through the halls. "I found him!"
Everyone rushed to the room, including Baba and Sophia.
There, they saw him.
Mirshad was lying across his desk, his head resting on folded arms. The television in front of him was still on, broadcasting the global news about the upcoming meeting. The dim glow of the screen flickered against his face, his breath steady, his body unmoving.
Baba approached first, placing a firm but gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Son… wake up."
Mirshad stirred slightly, his brows furrowing before his eyes slowly opened. He blinked a few times before realizing that everyone was around him.
"What happened?" Baba asked, his voice calm but firm.
Mirshad slowly sat up, rubbing his forehead. "Nothing… I couldn't sleep. So I came here and turned on the news. I guess I fell asleep watching it."
Baba sighed, shaking his head. "Don't overthink, son. Everything will be fine."
Sophia knelt beside him, placing a hand on his arm. "You should have woken me up. You don't have to go through this alone."
Mirshad gave her a small, tired smile. "You were sleeping peacefully. I didn't want to disturb you."
She narrowed her eyes. "Mirshad, you're crazy."
He smirked. "I've been told."
Baba patted his shoulder. "Go freshen up. There's still time before we leave."
Sophia stood up and grabbed his hand. "Come on, I'll take you to the room."
She led him back, and as they walked, she glanced at him sideways. "Why do you do this to yourself?"
Mirshad exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Because everything is about to change. And I don't know how the world will react. I had to see what they were saying about it."
"And what did you see?"
Mirshad's gaze darkened slightly. "Excitement. Fear. Uncertainty. Some see this as a moment of hope. Others see it as a threat. No one knows what will happen today."
Sophia tightened her grip on his hand. "Then show them what they need to see. Show them why they should believe in you."
He turned to her, his expression softening. "I will."
They reached their room, and she pushed him inside. "Now, freshen up. I'll get breakfast ready."
He nodded and stepped into the bathroom.
By the time he returned, dressed in crisp white with a dark blue coat, the underground facility was waiting for him.
As he stepped into the dining hall, silence fell.
Everyone turned to look at him, their expressions unreadable.
Amir, however, was the first to break the silence. He whistled. "So, the king has finally arrived."
Mirshad smirked. "Let's eat."
They all sat down. Breakfast was simple, but the atmosphere wasn't. No one spoke much. They ate in silence, knowing that once they stepped outside today, nothing would ever be the same again.
Then—
A phone rang.
One of his soldiers stepped forward, handing Mirshad the phone. He took it, glancing at the screen.
It was one of the world leaders.
He answered.
"Good morning, MRD."
Mirshad's grip on the phone tightened slightly.
"We are all ready to leave. Are you ready?"
He closed his eyes for a brief moment before answering.
"Yes, sir. I will be there on time."
The call ended.
The room remained silent.
Every face around him carried a mixture of emotions—pride, fear, anticipation.
Mirshad placed the phone down, exhaled deeply, and then looked up at them.
"It's time."