A single blow is enough to wake him.
Vector wakes, and in front of him is his beloved. Both are tied to a chair with ropes that, even with their magic, do not come undone. Then a door opens and, there, holding the girl against her chest, a woman with hair wrapped in a braid enters the room. She shows satisfaction upon seeing them awake, but is direct, she needs them for a mission.
She sits in the chair beside them. Flowey whimpers against the woman's breasts, clutching them. Ignoring her, the woman explains that, with Rito's threats of an invasion across all regions of the world, she wants the couple to infiltrate Libretãnhya to obtain information about the weapons they possess. This way, as the prime minister of IceStorm, she will be able to create comparable defenses.
With his voice still weak, trying to process the information, Vector asks two questions. Why was it necessary to kidnap them, and why would they do that. Alice, hearing her husband, agrees.
The woman introduces herself as Morgana. She places her hands over her lap, puffs out her chest, and slightly tilts her head before answering.
"First, I did not want to waste time with invitations or anything flashy, like luxury cars taking you. I preferred to do this personally. Second, you will have many benefits, besides the money, of course. Your girl's safety is a priority, and you will also receive equipment to protect yourselves from any eventuality."
She stands and places the little girl on a comfortable bed. The couple follows her movements closely. Alice watches her daughter for a long time before responding:
"And if something happens that is beyond our capabilities and equipment, Prime Minister?"
"Interesting question."
Her hand slides under her uniform, searching near her own chest, until she pulls out a device similar to a necklace. The threads are tiny, like spider webs, almost invisible to the naked eye. As she places them over their heads with extreme delicacy, Morgana steps back and leans against the wall, her heels lightly tapping against the heavy sword at her side.
"When that happens, which is rare but possible, I will know. And when I know, I will take my most drastic measures."
The woman's words bring possible images to mind. A fight between that elegant figure and Rito, soldiers risking their lives for them, even extreme scenarios of explosions being launched between countries.
Vector, still tense, decides to ask:
"Are you stronger than Rito?"
Morgana raises her gaze and a brief laugh escapes her lips. She adjusts her skirt before leaning forward, resting her hand on her knee.
"Rito is just a strategist with a bunch of idiots under his command. I, however, am stronger."
Despite the confidence in the woman's voice, the couple exchange glances, still suspicious. Morgana notices, shows slight boredom, and, with a movement of her fingers, releases the ropes.
"I will give you one week to decide. There are risks in this mission, but also rewards. And, as parents, I understand the concern about the child. As I have already said, she will be completely safe under my personal care."
She waves without much energy. The couple takes the child, exchange a silent glance, and leave the dark place.
As they step out, guards gather around them and guide them outside. Flowey rests against the chest, while Vector holds his wife's waist, and she allows herself to relax with the touch.
However, as they walk through the corridors, between doors and wealthy people who drink and laugh, one door catches Alice's attention. Her eyes widen. Her body freezes.
The guards try to pull her by the arm, but she does not move. Her muscles resist as a word escapes, almost in a whisper:
"Mother? Father?"