William was grateful to Zenne, who had quickly taken action to secure the data in the basement. As William stared at his laptop screen, he let out a deep sigh.
His gaze drifted to Thalia, who sat quietly, sipping a cup of milk, lost in deep thought.
What has this child witnessed? he wondered.
Although he was relieved that the situation had been managed for now, William couldn't shake off the worry. The women who were recaptured would undoubtedly be plunged back into a nightmare.
Charles is out there, but I know he's being cautious… and Giovane is around too. He sighed again.
Zenne's voice cut through his thoughts. "William, I've finished wiping the systems used in your hut. I've also erased all the sensitive files—nothing's left for them to find in the basement."
William glanced at his phone. It had been on silent, and he noticed several missed calls from Gerald. He immediately called him back.
Gerald picked up right away.
"What happened? Why were you calling?" William asked.
On the other end, Gerald's voice sounded worried. "It's Ericka. She was staring blankly at the field and didn't respond. Then her nose started bleeding. I think she's journeying again."
She's traveling? William thought, frowning. "Was it worse this time? She didn't have nosebleeds before."
"Yeah. She told me she's having a harder time controlling the aftereffects of her ability," Gerald replied with a sigh.
"By the way—" Gerald suddenly added, "—Ericka said she needs to speak with Thalia soon. She's seen something… a looming danger."
William's eyes shifted back to Thalia. "She's here, in Vince's basement."
"Oh. Then we'll come there," Gerald said.
"No need," Zenne interjected from nearby. "Let's meet at Vince's house instead. They really need to talk soon—especially with Chesca involved."
"We'll come once the sun's up," Gerald said before ending the call.
William sighed, then turned to Thalia. "Someone's coming to see you later. For now, you should get some rest."
Thalia gave a small nod, clearly still lost in her own thoughts.
"Thalia, there's a bed in the next room," Vince said gently. "Rest for a while."
Thalia silently stood up, finished her milk, and walked into the room.
Back in the main space, Zenne's voice was firm. "We need to calm down and think through our next move."
Vince sat quietly, eyes fixed on the screen.
"Vince, we'll find out who betrayed us soon," Zenne added.
"No," Vince replied, voice low but confident. "I already know who it is. I just need to confirm it."
William looked at him sharply. "Who?"
Vince shook his head. "We need to talk in person—away from the rest of the group. I'll set the trap once I hear what Felix has seen in his premonitions."
He bowed his head slightly, deep in thought. His serious expression revealed the weight of everything that had happened.
"I'm ready whenever you are," Zenne offered. "Let's trap these traitors. I know they're using advanced tech… and that man—they know exactly what they're doing."
"Vince, do you think Thalia is ready to speak with Ericka and Chesca?" William asked cautiously.
Just then, Vince's phone buzzed.
"She has to be. If we delay any longer, our enemies might pick us off one by one," Vince replied grimly.
"I still can't read what's going on in your cousin Felix's head," Zenne muttered.
Vince didn't respond. He just quietly tended to a wound on his arm, his focus elsewhere.
"We can't hide the women we rescued here forever," he murmured.
"I know a place," Vince added after a moment. "But we'll need permission from someone first."
William immediately knew who he meant. "Let's hope they say yes. We'll ask nicely."
Vince gave a silent nod of agreement.
His phone buzzed again.
"How's the situation over there?" Felix asked straight to the point.
William hesitated before answering. "Not good," he admitted with a shake of his head.
He had just come from his basement. The sight of innocent people—friends—lying dead had ignited a rage in him that he could barely contain. He clenched his fists.
"I understand," Felix replied. "It's devastating. Were there any young women saved?"
"Some, yes. But most were recaptured and dragged back to the warehouse."
"Can Charles handle the situation?" Felix asked.
"We haven't heard from him yet today. I'm hoping it's not too late."
"Did the spies recognize you?" Felix asked again.
"Don't worry. My contact with those I rescued has been minimal, and I'm not well-known. I even wore a mask when Tricia asked for help back in the forest. I think I prepared myself for the worst-case scenario." William let out a dry laugh.
"We've got your back, William. Keep us updated—I'm going ahead with my plan," Felix replied.
"Just… be careful, Felix."
"I have to go."
"Alright. Take care." William ended the call and sighed.