The first indication that their ordeal on Lian Yu had followed them back to Starling City came in the form of a cryptic message left in Michael's room – a small, intricately carved wooden bird, identical to one of the totems used by their captors.
Oliver reacted with immediate anger. "They're here? They followed us?"
Michael, however, remained composed. "Perhaps they were always here, Oliver. Waiting." He picked up the bird, his fingers tracing its strange markings. A flicker of arcane understanding, gleaned from a brief touch of an ancient text on island folklore, crossed his mind.
Moira was terrified. "We need more security! We need to go to the police!"
Michael shook his head subtly. "The police deal with conventional threats, Mother. This… feels different." He was already formulating a plan, a way to draw their unseen enemies out into the open.
He engaged in seemingly innocuous conversations with their household staff and old family contacts, subtly probing for any unusual occurrences or unfamiliar faces. He used his enhanced senses to pick up on subtle shifts in their demeanor, any hint of hidden loyalties or outside influence.
Oliver, focused on a more direct approach, began investigating known associates of their Lian Yu captors who might have connections in Starling City.
Michael, meanwhile, left a carefully placed, seemingly careless clue – a specific type of rare island flower he had recognized from the totem – in a location he knew would be observed. He was baiting a trap, using his knowledge of their symbols and their potential methods to lure them into his sights, all while maintaining the façade of a vulnerable survivor.