Later that day, after school, I called for a private meeting with Ethan, Christian, Jeremy, and Marcus. We gathered in an unused classroom, the hushed environment perfect for the gravity of the conversation I intended to have. Their earlier curiosity about my and Krista's "trip" would now be answered, albeit with carefully selected truths.
"What's this all about, Kai?" Ethan asked, always the pragmatic one, cutting straight to the chase. "You said we could help?"
I looked at each of them, gauging their readiness. They were my closest friends, loyal and capable, but this venture pushed beyond their normal boundaries. "It concerns Krista," I began, letting that sink in, knowing their loyalty to her was strong. "And it concerns a deeply troubling situation within the Church orphanage."
I laid out the facts about Father Donnie's embezzlement, presenting the evidence I'd uncovered. "He's been siphoning off funds meant for the children, losing it at gambling houses, living a life of luxury." Their faces hardened with disgust. "But that's just a symptom of something far darker."
I then transitioned to the orphanage itself, explaining Krista's initial suspicions, the lies about Amelia's adoption, and Amelia's escape. "We found a child, Amelia, who claims 'bad things' are being done to the children there. And she recently demonstrated a... a very unusual nature." I paused, letting my gaze sweep over them. "She possesses abilities not entirely human. She preys on small animals, not out of malice, but out of a biological 'thirst.' She has traces of vampire blood and venom, along with other unknown elements." I simplified, omitting the pureblood specifics, but conveyed the core danger.
Christian looked genuinely shocked. Jeremy, usually jovial, was grim. Marcus remained stoic, but his eyes were sharp.
"Krista believes there are experiments happening, children disappearing," I continued, "and based on what I've seen, I believe her. Father Donnie's corruption is just the tip of the iceberg."
"So, what do you need us for?" Jeremy asked, his voice low.
"We can't go to the authorities yet," I explained. "The Church has too much influence. We need undeniable proof, and we need to expose them publicly. To do that, we need to get inside the orphanage. But it's heavily guarded. Christian, Jeremy, I need you two to run a reconnaissance tonight. See what you can find out about their security. Motion detectors, cameras, guards—anything out of the ordinary for an orphanage."
They nodded, their expressions determined. The boys were in. This wasn't just about helping Krista; it was about uncovering a dark truth. The fight to expose the orphanage had just become a team effort.