A sharp knock broke the stillness outside the superintendent's office.
A tall, middle-aged man in a tailored corporate suit stepped in, after getting ushered forward.
After a round of clipped greetings, he lowered himself into the chair opposite the older officer.
"It's good to see you again, Professor," the superintendent said with a warm smile.
"Likewise," the man replied, returning the gesture.
Silence settled between them, heavy and deliberate, as their gazes locked.
"How are preparations coming along?" Sp. Jeremy asked at last.
"Swimmingly." The professor adjusted in his seat, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "In fact, I believe I came at just the right time… though I rather expected to hear this from you first."
The superintendent's eyes narrowed. "Hear what, Professor?"
"That the kids have arrived safely," he said smoothly. "I just happened to bump into them on my way here."
Oh!" The superintendent let out a low chuckle,.."That's correct. They stepped out of my office only minutes before you arrived."
"I guessed as much," the professor replied, his voice edged with reproach. "But we had an agreement—once the kids arrived, I would be among the first informed. That was part of the contract."
"Professor Malcolm," the older man cut him off, his tone firm. "The kids arrived less than an hour ago. No one has been informed yet, not even the council. You're the first to know. So, rest assured, the agreement still stands."
The professor's shoulders eased, satisfaction flickering in his expression. "Alright then," he said smoothly. "So tell me, when do I get a proper introduction?"
The group had been settled into their quarters, separate rooms for the boys and girls. After eating their fill for the first time in ages and washing away the grime with long, hot showers, they moved to a shared balcony.
The night air was cool against their skin. Clean and dressed alike in nude-coloured casual tops, joggers, and white crocs, they looked more like recruits than guests.
They sat across from one another on the built-in concrete slabs, the silence stretching until Kymani finally spoke.
"Be honest, what do you guys think about this place?"
"I don't trust them one bit," Zara shot back without hesitation. She leaned forward, eyes scanning the others. "They're obviously not telling us everything."
"True," Orea admitted from the opposite side. Her voice was softer, more thoughtful. "Though… some things the old man said might be true. About where we came from, it sounded legit."
Rowynn turned toward Lynx, who sat opposite her beside Zara.
"If the old man's telling the truth, then you're from here",..'Vatica'
All eyes shifted to him.
"Did you see this place in your visions?" she pressed.
Lynx shook his head slightly. "I remember seeing people with features like the crowd here, but… I never really saw this place."
As they spoke, Orea's gaze drifted to Valtor. He hadn't said a word, his eyes fixed on the ground, lost in thought. She wondered what could be running through his mind.
"So…" Kymani's voice cut through the silence, drawing her back. "What's the plan? Do we stay here and let things unfold like the old man said, or do we get out and try to find our own way home?"
A heavy pause followed as the group exchanged uncertain looks.
"Do we even have a choice?" Orea murmured. "We don't know the way home."
"You're suggesting we stay?" Kymani asked, brow raised.
"I'm just giving my honest opinion," she said, glancing around the circle. "What do you guys think?"
Rowynn hesitated, then nodded slowly. "I think we should wait. At least long enough to get some answers, and maybe our memories back.
"Fine," Kymani said, glancing around the circle. "I guess we're all on the same page?"
"Yeah," Zara replied, while Lynx and Valtor nodded in agreement.
As they started back toward their rooms, Orea slowed her steps until she was beside Valtor. Sliding her arm gently through his, she leaned closer and whispered,
"Let's talk for a while."
Orea sat, leaning against the wall, her smile gentle as she faced him
"Hey."
"Hey," Valtor echoed, his gaze steady on her.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly.
"Yeah," he said quickly, then frowned. "Why?"
"You were quiet the whole time," she murmured. "It felt like… you're worried about something."
Valtor's lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes dropping before meeting hers again.
"You noticed?"
"Mmhmm." Her voice was almost a hum as her eyes searched his face. "So? What's up?"
He hesitated, the silence stretching between them, then let out a slow breath. "I saw someone earlier. He looked… familiar. Too familiar. And it's been gnawing at me ever since."
Orea tilted her head, her brows knitting. "You know someone here?"
"Not exactly." His voice dropped lower. "He was here, but… he didn't belong. His suit, his whole look,..it was nothing like the others. And the way he stared at me…" He paused, his throat tight. "It was like he knew me."
Orea's lips tugged into a small smile, not mocking but tender,
He caught it and gave a half-laugh,
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing." Her grin widened. "It's just… exciting. You might be remembering someone from your past."
Valtor's brows lifted as the thought settled in
"I guess it is."
"And who knows," she added softly, "he might have been someone really close to you."
"Wait, how exactly did he look?" She leaned forward now, her eyes bright with anticipation.
Valtor only watched her, the way her excitement softened into hope, the way her presence seemed to quiet the weight pressing on him.
Her words faded into silence as she waited, patient and expectant.
Instead of a reply, he leaned in, inch by inch, until the space between them disappeared and his lips found hers, a warmth rising between them against the chill of the evening.