Nexis
The group instinctively straightened as Elder Kanzaki approached, his tall frame towering over them. His eyes moved carefully from face to face.
"Take a look around," he said gently. "There's no one here who remains an active threat to your future." A small smile followed. "You've succeeded in saving yourselves from a lifetime of bondage. Our work here is done."
Silence answered him—heavy but attentive.
"Before I leave," he continued, "I want to apologize. On behalf of every citizen who's heard your stories. For all you've endured. For what you were forced into."
Lynx let out a slow, pained sigh. Several others dropped their gaze, memories pressing in.
"I apologize because most of your leaders failed you."
Rowynn subtly wiped at her eyes, emotion threatening to spill over.
"You deserve every change that comes with this victory," Kanzaki said. "And I believe your families are waiting for you."
Lynx's expression hardened at the last line.
"While the adults handle the rest," Kanzaki added, "you kids go celebrate your freedom. You've earned it."
The group bowed in respect as he slipped through them.
"Thank you, sir," they chorused as he left the chamber.
Slowly, they turned to one another in quiet understanding—until Zara broke first. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she laughed through a sob.
"I can't believe it's over, for real this time", her voice cracked.
Orea moved without hesitation, pulling her into a tight embrace. They held each other as the curly-haired girl shed tears of her own.
One by one, Rowynn and Kymani joined them, the circle closing into a shared, wordless embrace.
A short distance away, Lynx watched the tearful interactions unfold. A faint smile etched across his face before his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
A gentle nudge against his arm pulled him back.
He glanced over to find Valtor beside him, eyes fixed on his face.
"You seem bothered," Valtor said.
"I'm not," Lynx replied. "I'm just as happy as you are."
"I know," Valtor said, his gaze shifting toward the others. "But there's something else, isn't there?"
Lynx sighed, looking away. "I don't want to ruin this perfect moment, but… when the old man mentioned our families waiting for us—it hurt. Knowing I have no one to go back to."
Silence settled between them.
"But that's all it is," Lynx added quietly. "And I don't want to talk about it."
"You're not ruining anything," Valtor said, pulling him into a brief hug. Lynx stayed silent as Valtor patted his back before they pulled apart, Valtor's hand resting on his shoulder.
"Now that I think about it," Valtor continued, "it's just me and my dad. Would you mind staying with us?"
Lynx blinked. "Are you sure? What would your dad say?"
"You know he wouldn't mind," Valtor said with a smile.
Lynx exhaled sharply. "I don't know what I've done to deserve this."
Valtor placed both hands on his shoulders. "We've survived hard times together and always found ways to help each other when needed. Consider this one of those times."
Lynx nodded, his expression softening as he embraced him again.
"Thank you… for everything."
"You too," Valtor replied.
Valtor excused himself from the group, watching as his father addressed the technicians—his employees. Disappointment was evident on his face as the younger men listened with guilt. The council had likely coerced them into carrying out the experiments in his absence.
Another wave of commotion drew Valtor's attention. A troop of Zairan soldiers stormed in, escorting the council out of the chamber as President Zha'rik closely monitored the operation, barking commands as he went.
Valtor let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"Feels like a dream come true," a voice said behind him.
He turned to find Orea beaming.
His face lighting up, Valtor stepped forward and wrapped her in a tender hug. She melted into his arms, eyes closed as they lingered there for a moment.
"We did it," Orea said softly.
Valtor kissed her cheek. "Yes, we did."
From a short distance away, their friends watched. Zara's cheeks flushed with admiration.
Kymani glanced at her. "You're blushing."
"No, I'm not," she shot back.
.........
Finished with his address, Malcolm joined the group as the chamber gradually grew quiet. Only Nexis personnel remained, clearing the littered space.
He greeted each of them personally, and they returned the warmth with equal fondness.
"I'm so proud of you all," Malcolm said. "And I'm sure your parents are too."
He paused, then continued, "Which reminds me—full records of your past memories remain in my possession, here in Nexis."
"How would you like to retrieve them?"
Valtor turned to his friends with a questioning look as they searched one another for a shared answer.