Thanks, Arnold said, leaning heavily on Liam and Maya for support. Every step made his body ache—using that skill had drained him completely.
"No need to thank us. You were the one who saved us," Liam replied.
Arnold glanced at him. "Still… why did you guys come back?"
Maya's eyes hardened. "As soon as we got out, we kept running. Leo spotted some swords lying around and went to grab them—but that shithead Kaine shoved him away."
Her jaw tightened as she forced herself to calm down. "We wanted to come back and help you, but Kaine refused. He took the real swords and tossed us a dull training one, saying it was perfect for a defect like us. I swear, I'm gonna—" She stopped herself before she could say more, cheeks puffing with restrained anger. She didn't want Arnold—her brother's friend—to think she was just a delinquent who cursed at everything.
"Since they refused, we came back alone," she said quietly, looking at the floor.
Arnold gave her a warm smile, and to her annoyance—and secret delight—it made her cheeks turn pink. "Still… I'm thankful to you guys."
They moved through the hallway together until they reached the cafeteria. Leo was the first to approach the door, pressing his ear against it. After a moment, he turned back. "I don't hear anything. I think it's safe."
The others exchanged a glance, then nodded.
Inside, the dining hall looked like a tornado had hit it—plates scattered, chairs overturned, tables pushed aside. Not a soul in sight. They stepped into the kitchen and slid down behind a wall, finally letting their legs rest.
"I wonder if Isaac and Claire are okay," Maya whispered, blinking back tears. The twins' faces darkened as the worry settled in.
Arnold tried to sound reassuring. "Claire—the one with the fire lion—she's strong. And Isaac… well, if anything, the intruders should be scared of him."
He knew they were just empty words, but deep down, he prayed they were true.
The cafeteria door suddenly creaked open. All four of them froze.
"Hmm… he's not here. I told him to meet me at the cafeteria," a woman's voice muttered.
A figure stepped in—Trish—daggers in both hands, each one dripping crimson. She walked a few steps forward before calling out, "I don't know who you are, but if you don't come out of hiding… you'll regret it."
Arnold peeked out from behind the wall. "Trish… is that you?"
"Wait—Trish? You mean sister-in-law Trish?!" Maya blurted, practically leaping up to look. "Oh, it's really her!"
Arnold stared between them, confused. "Sister-in-law?"
Trish stopped mid-step, lowering her daggers. Her brow furrowed. She began walking toward them, muttering under her breath, "I said I'm too young to get married…"