It had been about thirty minutes since Ramos and his companions had left Trish to fend off Kaine.
Now, they had taken shelter inside a rundown building.
Sonia, her maid, and the driver were huddled together in a corner, still catching their breath. Ramos walked toward them, a phone in his hand. He had just ended a call.
"My butler will be here soon with a car," he said, his voice heavy with exhaustion.
"Why didn't you call the Awakening Agents for help? Or the police?" the head maid demanded, glaring at him.
Ramos sighed, lowering his eyes. "My phone is being watched. If I call the authorities, my son's life will be in danger. I'm sorry."
He extended his phone toward them.
"Is there anyone you need to call? Maybe… Sir Richard?"
"No, no, no—we can't tell Dad!" Sonia panicked, waving her hands frantically. "If he hears about me sneaking out and getting in trouble, I'll be locked in the house forever!"
At that moment, a thick wave of purple smoke swirled into the room. Out of it emerged Trish and Isaac, both battered and bloodied. Isaac leaned heavily on Trish's shoulder, limping as they entered.
Ramos rushed forward. "What happened? Did you… win?"
"Barely," Trish replied coldly. "We managed to wound him, but he escaped with the bag."
Sonia's eyes widened as she saw the scars and blood staining their clothes. "A-are you both alright?" she asked nervously.
"We just need time to rest," Trish said, lowering herself to the floor, breathing hard. Isaac followed, dropping down further away from the others. He played the role of being badly injured well, though in truth he was quietly amused, giggling to himself as he traced the vine tattoo on his finger.
They rested in silence for some time. Trish answered questions here and there, while Isaac kept up his act.
Eventually, footsteps echoed from the entrance. Rick appeared, followed closely by an older man in a tailored suit.
"Sir Ramos, I brought the car," the butler announced, bowing respectfully.
"Good. Butler, take Miss Sonia and her companions home," Ramos ordered, gesturing toward her.
"Of course, sir. But what about you?"
"We have another way. Besides, it's too late to go by car."
The butler nodded and turned. "Young miss, if you please."
Sonia and her maid followed, the driver trailing behind. The butler opened the car door; Sonia slipped into the back seat with her maid, while the driver took the passenger's side. The butler shut the door and moved to the driver's seat.
Just before the car left, Sonia rolled down the window.
"I hope you get your son back safely," she told Ramos, her tone softer than before. Ramos lowered his head in gratitude.
"And… I'm sorry for everything. I owe you for saving my life. My life is priceless, so if you ever need help, just look for me." She glanced at Trish and Isaac, then closed the window. The car rolled away into the night.
Isaac stretched, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "So… are you ready?"
Ramos nodded firmly. "Yes. Let's go."
Trish pulled out a piece of enchanted paper and tore it in half. A swirl of purple smoke wrapped around them, and the group vanished.
They reappeared in an abandoned field. Isaac glanced around.
"This the place?"
Ramos gave a single nod.
Isaac smirked. "Good. Then it's time for the real show to start."