Curly woke to the sound of engines returning.
Not the sharp, confident roar she had heard the night before—but something slower. Heavier.
She sat up at once.
Around her, the others were already awake. Sara stood near the window, peering through the narrow opening. Angela clutched her blanket, eyes wide. Micka leaned against the wall, tense. Sony was already on her feet.
"They're back," Sara said quietly.
Curly's heart pounded. "All of them?"
Sara didn't answer.
---
★
From the window, Curly watched the convoy roll into the compound.
One vehicle had a shattered windshield.
Another bore bullet holes along its side.
Blood stained the concrete as injured men were rushed toward the medical wing.
Angela gasped softly. "Oh my God…"
Curly's eyes searched the chaos desperately—she didn't know why, only that she needed to see.
Then she spotted him.
Danger stepped out of the last SUV.
His jacket was torn, a streak of blood running down his temple. He paused briefly, bracing himself against the door before straightening.
Alive.
Curly released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
Sony noticed.
"You were looking for him," she said flatly.
Curly startled. "I—I wasn't."
Sony's eyes narrowed slightly but she said nothing more.
---
★
Inside the operations wing, tension crackled.
Storm slammed his palm against the table. "They were waiting for us."
"They knew our timing," Rhoda said grimly. "And our backup route."
"That means the leak is real," Shooter added.
Danger sank into a chair, wincing as a medic stitched a cut on his arm.
"They weren't trying to wipe us out," he said quietly. "They wanted to send a message."
Storm turned to him. "What kind of message?"
Danger met his gaze. "That they remember."
The room fell silent.
---
★
Lady Anna arrived moments later.
Her eyes flicked over the injuries without sympathy.
"Losses?" she asked coolly.
Storm straightened. "Two men dead. Three injured."
Her jaw tightened—but not in grief.
"LOS Empire grows bold," she said. "That won't happen again."
Her gaze shifted to Danger. "You were out of position."
Danger's shoulders stiffened. "I followed the order."
"And still failed to prevent casualties," she snapped.
Storm stepped in immediately. "Danger saved the convoy's rear. Without him, we would've lost more."
Lady Anna turned slowly. "Are you questioning my judgment?"
Storm bowed his head. "No, Mother."
She faced Danger again. "Clean yourself up. You're needed."
For what, she didn't say.
---
★
Back in the slave house, the tension was unbearable.
"They're dead," Angela whispered. "People actually died."
Micka sat silently, jaw clenched.
Curly's hands trembled. "Why does this feel… personal?"
Sara hesitated. "Because it is."
Curly looked at her sharply. "What do you mean?"
Sara exhaled. "Zara once said the war between WAN and LOS isn't about territory. It started with betrayal."
Sony finally spoke. "And betrayal always leaves ghosts."
Curly shivered.
---
★
Later that evening, Curly was sent to deliver fresh linens to the medical wing.
Her heart raced as she walked past guarded doors.
She stopped short when she heard voices.
"…she's here," a guard whispered.
"She shouldn't be," another replied.
Curly stepped back instinctively—but not before a door opened.
Danger stood there.
Their eyes met.
For a moment, neither spoke.
"You shouldn't be wandering," he said quietly.
"I was told to bring this," Curly replied, holding up the linens.
He studied her face, something unreadable passing through his eyes.
"Go back," he said gently. "It's not safe tonight."
Curly hesitated. "Are you… okay?"
The question surprised them both.
Danger scoffed softly. "I'm still breathing."
She nodded and turned to leave—but his next words stopped her.
"Stay away from Lady Anna."
Curly froze. "Why?"
"Because," he said, voice low, "she doesn't look at you like everyone else."
Their eyes locked again.
Then he stepped back, closing the door softly between them.
Curly stood there, heart racing.
---
★
That night, Storm stood alone in the west wing, staring at the covered portrait.
"What is the connection of the recent happening?
LOS Empire is making a move.
And if this continues…
Then the past was no longer buried.
It was coming home.