Silence hung in the air. With our gazes fixed on each other, I wasn't sure what to say. I still had a lot to ask, but I don't know how to feel about these people now. They would have killed me before if I didn't hand over Maya, but even now, they still have a knife to my neck.
Why did I pick here….Maya, I wish I could run away with you.
Are they so afraid of Bella's power? Is Bella capable of that much? This is going on way too long.
Sniff sniff*
My vision blurred.
I began wiping my eyes; tears were about to fall. How embarrassing. I didn't even know I was about to cry. I don't want to be here right now.
"I am leaving," I stood up from her bed, paper crunching at my feet. I began to leave, but Yuna held me by the edge of my shirt.
"This is not what I wanted to discuss with you," she said in a quiet tone.
I admit I dragged the conversation around because of my interest, but what more does she want to say?
"What else do you have to say?"
"I am your leader, Nero. You are in my hands, I promise not to overlook your needs and concerns. I assumed you knew so much, but now I know you do not. I can help you, educate you. You are my responsibility…so I."
She is not talking as convincingly as she usually does. Does she feel bad for me?
"I brought you into this, so the least I can do is see to it that you are prepared."
"Even though I am disposable."
"You are whatever you become. Become someone untouchable, I will help you."
Why is she saying all this? After threatening my life and trapping me here. Does she feel bad? Because I cried…why am I crying anyway?
"Why?...why the change of heart all of a sudden?"
She shook her head. "I just figured my approach with you was wrong. I do not like playing the villain," she said with a small smile.
"Nero, I—"
Yuna stopped. In that moment, she held her head, closed her eyes and went completely silent.
What is happening?
Then, she hurriedly stood up and looked at me with a strong stare.
"We have an emergency meeting with the leader now."
"Wha…"
"A mission"
How did she know that?
*****
Yuna and I headed for the leader's office. I haven't come to this side of the base since the day I arrived. It was nostalgic passing through all the floors and seeing all the paintings and decor. The smell, as well, reminded me of many of the emotions I was going through at the time.
This time, we lined up side by side in front of the leader. From me, Yuna, Siri, and Remen. Being here sent chills down my spine; there could be so much here. Any of which can kill me anytime.
I gulped.
The leader looked at us with his usual expression. However, this time there was an urgency in his voice.
"Team Alpha, Maya Zen Shadee has been kidnapped by ehktars on her route."
Huh? What did he say…kidnapped? By those guys. No…they came for her again.
This…this can't be true, right? I looked around, but no one's expression changed. Are they used to this? Are they not concerned?
Yuna glanced at me, and that was it. That's it? What if she's dead…. Maya.
"I need you to go rescue her tomorrow. Preferably alive," he said with zero hesitation.
Maya. Please be safe.