Ander's group, now without the princesses or the guardians, was sent to the shelter, where they were warmly received.
Each was assigned a room.
"I can't believe it… finally, a bed!" Rebecca exclaimed.
"There are showers too!" Noah added excitedly.
After days without bathing, the survivors cleaned themselves, each still marked by recent losses.
When finished, they gathered outside the shelter.
Balto, the puppy, ran happily through the garden, radiating peace that reminded them of the tranquility of their old city.
"Kid, it's time to go," Andrew said.
"What? We're not staying here with the others?" Ander asked.
Andrew shook his head. "It's better we stay with my friends. We'll be safer there."
"I don't want to leave my friends… but if it's best, I'll do it."
"Don't worry, kid. We'll visit them," Andrew assured.
Ander hugged his friends goodbye, a heartfelt farewell.
He also said goodbye to the rest of the group—and of course, to Balto.
"See you tomorrow, friend," Josh said.
"We'll be waiting. Don't leave us," Alicia added.
Ander bent down, gently setting Balto on the ground.
"Of course not… but I need to understand what I've become," Ander replied.
"Take care of him, Andrew," Cody said.
"Offended you'd even ask. Of course I'll take care of him, like I always have," Andrew answered, patting Ander's shoulder with humor.
Ander and Andrew walked through the city, exploring its streets and learning the rhythm of the community.
After a long walk, they reached the countryside, where a windmill stood beside a farmhouse radiating calm.
"We're here, kid. My old home," Andrew said.
"It's beautiful here," Ander replied, admiring the view.
As they approached, they saw a girl lying in a hammock, swaying lazily.
"Still the same sleepyhead," Andrew commented.
The girl sat up, startled by the familiar voice.
"That voice… Andrew! It can't be!" she cried, thrilled.
She leapt from the hammock and ran to hug him. Ander watched, surprised by her joy.
"Easy… not so hard," Andrew said, wincing from the squeeze.
"Why did you take so long to come back? I thought you'd abandoned us. And… who's he?" she asked, looking at Ander.
Ander stepped forward. "Hello, nice to meet you."
"This boy is my new friend, Ander," Andrew explained.
"Hi, Ander. My name's Valeria," she introduced herself.
As they spoke, a man's silhouette appeared behind the screen door.
"You've returned, old friend…" the voice said.
"Abel? My friend, I missed you," Andrew replied warmly.
Abel opened the door, embracing Andrew, then greeted Ander.
"Hello, son. A pleasure to meet you," Abel said, shaking his hand.
"The pleasure's mine, sir. Andrew said you could help me," Ander replied.
Abel turned to Andrew. "Help? Does that mean…?"
"What? Are you one of us, Ander?" Valeria interrupted.
"He's an Exempt, like us," Andrew answered.
Ander looked at him, confused. "Exempt?"
"Yes, that's what we are," Valeria explained.
Andrew took a breath and began to explain. "Our bodies fight the infection from a bite. Our red blood cells adapt, becoming compatible. Dying for a moment awakens our gene with the hostiles', granting us their abilities."
"We're exempt from death…" Abel added.
"But it happens rarely. That's what makes us special," Valeria said.
"Or cursed," a female voice interrupted.
A muscular woman entered the house, joining the conversation.
"Anaki, I've told you a hundred times—it's not a curse. If anything, it's a miracle," Abel replied.
"This is Anaki," Valeria introduced.
Ander smiled and greeted her, while she flashed a peace sign.
"So Andrew found you… sorry for that," Anaki said ironically.
"Still as funny as ever, Anaki," Andrew replied.
"I should kick your ass, old man," she added, hugging him.
Valeria turned to Ander.
"So, Ander… what's your 'gift'?"
"My gift?" Ander repeated, confused.
"He hasn't discovered it yet. He's a beginner," Andrew explained.
Abel walked away. "Let's leave Ander alone. No more questions, don't overwhelm him."
"Okay… sorry," Valeria said.
"Don't worry, Ander. Your questions will be answered little by little," Abel assured.
Ander pulled his mother's necklace from his pocket. "Thank you, all of you."
In the kitchen, Abel spoke with Andrew.
"What worries me is why you came back. I don't like it."
"It's nothing good…" Andrew replied grimly.
Andrew and Abel returned to the living room.
"Ander, we need to explain what happened in Zarco," Andrew said.
Together, Andrew and Ander recounted everything—their journey, every ordeal.
Abel, Anaki, and Valeria sat in silence, stunned by the magnitude of it all.
"I see…" Abel murmured.
"That's why I want you to help me control my abilities, like you did. I have to find my mother," Ander said firmly.
Andrew looked at his friends. "What do you think about Ander staying with us?"
"Yes! Let's help him train," Valeria said excitedly.
"I agree," Anaki added.
"It's not as simple as you think, boy," Abel warned.
Ander clutched the necklace tightly.
"It doesn't matter. I'll work as hard as I can. I promise."
"Then it's settled. Rest tonight—we start tomorrow," Abel said.
"He has potential," Andrew added.
Anaki studied Ander quickly. "I hope he's ready for what's coming…"
"He is, right kid?" Andrew asked.
As the sun set, Ander looked at his four new companions.
He noticed their eyes glowing gold as they smiled at him.
Ander kissed his mother's necklace and tucked it back into his pocket. "Of course," he whispered.
His eyes flashed gold for a moment, then returned to normal.