Part 1: Growing bond
—————————
As Rose walked out of the hospital room, she closed the door. She started walking toward a quiet area where no one could hear her, then called Marina and explained everything—from the moment she arrived at the Carter house, how her friend was kidnapped, and of course, she told her about Diego.
"It seems the people who kidnapped Brian are not ordinary people," Rose said. "If that man has his own island, there has to be something going on there."
Marina sighed over the phone.
"Rose, you have to be careful. Your powers are not stable. We don't know what could happen to you. Remember, you still have a family—and you're still looking for your past. Don't be reckless."
She continued, more serious now.
"Your powers are flames that come out of your body, and now you're flying. I don't know what else will happen. My powers are limited in what I can see. I understand you want to save your friend, but being exposed like that can put all of us in danger. Do you understand?"
Marina's tone turned firm.
"I see you as my daughter. Momo loves you. Jack looks up to you as a sister. Think about their lives. Don't make risky moves."
Rose stayed quiet, upset—but she knew Marina was right.
Because of what happened at the dock… everything could change.
And deep down, Rose had a feeling—
She would meet Diego.
Marina paused, then softened her voice.
"I am proud of you. You've grown. Your power is growing, but you need someone who can help you with it. The Mystery Village can only do so much. We can help you control it… but we don't know how far that control will go."
Then she added,
"But I know why you're calling. I'll have one of my people arrange a secure place for Brian Carter."
Rose blinked.
"How did you know his name?"
Marina chuckled. "Have you already forgotten who I am?"
Rose laughed softly and leaned against the wall. She glanced at her reflection.
I really have grown…
But Marina cut her thoughts.
"I'll arrange everything for him. But I have to say… he's very handsome. I have a feeling that boy is in love with you."
Rose immediately blushed but said nothing.
Marina laughed lightly. "We'll talk about that when you get home. My people will meet you at the hospital."
Rose hesitated, then asked quietly,
"When are you going to tell me who you really are?"
Marina paused for a few seconds.
"In due time, you'll know. I'm not just an Oracle. I am part of your future. Everything is aligning for a reason. I'll see you when you get home."
The call ended.
Rose sat in a chair nearby. She took a deep breath in… and out… closing her eyes, focusing on her breathing. She knew the room was empty. She tried to feel the energy inside her—
The door suddenly opened.
"ROSE!"
Sarah and Richard rushed in.
"We just came from Brian's room," Sarah said quickly. "He's okay, but he said he was drugged."
"Luckily he's fine," Rose said.
"I heard from the police his father and stepmother were arrested," Sarah added.
Rose nodded. "Yeah. I'm trying to make it stick so they don't bother him. My auntie will have a place for him where no one can touch him."
Sarah and Richard exchanged a look and smiled.
"Someone got close," Sarah teased.
Rose shook her head.
"Let's just say… I see a little bit of him in me. Like the orphanage kids. We're trying to do better, but people keep dragging us down. He's not a bad person—he just needs a push."
Sarah smiled. "Yeah… maybe something good could come out of it."
Rose looked at her. "Same goes for you and Richard."
Richard stepped in and looked at Rose.
"So… do you like Brian?"
Rose paused and looked at him.
"Like that? No. We're just friends."
Sarah smirked a little.
Richard nodded. "Alright, just asking."
Sarah then turned to him. "And you—don't even start. You know we're waiting until we graduate."
Richard raised his hands. "Okay, okay."
Rose smiled slightly. "Let's go. One of my auntie's people is coming to give us the details."
⸻
As they walked back to Brian's room, they stopped at the door when they heard shouting inside.
A girl's voice yelled,
"You little shit! You think just because Mom and Dad hit you little. you can call the police? They're your parents! Are you even human?!"
Brian laughed coldly.
"Are you serious? Or do you think I'm a fool? They tried to sell me. And you want me to let it go?"
His voice rose with anger.
"Go back and tell them—if they don't leave me alone, I'll make sure the Carters go bankrupt. I have proof of everything. You think I'm the only one they tried to sell? You don't even know where your 'family wealth' comes from."
He scoffed.
"Your mother embezzled money. Your father is involved in illegal dealings. Where do you think your lifestyle comes from?"
The girl threw a glass against the wall.
"Shut your mouth! If you say anything, you'll pay for it!"
Brian looked at her with a cold laugh.
"You think I care? I have things on you too. Try me."
The girl stormed toward the door—
She opened it and froze when she saw Rose, Sarah, and Richard.
She pushed past them and walked off.
⸻
They walked into the room, seeing broken glass on the floor.
Sarah and Richard looked at each other and nodded.
"We'll get something to clean this," Sarah said.
Both of them walked out toward the nurses' station.
Rose stepped closer to Brian.
"My auntie knows someone who can help you. I'm not taking no for an answer. It's a safe place—and it's not under your name."
Brian looked at her, surprised.
"Thank you…"
Rose smiled. "You don't have to thank me. We're friends."
She looked at him more carefully.
"Is everything okay with that girl?"
⸻
A knock came at the door.
"Come in," both of them said.
They thought it was Sarah and Richard—
But it was Alex.
Rose turned. "Oh, you're here."
Alex stood at the door, already frowning.
His sharp eyes immediately went to Brian.
There was a cold, controlled look on his face—the kind of presence that came from the military.
Protective. Observant.
And clearly—
He didn't like Brian.
Not because of who Brian was…
But because Rose cared about him.
"I came on behalf of Marina," Alex said firmly.
Brian looked confused.
Rose corrected, "My aunt."
Alex's frown deepened slightly at the word—but he said nothing.
He handed the paperwork to Rose, his eyes still briefly scanning Brian like he was assessing a situation.
As he turned to leave, Rose stopped him.
"Tell Auntie I'll be home soon. I just need to go over this."
Alex paused, then looked at her.
"There are things you don't have to worry about."
Rose understood immediately and nodded.
Alex walked out.
⸻
As he left, Sarah and Richard were coming back.
"Who was that?" Sarah asked.
"That was my uncle," Rose said.
Brian's expression shifted slightly.
Sarah noticed immediately—
And quietly chuckled.
———————————
Part 2: Growing bond
As it was getting late, Sarah and Richard told Rose and Brian they would be heading home.
Rose looked at Brian.
"I should be going too. I told my auntie I'll make it home. If anything happens, call me or text me."
Rose looked at Brian and read his thoughts.
Oh no, she's leaving… I don't want her to go. I want to talk to her more.
Rose chuckled softly.
"I'll be back tomorrow to check on you before school, okay? And then we'll come after school too so I can get to know you more."
She smiled and turned, walking toward the door.
Sarah, and Richard were waiting.
"Yeah, we're coming too," Sarah said. "So don't worry—you won't be alone."
Brian blushed and smiled.
"Thank you, guys… you're better than the family I was born into. Thank you for everything."
⸻
As they left and closed the door, Rose said,
"I'll make sure his family never bothers him again."
Sarah looked at her. "Someone's overprotective."
Rose turned to her.
"Isn't he part of our group now? I would do the same for you guys. No matter what, I won't let anyone hurt my friends or family. You guys are the best thing that's ever happened to me."
She paused.
"You know how I grew up… in the orphanage. If I didn't find my auntie, I think I would've been in a much worse situation."
Sarah and Richard grew quiet.
Rose noticed and shook her head.
"Don't be sad. I'm happy now. I feel relieved that I left and found my auntie. It's better than staying there and being one of their victims. But it taught me something… I need to be strong and keep moving forward. Life won't give you a way out—you have to make one."
Sarah smiled.
"Yeah, you're right. No more being sad. Now we just make sure Brian is safe. He's part of our crew now."
She hopped forward playfully.
⸻
The next morning, after training, Rose turned to Jack and Momo.
"I'm going to stop by the hospital. Do you guys want to come?"
Momo grinned with a sneaky look.
"Yes! I want to meet your new friend. I want to see who's taking my Big Sis away."
Jack nodded. "Wherever Momo goes, I go."
Rose chuckled. "Alright, let's get ready."
⸻
Back at the house, Marina was already preparing breakfast. She packed food for them, knowing where they were headed. She even made extra for Jack and Brian.
As they were heading out, Marina looked at Rose seriously.
"Whenever you can, practice your breathing. You need to control your emotions. If you let them take over, your power will escape your body… and you could hurt someone. Do you understand?"
Rose nodded slowly. "Is something going to happen?"
Marina replied calmly, "If something provokes you, don't let it get to you. Breathe. Remember that."
"I understand," Rose said.
She grabbed Momo's hand and walked out.
⸻
As they arrived at the hospital, they heard yelling from down the hallway.
Momo raised her hand slightly. "Shh… let me hear."
All three of them listened.
"Drop the charges! They're your parents! How could you do this? Are you trying to ruin us?!" the girl shouted.
Brian's voice came back sharp.
"You still don't get it, do you? They tried to kill me. They tried to take my organ—and you want me to drop the charges? Are you insane? There's a mental department across the building—go check yourself in."
The girl stomped. "Drop the charges or—"
Brian said coldly, "Or what?"
At that moment, Rose opened the door—
The girl was about to slap Brian.
She never got the chance.
SLAP.
The sound echoed in the room.
The girl held her face in shock.
"Do you know who I am?! Who dares to slap me?!"
Rose looked at her calmly.
"I do. Do you have a problem with that?"
The girl raised her hand to strike back—
Rose caught it.
SLAP.
"I guess you like being slapped."
The girl hesitated—
SLAP.
Rose hit her again, harder this time.
The girl fell to the floor, stunned.
"You're going to regret this!" she shouted before grabbing her things and running out.
⸻
Rose turned to Brian.
He was staring at her, completely surprised.
"Hey… Rose…"
He couldn't believe she did that for him.
Rose caught his thoughts—
That's my girl… she stood up for me…
She blushed slightly, then crossed her arms.
"She was being too noisy. And this isn't her first time. You're supposed to call me when things like this happen. Why didn't you call me? I would've come sooner."
Brian looked down.
"I didn't want to bother you… it's early."
Rose shook her head.
"I wake up at 5 AM for training. You calling me wouldn't bother me. We're friends—we're supposed to have each other's backs. No one gets left behind."
⸻
Momo cleared her throat.
"Big Sis… is this your friend?"
Rose blinked, realizing they were there.
"Yes," she said, turning around. "This is Brian."
She introduced them.
Brian smiled nervously.
"Hi… I'm Brian Carter. I'm Rose's friend. Can we be friends too?"
Momo looked at him seriously.
"As long as you take care of my Big Sis, I'll consider you my big brother."
Brian blinked, then smiled.
"Okay… I'll take care of her too."
Jack nodded. "If Momo says it, I agree."
Rose laughed and ruffled their hair.
"You two are my angels."
She pulled them into a hug.
⸻
A few minutes later, Sarah and Richard walked in, both eating breakfast.
Rose looked at the time.
"We have 30 minutes before school. I'm going to drop off Momo and Jack."
Sarah shook her head. "No, we'll all go together."
She turned to Brian. "We'll be back, so don't get too bored."
She winked.
Richard laughed and played with Momo and Jack. "Yeah, we're coming back to check on you."
⸻
As they were about to leave, Rose turned back.
"Do you want me to bring anything from your department? I'm going there—I'm applying for business classes next semester."
Brian looked surprised.
"You're going into business too?"
He nodded. "Yeah… can you grab my assignments? I already told my professor what happened. They should have a binder ready for me."
Rose nodded.
"Got it."
She waved.
"See you later."
———————————————-
Part 3: Growing bond is
A few days passed, and Brian had fully recovered.
He was now staying in the place that had been arranged for him. For the first time in a long while, there was silence—no threats, no harassment from his family. With the embezzlement case exposed, Mr. and Mrs. Carter had been sentenced to five to six years in prison.
As for his sister, she had been arrested four days after her last visit to the hospital. She had come to harass him again—but this time, Brian was ready. Using footage from her car's dash cam, he exposed her involvement in a hit-and-run. The evidence was sent directly to the police.
Brian had waited a long time for justice—for his mother.
And now, it was finally happening.
As he settled into his new life, each day felt like a step forward. He focused on school, determined to rebuild everything he had almost lost.
But no matter how busy he became, his thoughts always drifted back to Rose.
Everything he had now… was because of her.
She gave him a place to stay.
She gave him support when he needed it most.
She gave him hope.
Without realizing it, Brian had fallen deeply in love with her.
One evening, as he sat alone, he made a quiet promise to himself.
Once I graduate… once I build my business…
I'll confess to her.
And when I'm ready… I'll ask her to marry me.
He wanted to become someone worthy of her.
⸻
Meanwhile, Professor Lee gathered the class to announce important news.
"The field trip for the excavation has been scheduled," he said, adjusting his glasses as the room quieted.
A wave of excitement spread through the students.
"This is a newly discovered site," he continued. "We'll be traveling to a remote location near a forested mountain region. You will be camping for three days."
He paused, letting the weight of that sink in.
"This is not just a trip—it's an opportunity. You will be participating in a real excavation. Your goal is to observe, uncover, and study anything of historical or cultural significance."
The room buzzed with anticipation.
Professor Lee then shifted his tone, becoming more serious.
"Now, safety is critical."
He began listing the rules, one by one.
• "Each group must carry a walkie-talkie. Communication is essential in case of emergencies."
• "Maintain a two-foot distance between excavation tools, soil piles, and trench edges to prevent collapse."
• "Once an area is marked, switch to hand-digging within the specified tolerance zone—usually 18 to 25 inches near any utility lines."
• "Any trench that is four feet deep or more must have safe access—ladders or ramps—within 25 feet at all times."
• "A qualified individual will inspect the site daily to identify potential hazards."
The class listened carefully, the excitement now mixed with focus.
As Professor Lee spoke, his eyes occasionally drifted toward Rose—subtle, but noticeable. He was checking on her, making sure she was alright after everything that had happened.
Finally, he straightened up.
"The bus will arrive Friday at 4:30 AM sharp," he announced.
A few groans echoed, but most students were too excited to care.
"This trip is known throughout the school," he added. "Make sure your families are aware of where you'll be."
He looked around the room one last time.
"Prepare yourselves. Take care of your responsibilities before the weekend."
A small pause.
"We will return Monday afternoon."
He nodded.
"Class dismissed."
————
Part 4: growing bond
The day before the excavation, Rose, Sarah, and Richard went shopping to prepare.
As they walked off campus toward the nearby mall, Rose said,
"We need to grab everything before it's too late."
"Good thing Professor Lee gave us a list," Sarah added. "Otherwise, we'd have no idea what to get."
They entered an outdoor supply store and gathered everything they needed—tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses, and other camping equipment for the trip.
After a while, Rose and Sarah turned to Richard.
"We need to go to another store… girl stuff," Sarah said.
Richard gave them a look. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. Go. I'll wait at the entrance with all this so you don't have to carry it around."
They both smiled. "Perfect."
They piled everything onto Richard, who sighed as he looked down at the mountain of bags before heading toward the mall entrance.
⸻
Inside another store, Rose and Sarah began browsing when they suddenly heard a familiar voice behind them.
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Great… just our luck."
Rose quietly said, "Ignore her. Let's just grab what we need and go."
"Nah, it's too late," Sarah muttered.
"Ning Yue Smith called out, "Sarah! Hey, Sarah—is that you?"
Both girls kept walking.
"Sarah! I know you hear me!" Ning Yue shouted.
Sarah stopped, turned around slowly, and looked at her.
"Oh… was that you? I thought I heard a dog barking."
Rose immediately covered her mouth, trying not to laugh.
Even Ning Yue's friends started giggling, earning them a sharp glare from her.
Ning Yue turned back to Sarah. "You're only with Rose? Where's Richard? Did he dump you?"
Sarah tilted her head. "I'm sorry… what language are you speaking? I don't understand 'dog.'"
People nearby began laughing quietly.
Ning Yue's face flushed with embarrassment.
"Why can't you just be nice?" she snapped. "I was just trying to talk to you. I wanted to ask how Richard is since I don't see him with you."
Sarah crossed her arms. "If you want to know how he's doing, call him yourself. Don't ask me."
She grabbed Rose's arm. "Come on."
As they walked away, Sarah muttered under her breath, "So annoying."
They paid for their items and left the store.
Behind them, Ning Yue stood frustrated and embarrassed.
She turned to her friends. "So it's funny to laugh at me? Are you even my friends?"
Without waiting for an answer, she stormed out of the store empty-handed.
⸻
Outside the mall, Richard was sitting near the entrance, scrolling through his phone.
When he saw them, he stood up. "Did you get everything you needed?"
Before he could say anything else, Sarah kicked him lightly in the shin.
"Mind your business," she said, walking past him.
Rose laughed softly. This is entertaining, she thought.
⸻
The next morning, Rose woke up early and got ready.
Before leaving, she knocked on Marina's door.
Marina opened it slowly, still a bit tired. "Be careful at the dig site," she said. "Don't push yourself… and don't touch anything you can't control."
She paused, then walked over and hugged Rose.
"Don't worry about Momo. I'll take care of everything. If anything happens, mind-link me. Or reach out—help will come."
Rose hugged her back, slightly confused. "Will people be watching me?"
Marina chuckled softly. "If necessary… yes."
Then she gently nudged her. "Go. You're going to be late."
Rose nodded and left, her backpack filled with everything she needed.
⸻
When she arrived at school, she spotted Sarah and Richard—along with someone else.
She waved as she approached, noticing Sarah half-asleep, leaning on Richard.
It was 4:24 AM. The buses hadn't arrived yet, but everyone was gathered outside the department building.
"I'm used to waking up early," Rose said. "Do you want me to hold her?"
Richard shook his head. "Nope. She's my responsibility."
Rose chuckled. "Alright, I won't touch her."
Richard gestured to the guy beside him. "Rose, this is Kent Miller—my cousin."
Rose smiled. "Hi, I'm Rose Blackwell."
Kent froze for a moment, staring at her.
"You're… really beautiful," he said without thinking, then immediately blushed. "I'm sorry—I didn't mean to say that out loud."
Rose smiled politely. "Thank you. I appreciate the compliment, but I'm not looking for a relationship. Friendship is fine, though."
Kent nodded quickly. "I understand. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
"You didn't," Rose reassured him. "We're friends now."
He smiled. "I'd like that."
⸻
Soon, the buses arrived.
Professor Lee stepped out and addressed the students.
"Place your bags in storage and find your seats. We have additional staff and a nurse with us. Also—remember—you'll be cooking your own meals. No takeout. You're in the wilderness. Learn to survive."
The students lined up and boarded.
Rose gently woke Sarah. "Time to go."
Sarah jolted awake. "Rose? When did you get here?"
"I've been here the whole time. You were sleeping—and drooling—on Richard."
Sarah wiped her face quickly. "Why didn't you wake me up?!"
"Would you have woken up?" Rose teased.
Sarah lightly hit her. "You're supposed to be my best friend!"
⸻
On the bus, Sarah rested against Richard again while Rose sat nearby.
The ride to the Mesa site would take four hours.
Around 7 AM, Rose checked her phone.
Brian: Good morning, Rose. I know you're heading out today. Be safe. I'll see you when you get back.
Rose smiled and replied: We will. I'll send you pictures.
Brian: Yes, please.
Rose chuckled softly. "So cute…"
She didn't realize Sarah was only pretending to sleep.
⸻
When they arrived, Rose woke Sarah again.
"Hey… you've got drool."
Sarah wiped her face instantly. "You couldn't warn me earlier?!"
"We're already here," Rose laughed.
⸻
As the bus parked, Rose suddenly felt something.
A faint pulse.
Small… but real.
Her body froze.
She looked around, but saw nothing.
Then it disappeared.
"Rose?" Sarah said, shaking her. "We're getting off."
"I'm fine," Rose said quickly, forcing a smile.
⸻
After unloading, Professor Lee assigned areas for tents, cooking, and the excavation site.
Everyone was excited, but he stopped them.
"Tents first. Girls on one side, boys on the other."
The boys groaned.
Professor Lee gave them a look, and they immediately backed down.
⸻
Later, at the cooking area, Sarah groaned, "I'm starving."
"Let's make something simple," Rose said. "Eggs and toast."
Sarah grinned. "And jelly."
They started cooking.
Soon, the smell of food filled the air.
Richard walked over. "What about me?"
"Make your own," Sarah said.
Rose smiled. "I'll help."
As Richard grabbed eggs, someone protested, "Hey, those are ours!"
Professor Lee stepped in. "There's more in the fridge. Relax."
Rose quickly made omelets, drawing attention from the others.
"Where did you learn to cook like that?" someone asked.
Rose shrugged. "When you grow up in an orphanage, you learn. Cooking for 30 kids teaches you fast."
Sarah and Richard exchanged a look. "You're officially the best cook."
Rose handed plates to them—and one for Kent.
⸻
As Rose walked toward the table, she suddenly felt it.
A gaze.
Someone watching her.
She turned.
A tall man with curly hair and brown skin stood at a distance, wearing a colorful shirt. He was… striking.
Different.
Their eyes met.
He smiled.
Rose turned away and walked back.
That was weird…
⸻
Even as she sat down, laughing with her friends…
She could still feel it.
Watching her.
When she finally turned again—
He was gone.
————-
Part 5: growing bond
As everyone finished breakfast and made their plans, they prepared to begin the archaeological dig.
Rose felt it again.
That same strange pull.
It was faint, but undeniable—something was calling to her.
She suddenly stopped in her tracks, trying to sense where it was coming from. Her heart began to race, her hands slightly shaking. A strong urge took over her body, pushing her forward.
Run.
Go to it.
She looked down at her feet, frozen in place, fighting the impulse. It felt like a powerful force was calling out to her… asking her to come.
"Rose? Rose, is everything okay?"
Sarah's voice snapped her out of it.
Rose blinked, still slightly dazed. "Yeah… I just feel a bit off. I'll be fine."
Sarah gently patted her back and wrapped an arm around her. "I know you're excited—I am too. We're going to discover something big. No one's found anything here yet… but we will. Our names are going on it," she said with a small laugh.
Rose smiled. "Yeah… you're right."
But deep down, she knew something wasn't normal about this site.
This might be supernatural…
She decided she would call Marina.
As she reached for her phone, it suddenly rang.
She glanced at the screen.
Unknown Caller.
Confused, she answered. "Hello, this is Rose."
Silence.
Five seconds passed.
Then a voice spoke.
"We will meet one day… and you will know who I am. You are a beauty. I'll see you when you return."
The call ended.
Rose frowned, staring at her phone. The voice was unfamiliar. The conversation… one-sided and strange.
She shook it off. "Weird… probably a wrong number."
Sarah looked at her. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, just someone being creepy. Let's go—I want to see what we can find."
They headed toward the tent, grabbed their gear, and joined the others. Nearby, they spotted Richard and his cousin Kent.
Soon, everyone lined up as Professor Lee prepared the group.
The entire department buzzed with excitement. No one knew what they would uncover—or how long it had been buried.
Professor Lee walked ahead, then paused, glancing at Rose.
"Make sure you all have your equipment," he said firmly. "Do not leave anything behind—especially your radios. Each group must stay in contact. I need names for every group leader and member."
His tone grew serious.
"This site has not been fully explored. Safety is our priority. I want everyone to return safely."
The class nodded.
For a moment, his gaze lingered on Rose… then he continued walking.
Rose felt uneasy under his stare but brushed it off.
⸻
As they entered the cave, everyone turned on their flashlights.
The space was massive. Water dripped from the ceiling, forming puddles along the ground. The echoes of each drop filled the silence as they moved deeper inside.
The feeling in Rose's chest grew stronger.
Her heart pounded faster.
It wasn't just a pull anymore—it was excitement… something awakening.
What is this feeling? she thought. Is this another evolution?
Her mind felt slightly foggy as if something was guiding her.
Finally, they reached an open chamber.
It was enormous—almost like a hidden world underground. A small water oasis shimmered to one side.
Professor Lee stepped forward. "This will be our base. Set up the lighting and prepare your equipment. You may begin exploring."
Rose barely heard him.
The pull was stronger now.
She tried to resist, forcing herself to stay calm. But her eyes kept drifting toward one direction.
Professor Lee noticed.
"Rose. Is everything okay?"
She snapped back. "Yes, Professor. I was thinking of checking over there."
He followed her gaze.
Then, unexpectedly, he said, "Go with your instincts. See what you find."
Rose nodded.
Sarah, Richard, and Kent followed her.
"What's going on with you?" Richard teased. "Professor Lee's letting you do whatever you want. Is he your secret father or something?"
Rose laughed. "If that were true, I'd look like him."
They chuckled, but Sarah frowned slightly.
"I don't know… he's been watching you a lot. Like he's trying to figure something out."
Rose shook her head. "Don't overthink it. He's just doing his job."
⸻
They reached the spot.
Setting up their tools, they put on gloves and began digging.
The pull grew stronger.
In.
Out.
In.
Out.
Rose kept digging, careful not to damage anything—but she couldn't stop.
Time passed.
The others grew tired.
But Rose didn't notice.
She was completely focused… completely consumed.
"Rose!" they called.
No response.
She kept digging.
Then—
Crack.
Her tool broke through something.
A small hole appeared in the wall.
She froze.
"Sarah… come here."
Sarah walked over, exhausted—then stopped.
"What… is that?"
The hole was small… but something about it felt wrong.
Ominous.
Sarah immediately grabbed her radio. "Professor Lee, we found something."
⸻
Within minutes, he arrived.
"What did you find?" he asked, adjusting his glasses.
Sarah pointed. "Rose broke through the wall. We didn't go in—it feels… off."
Professor Lee turned to Rose.
"Rose?"
No response.
"Miss Maxwell?"
Still nothing.
She stood there, completely dazed.
He stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder—
—and immediately pulled back slightly.
Heat.
Like touching fire.
He narrowed his eyes and shook her. "Wake up."
Rose blinked, snapping out of it. "Professor? When did you get here?"
Everyone stared at her.
"We've been calling you," Sarah said. "You were completely out of it. Are you sure you're okay?"
Rose hesitated, then forced a smile. "Yeah… I think we should stop digging here. Let's take a break."
Sarah nodded quickly. "Yeah. You're coming with me."
"I'm not leaving you two alone," Richard added.
Kent shrugged. "I'm coming too."
The four of them walked away together.
⸻
Professor Lee stayed behind.
He turned back toward the hole.
His expression changed.
He could feel it now.
Energy.
Dark… ancient… powerful.
He raised his hand and quietly cast a spell, sealing the energy leaking from the opening.
As he turned to leave—
he stopped.
He looked back at the hole.
Something inside was calling.
Not just to Rose…
…but to him as well.
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