ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀꜱ : ᴛʜᴇ ᴜᴘʀɪꜱɪɴɢ

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• ＲＡＩＤＥＮ •

The group started to stir, one by one emerging from their rooms. There were tired smiles and murmured greetings as we prepared for the day ahead. Breakfast was a quiet affair, everyone lost in their thoughts.

"Ready for today?" Ember asked, her eyes scanning the room.

"Ready," I confirmed, feeling a collective nod from the others.

"We stick together, we stay vigilant," she said, her voice carrying a note of determination.

We all agreed, the plan solidifying in our minds. As we left the house, I felt a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Today was another step in our journey, and whatever it brought, we would face it together.

We went to Willow's house, I headed to her door since I was the "boyfriend". Her dad smiled at me, shaking my hand as I heard her coming. She ran down the stairs, coming to my side, kissing his cheek by passing making me smile.

I missed my family.

"Have fun, but be careful. I love you," he said, looking directly into my eyes, holding my stare for a few seconds, before looking fondly at his daughter.

"We will," we both said in unison, smiling at each other. "I love you too," she added, taking my hand unconsciously— I guessed.

Walking side by side with Willow, I felt a strange sense of comfort. Despite everything, we were forging bonds, creating something out of the chaos. And that, more than anything, gave me the strength to keep moving forward.

• ＷＩＬＬＯＷ •

The morning air was crisp as we piled into the van, the excitement palpable among the group. Raiden was at the wheel, with Ember in the passenger seat, and Luke navigating. The rest of us were crammed into the back, seated on benches like in a police van, our anticipation growing with every mile.

"We're almost there," Raiden announced, his voice steady.

I glanced around at everyone, their faces illuminated by the sunlight streaming through the windows. Each of them wore an expression of excitement, though there was an undercurrent of seriousness that hinted at the gravity of the situation they were in.

It was obvious that showing themselves could be dangerous. But I didn't ask, they proposed. So I knew they knew what they were doing.

Finally, we arrived at a secluded clearing far from town. The place was surrounded by towering trees, their leaves whispering secrets in the gentle breeze. It was quiet, peaceful, and perfect for what they had planned.

Raiden parked the van, and we all stepped out, stretching our legs and breathing in the fresh air. The clearing felt like a hidden sanctuary, a place known only to them.

"Ready to see something amazing?" Raiden asked, his eyes meeting mine.

I nodded, my heart pounding with anticipation. "Ready." As much as I could be at least.

Ember stepped forward first, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Watch this," she said, holding out her hand. A small flame flickered to life in her palm, growing brighter and larger until she was holding a ball of fire. She tossed it into the air, and it danced around her, leaving trails of light in its wake.

"That's incredible," I breathed, mesmerized by the display.

Adrian was next. He motioned for me to follow him. He approached the nearby lake, his movements fluid and graceful. He extended his hand over the water, and it began to rise, forming intricate shapes in the air before splashing back down. The water obeyed his every command, like a loyal pet.