ᴛʜᴇ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀꜱ : ᴛʜᴇ ᴜᴘʀɪꜱɪɴɢ

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• ＷＩＬＬＯＷ •

Weeks passed, and the pattern of school, training, and sleep became even more ingrained. Despite the routine, I felt a sense of purpose. The others had welcomed me into their fold, and I was determined to prove myself.

Every evening, I watched them train. Raiden's control over electricity was mesmerizing, his movements precise and deliberate. Ember's intensity matched her fiery spirit, her eyes blazing with determination. Avani's connection to nature was awe-inspiring, her calm demeanor hiding incredible power. Adrian's affinity for water made him graceful and fluid, his actions smooth and controlled.

While Aria's silent strength, Luke's boundless energy, Ethan's raw power, Nara's eerie intuition, Maya's compelling charisma, and Ramiel's disorienting presence—all of them were incredible in their own ways. They were more than just friends; they were a family.

One night, we gathered in the living room to discuss the next steps. The atmosphere was tense, but there was also a sense of solidarity.

"We need to find out more about what's happening in town," Adrian said. "And we need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice." He added, looking right at me.

Leaving?

"We'll figure it out," Ethan said, his usual humor replaced by seriousness. It was a bit disconcerting. "We always do."

As they resumed a few things, I was lost. I was part of something bigger now, and I was determined to do my best for them, but I was still kept in the dark and I didn't like it.

Raiden's room was a sanctuary, a place where the weight of the world seemed to lift slightly. As I stepped inside, I felt a mix of apprehension and determination.

I went to his room because I felt like I had to ask this to him, and in private. Also, out of all of them, he was the one I was the closest to.

Raiden looked up as I entered, his expression softening when he saw the turmoil on my face. "Willow," he said gently, "what's on your mind?"

I closed the door behind me, feeling the weight of my question pressing down on me. "Hey, what does leaving mean? I mean, really mean? You mentioned it before, but I need to understand fully."

He sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Leaving means giving up everything. Your family, your friends, your home. We would be on the run, fugitives. You might never see them again."

My heart sank. "So, we'd be fugitives? Always on the run?" I had to repeat this, the words sinking into my mind with difficulty.

He nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and sadness. "Yes, Willow. It's the only way to stay safe, and protect everyone."

The reality of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks. I would lose everything—my parents, Alicia, everything I'd ever known. The room seemed to close in on me as the reality of the situation sank in. I felt a surge of panic, my breaths coming in short, rapid gasps.

"No," I whispered, shaking my head. "No, I didn't ask for this. I never wanted to be part of your world. I don't want to lose everything."

He stood up, concern etched on his face. "Willow, calm down. We can figure this out together."

But his words did little to soothe me. The fear and anger bubbled up, and I felt something shift inside me. Suddenly, everything in the room began to move. Books flew off the shelves, glass shattered, and objects scattered everywhere.

"Willow, stop!" Raiden shouted, but I was beyond reason. My emotions had taken control, and I was blinded by my fear and rage. "You're going to hurt yourself!"