Wings Of Sacrifice

7|The Great Escaped

Lyrien cornered Aria. "We can't trust that stranger."

Aria nodded. "I know, but he helped us."

Lyrien's eyes narrowed. "For what price?"

Just then, Kael reappeared, his smile disarming.

"No price, Lyrien. Just a good deed."

Lyrien's suspicion deepened. "What's your name?"

"Kael. And you are...?"

Lyrien's gaze lingered on Kael's face before responding. As they exchanged introductions, Kael's charm began to win Lyrien over.

Aria noticed Lyrien's softening stance. "Lyrien, be careful."

Lyrien's expression turned thoughtful. "Aria, sometimes we need unlikely allies."

Kael's eyes sparkled with amusement, his true nature hidden. For now, he played the hero, gaining their trust.

But Lyrien's instincts still whispered warnings.

Kael nodded. "You're safe for now. I'll keep an eye out." With that, he vanished into the night, leaving the group bewildered.

Lyrien shook his head. "I don't trust him."
Aria agreed. "But he helped us. Let's focus on Thomas's recovery."

Back at their hideout, Emma tended to Thomas's wounds. Marcus analyzed the evidence they'd gathered. "This should bring Elyon down."

Azrael stood guard, ever vigilant. As exhaustion took over, the group settled in for a well-deserved rest. Aria's thoughts lingered on Kael, but she pushed them aside. For now, they had a chance to breathe.

The night passed quietly, a rare respite from the danger. But in the shadows, Elyon's minions regrouped, awaiting orders.

And Kael, in the darkness, smiled to himself.

•••

Thomas, now recovering, joked, "I'm not lazy, I'm just conserving energy."

Emma playfully rolled her eyes. "You're conserving snack calories."

Aria chuckled. "Thomas, you're always hungry."

Lyrien quipped, "That's why we call him 'The Bottomless Pit'."

Azrael deadpanned, "I'm starting to think his stomach is a portal to another dimension."

Thomas grinned. "Hey, that's a great idea for a superpower!"

Lyrien snickered. "You'd be the Hunger Hero."

The group erupted into laughter, momentarily forgetting their troubles.

Kael, watching from afar, smiled wryly. "Amusing mortals." As they enjoyed their lighthearted moment, Elyon's minions plotted nearby.

But even they couldn't resist the contagious laughter. One minion whispered, "What's so funny?"

Another whispered back, "I think it's the Hunger Hero." They stifled giggles, unsure what to make of the absurdity.

As the group laughed, a misunderstanding unfolded. Thomas, still joking, shouted, "I'll save the world with my stomach!" Elyon's minions, eavesdropping, panicked.

"They're summoning a hunger-powered superhero!" one whispered.

The minions scrambled to prepare, donning ridiculous "Hunger-Repellent" suits. Meanwhile, Aria's group continued their lighthearted banter.