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Silence enveloped us for a moment, the gravity of our conversation weighing heavily between us.
Emilia’s fingers brushed against mine, a simple gesture but one that held so much meaning.
“You’re a good person, Mayn,” she said, her voice quivering slightly. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through, but I’m glad our paths crossed. If there’s even a glimmer of hope in stopping the Vendikar and finding that antidote, then I’m with you, every step of the way.”
I looked at her, this brave Earthling who had been thrust into a war she didn’t ask for, and felt a surge of admiration. “Thank you, Emilia. Your resilience and spirit inspire me.”
She grinned, a spark of determination in her eyes. “So, what’s our next move? We’re heading to Zephyra, right?”
“Yes,” I affirmed, squeezing her hand. “We’ll find the antidote, and together, we’ll put an end to the Vendikar’s reign of terror.”
As the rays of the sun peeked over the horizon, illuminating the city below, I felt a newfound sense of hope.
I got to my feet and offered her a hand.
This time she didn’t flinch, and took it.
“We need to find a ship,” I told her. “Mine was destroyed when I arrived here.”
“And where are we going to find one of those?”
* * *
The dense, sprawling forest was a stark contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle.
Trees stood tall and foreboding, a perfect cloak for what lay hidden within their embrace.
Leading Emilia through the undergrowth, the muffled sounds of distant engines and machinery grew louder, signaling our proximity to the warehouse.
“We’re almost there,” I whispered, noting the uncertainty in Emilia’s gaze.
“But this… it’s just a distribution center,” she said.
“Is it?” I said. “Or is it a way to conceal something beneath your noses without you ever suspecting it?”
The tree line gave way to a clearing where multiple delivery vans received their items before leaving.
I took Emilia by the hand and led her across the forecourt.
She tugged back on my arm as the trucks came near and screamed when one of the vehicles ran toward us.
But it ran through us like the hologram it was.
“It’s… It’s not real?” Emilia said.
I shook my head. “It’s all a front to conceal what really happens here. It’s our ticket off this planet.”
We approached the loading bay and I placed my hand on it.
I shut my eyes and focused, concentrating my energy into the terminal.
After a moment, sparks began to issue forth before the door slid open.
We stepped into the darkness but it lasted only a moment as overhead lights blinked on.
Half a dozen ships were lined up on either side of us, some new, some old.
Emilia remarked with a tinge of hope, pointing to a sleek ship not too far off.
