The team left the Whispering Wilds. They flew back to Headquarters, carrying their injured teammates. The trees faded as they reached the Zenith Angels' main base. They felt relief, but their wounds still hurt, and their minds were heavy. The white stone fortress of Headquarters rose in the distance, a reminder of the war.
Commander Aldric was in the main meeting hall. The large hall was quiet. Only a few serious Ascendants were there. Most angels were out fighting new Black Angel attacks. The war against Mariam was making their forces weak.
The team landed quickly. Zak and Theo, bruised and bloody, went straight to the infirmary. Eleanor walked on her own. Her white wings were bent and bandaged. She was pale, but her eyes were steady. Gail and Meredith went straight to Aldric's office, a private chamber lined with maps.
Aldric turned. He looked relieved, then concerned. "Gail. Meredith. Thank goodness you're okay. I just got reports of the intense energy from the Wilds. Where are Guardian Eleanor and the Sentinels?"
"They're being treated now," Meredith said, firm. "They'll be fine; they just need serious rest and healing."
Aldric let out a slow breath. "And the others? The Guardians who went missing in the Wilds?"
Meredith paused. "They didn't make it, Commander. They were killed by Mariam's Demigods. We found signs of their struggles, but no bodies."
Aldric looked worried. "I see. That's terrible, but we expected losses."
Gail stepped forward. "We only found armor and clothing. The Demigods used powerful magic to twist the Wilds into a death trap."
"All four of Mariam's Demigods were there?" Aldric asked, surprised. "Lyn, Ziza, Carna, and Hector?"
"Yes, sir," Gail confirmed. "And they're all defeated. Every single one."
Aldric stared at them. "And no one on our side died? Not one casualty among those who returned?"
"No one died," Meredith replied, proud. "We had some very close calls, but everyone survived the encounters with all four Demigods."
Aldric nodded slowly. "Amazing. To beat all four Demigods without losing anyone is incredible."
Gail dismissed the praise. "It wasn't just us, Commander. Eleanor was the one who changed everything. She fought with a power we haven't seen. She found the opening that let us end the fight against Lyn."
Aldric raised an eyebrow. "Did she, now?"
"There's something different about her," Gail insisted. "She fights with intense, raw power. Maybe even as strong as an Ascendant rank."
Aldric's voice became colder. "We need to watch her closely, Gail. That kind of new power needs careful guidance. We can't have unpredictable things happening in this war."
Meredith gave a quick nod. "Leave that to me, Commander. I'll personally make sure she's monitored as she recovers."
The infirmary air smelled of antiseptic. Eleanor sat on a bed while a healer wrapped her shoulder.
"There you go," the healer said. "Try not to remove those for at least two weeks."
"Thank you," Eleanor said quietly.
"Don't mention it," the healer replied, moving on.
Eleanor looked across the room. Theo leaned against the doorway, head bandaged, arm in a sling. He looked pale, but smirked.
"Hey hey," he greeted.
Eleanor gave him a small smile. "Theo? You should be resting. You look like you went ten rounds with a griffin."
Theo chuckled softly, then winced. "Yeah, but I wanted to check on you. That lightning chick was no joke. Thought she'd turn me into toast."
"Tell me about it," Eleanor muttered. "She hit like a freight train."
Theo paused, his grin fading. "So, about what she said. Lyn mentioned Mariam before she vanished. You okay? You looked different after that."
Eleanor looked down at her lap. She stayed silent for a long moment.
"Hey, it's alright," Theo said, stepping closer. "You don't have to talk about it if you're not ready."
Eleanor eventually answered, her voice slightly whispered. "Mariam killed my parents days ago. But the weird thing is, she saw me and didn't kill me. She just left me there, alive."
Theo blinked, shocked. "You're telling me Mariam, the cruel Grand Goddess herself, just spared you? That's crazy. I've never heard of her doing anything like that." He shook his head. "It just doesn't fit with anything we know about her."
Eleanor remained quiet. It didn't make sense to her either.
Theo scratched the back of his head. "Sorry. It's just weird. In a good way, I guess."
There was a brief moment of silence until Eleanor broke it.
"How's Zak?" she asked.
"Still knocked out cold," Theo replied, thankful for the change in topic. "He's pretty messed up, took a lot of hits, but he'll make it through. He's tough."
"Good," Eleanor murmured.
Theo gave her a small smile. "Alright. I'll leave you to rest. See you tomorrow?"
"Yeah. See you, Theo."
As Theo stepped out, the quiet settled around Eleanor once more. She remained seated, lost in thought.
What does she want from me? Why am I still alive? Why didn't she kill me like my parents? Mariam's plan didn't end in the Wilds. It felt like it was just starting. Eleanor closed her eyes. Her journey was far from over.