Valtor stepped out of the kitchen holding a glass of water in his hand. He approached the rest of the crew sitting in the living room in a loose circle, the professor settling between them.
"Thank you, son." Malcolm received the glass and took a sip before setting the rest on a nearby table. "I know you weren't informed of my coming," he turned to the youths, "but I felt the need to be here. Though the escape is only the beginning—and dare I say, the easiest part of your freedom, I'd like to applaud you all for running with it, bearing the risks without physically seeing the danger ahead."
The group continued to listen in silence.
"During the time of your departure from the barracks, the council had only agreed to the enhancement of your abilities without proceeding further. So the evidence you sought simply didn't exist. But as of now, preparations have begun for the operation to be conducted after your arrival from the Vatican reserve."
Malcolm pulled out his phone and, after a few taps, handed it to Zara sitting closest to him. She huddled closer to her friends, who gathered around her.
"What you're about to watch is a record of the mechanisms and devices already in place for the experiment," Malcolm added as the video began.
A view of what looked like a lab appeared on-screen. Newly opened devices, still partially unwrapped, stood in a corner, others lined up in boxes with labels.
The camera zoomed in on one label, revealing the words: Reg-Exp(2). "That stands for 'Regional Experiment,'" Malcolm explained. "It's the second experiment to be conducted on you kids. The operation is set to take place in Nexis, where you were to be made unconscious and bound against your will, just as before."
Zara returned Malcolm's phone as the video ended. "We're always going to be just lab animals to them," she said quietly.
Kymani raised a hand. "I'm sorry to ask, Professor, but… if we'd returned to the barracks, would you have been forced to carry out this crazy experiment on your own son?"
Malcolm and Valtor exchanged glances.
"If you had returned," Malcolm began, turning back to the group, "I would've been forced to carry out the experiment. But the council would have excluded Valtor, since he was never part of their initial plan."
All heads turned to Valtor.
"Were you aware of this?" Orea asked.
Valtor hesitated, then nodded. "Yes,"
"So… you were never in danger, yet you went through all that pain and trouble of an escape just to save the rest of us?" Zara asked.
"I…" Valtor swallowed. "I'm glad to say it was worth it. In doing so, I found a new family." He glanced at each face around him.
"That's so unreal," Kymani said, smiling. "You're one of a kind, Valtor Steel. I don't know how you do it." He shook his head.
"Neither do I," Valtor chuckled, scratching the back of his head. Light laughter erupted from his friends.
Malcolm watched the group fondly. "In all, I'm glad you arrived here safely."
He paused, his expression shifting. "Lest I forget," he continued, tone turning serious, "I spoke with the superintendent yesterday. He was fully aware of your escape—as well as the exact time and day you crossed the Vatican border." Malcolm shook his head. "I couldn't understand how. Those wristbands you were given cannot track your whereabouts. I made sure of that. So my question is… how did he learn something so delicate?"
His gaze swept the group.
Silence fell. They exchanged small, knowing glances before Lynx finally spoke.
"It was me," he admitted, voice low. "I was an informant to the superintendent." He let out a shaky breath. "I hate to say it now, but back then… I didn't trust the escape plan. So I took what I thought was the safer route to our freedom—until I learned the truth." His eyes dropped. "Though I learned it in a hard way."
"But when the time came, Lynx stepped up," Valtor said gently. "We wouldn't have made it out without him."
"That's true," Kymani muttered from the side.
Malcolm stayed quiet, his expression unreadable as he studied Lynx. "How did the superintendent get you on his side? I'm assuming he offered something irresistible."
"A reunion with my mum," Lynx replied softly.
The group turned toward him in surprise.
"She's all I have left," he added, barely audible.
Malcolm exhaled deeply, lowering his head for a moment before meeting Lynx's eyes again. "I'm sorry, Mr. Orion. The superintendent wronged you in more ways than you know."
"What does that mean?" Lynx asked.
"When you were taken from your home, your mother was very ill—or so I heard. If you hadn't passed the eligibility test, you would have been left to care for her."
"Eligibility test?" Lynx repeated. "What's that?"
"Before the five of you were chosen, a scan was run on each of you using devices that I provided," Malcolm explained. "You were scanned for certain attributes—inner strength, intelligence levels, creative capacity—to determine whether you qualified for the council's research study."
Lynx took a breath. "So after I passed the test and was abducted… then what happened?"
"I visited all of your homes months after you were taken," Malcolm said. "When I got to your house, Lynx, I didn't meet your mother." He hesitated. "I later learned that she had… she passed away." His voice softened. "I'm sorry, Lynx. But what the superintendent promised you is impossible to give."
Lynx froze, the words hitting him like a blow.
"Lynx—" Valtor began, but Lynx slowly rose to his feet, eyes wide and unfocused as he turned to leave.
"Lynx, take a deep breath," Orea urged gently as he walked out of the room.
The rest turned quickly to Malcolm, confusion written across their faces.
"He needs to grieve," Malcolm said quietly. "But do not leave his side. You're all he has now."
They nodded and hurried after Lynx, leaving Malcolm and Valtor behind. Valtor remained still, devastated by the news.
"Lynx?" Zara called softly as they stepped into the boys' room.
They paused.
Lynx was kneeling on the floor, shoulders hunched, head bowed to the ground. His body trembled as he silently broke down.
"Oh God…" Orea whispered, hands covering her mouth at the rare sight of Lynx crying.
Kymani moved first, placing a gentle hand on Lynx's back. "There's nothing we can say to make you feel better," he murmured, "but we want you to know we're here for you—however you need us."
"He's right," Zara added, giving him a soft pat, Orea doing the same beside her.
Rowynn remained quiet, overwhelmed, her eyes growing wet. She stepped closer, kneeling in front of him. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around him.
Lynx collapsed against her shoulder, his sobs shaking his frame. Rowynn held him tightly.
"It's okay," she whispered, voice breaking. "We'll always be here. I promise."