*Krik*
The massive door of the island parted as the four of them stepped forward.
Island Beta, just like the previous one, was full of warehouses and cold storage.
The sky remained pitch-black—three hours past midnight, the world still half-asleep.
They had more than four hours to reach the Haven. But at their current pace, they would arrive in minutes.
Nana clung to William's neck, refusing to look anywhere else, her small face buried into the warmth of his shoulder. She wasn't just afraid of the world around her… she wanted to savor these last, fragile minutes with the only people who hadn't looked at her with disgust or dread.
William could feel her tremble. Her fear, her sadness—they sank into him like a cold blade. His chest tightened painfully.
Emma hadn't heard the conversation from earlier, but she understood. Their steps, the air, Nana's silence—even without words, the truth lingered heavy enough to crush her spirit.
Gloria was the one who broke the stillness.
