Queen Mera Speaks
Mera stepped forward, voice regal.
"Assassins from the Trench attacked us. Someone has leaked my location. Until we discover the traitor, we require a place no tracker, psychic, or magical scrying can locate."
Damian frowned.
"And Shiva thought of me?"
Shiva nodded.
"You possess something no one else does."
Damian stiffened.
Did she know about the dimension?
Shiva's eyes glinted.
"A completely disposable apartment with no personal connections whatsoever."
Damian:
"…Thanks."
Flash whispered to Hal:
"She really knows how to compliment people, huh?"
Damian Offers the Real Solution
Damian tapped his fingers together.
"This place is safe enough for one night. But for true long-term safety…"
He hesitated.
Should he reveal the dimension?
No.
Not to the League.
Not even to Shiva.
But…
He could give Mera something else.
"Flash, Lantern — take shifts guarding this block," Damian said.
"Shiva stays with the queen here for the night."
Hal blinked.
"You're giving us orders?"
"Do you have a better plan?" Damian asked.
Silence.
Flash sighed.
"He's got us there."
Mera studied Damian's eyes — measuring him, judging him — and then she nodded.
"You have a warrior's soul," she said softly.
"And a king's caution."
It was the closest thing to praise Atlantean royalty could give.
Damian bowed slightly.
"You'll be safe."
After They Settle In
Shiva pulled Damian aside near the door.
"You have grown," she murmured.
"Your presence is… louder."
Damian stiffened.
"Meaning?"
"Meaning I can sense power in you that was not there before."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Fire. A great fire."
Damian's heart skipped.
Shiva wasn't stupid.
She didn't know the truth — but she sensed the strength beneath his skin.
"Be cautious," she warned.
"The world will notice soon."
Damian nodded.
Then he slipped out of the apartment after Flash left in a lightning streak.
He walked quietly down the dim hallway—
Inserted the golden key into a random storage door—
And stepped back into his private dimension.
Back Home… and Back to Cooking
Damian returned to his kitchen, staring at the half-eaten dish on the counter.
"Shiva, Green Lantern, Flash, and Queen Mera…" he muttered.
"…interrupting my dinner."
He shook his head.
"Next time, I'm screening calls."
He sat down, picked up his chopsticks, and took another bite.
Still heavenly.
Still perfect.
Still his.
He finally relaxed.
"…Maybe I'll cook for someone else someday."
But not tonight.
Tonight was quiet.
And for Damian Wayne…
quiet was a luxury.