They were in the hut with Jenny and Mikaela. The space wasn't large, but it was enough to move around comfortably. It had two rooms, a small living area, and a kitchen. They quietly arranged their belongings, preparing for whatever might come next.
Jenny and Mikaela shared one room. It wasn't cramped—there was a double-decker bed, with Jenny sleeping on the top bunk.
"Jenny," Mikaela called softly.
Jenny turned toward her.
"I won't force you to come with me. I'm just… worried about you," Mikaela said.
Jenny didn't want to press the matter; she already knew where this would lead. With a sigh, she climbed down from her bunk.
When she reached the floor, Jenny tapped Mikaela lightly. "Don't worry. I'm just as confused as you about what's really in that notebook."
"I just don't want you to suffer," Mikaela said sadly. "You've already made so many sacrifices."
"That's why all our sacrifices have to mean something in the end," Jenny replied with a small smile.
A knock sounded. They opened the door to find Felix standing there.
"Are you two okay here?" he asked.
Jenny simply nodded.
"Alright, I need to go," he said, saying his goodbyes. He had work to do, though they had no idea what he was planning. Once he left, Mikaela turned to Jenny.
"What does your brother do here, Jen?" she asked.
Jenny sighed. "You'll find out soon enough."
They stepped out of the bedroom into the living room to discuss their plan for entering the Fuego mansion. The first step was reconnaissance—they would observe the mansion where Mikaela had grown up, without entering it just yet.
The sun was setting, making it the perfect time to go. With Felix gone, Jenny and Mikaela set out, a flashlight in hand for when darkness fell.
"Here—we'll pass through this way," Mikaela said, pointing toward a familiar road. Jenny nodded and followed.
They walked in silence, the fading light caught between day and night.
Suddenly, a memory crashed over Mikaela—
The night she and Chesca had fled.
Sister! Sister! Chesca's breathless voice echoed in her mind. They had run through the dense forest, guided only by moonlight, sweat stinging their eyes.
We're almost there, Chesca—just a little more. Mikaela had supported her sister, who was on the verge of collapsing.
A rustle in the forest. Footsteps. Voices. Panic surged.
Mikaela pulled Chesca into hiding, pressing her back against the shadows. They had to reach the meeting point where Fernan was waiting to take them to the city.
Tears had burned her eyes, but she'd held them back. Her two other siblings were still trapped in the warehouse—she couldn't fall apart now.
Then—a gunshot. Chesca covered her ears, trembling, silent tears streaking her face.
When the danger passed, Mikaela dragged her sister forward. But when they reached the meeting place, it wasn't Fernan—it was Vince.
"Where's Fernan?" she'd asked, her voice shaking.
Vince had only scratched his head before ushering them into the car. "Keep going. Don't waste Fernan's sacrifice by trying to run." He closed the window and whispered, "Felix and Jake are waiting for you."
The car took a different route, avoiding Giovane's men. Mikaela hadn't even been able to see her two other siblings before they left.
"Mikaela!" Jenny's voice pulled her out of the memory.
She looked at her companion.
"Are you okay?" Jenny asked, concern in her eyes.
Mikaela sighed, touching her forehead. "Sorry, Jenny."
"Is this it?" Jenny asked.
Before them stood a large mansion. Mikaela's heart raced—her home.
The grounds were quiet, the air filled with the mingled scent of flowers. At the gate, three children played, their carefree laughter untouched by the world's cruelties. Nearby, their mother watched with love in her eyes.
Jenny tugged her sleeve. "Be careful—they have CCTV here."
Mikaela! Not now. You're in the enemy's stronghold—don't let the past pull you under. She scolded herself silently.
"I'm sorry," she said aloud.
Jenny only tapped her arm in reassurance. Mikaela thought again how kind this woman was—hesitant at times, but still ready to help.
Night had fallen. The only light came from within the mansion. The chirping of insects filled the air. Mikaela studied the path they'd need to take, every step calculated.
Be strong, Mikaela.
She scanned the property carefully. The mansion had changed, but she still remembered every possible escape route—for both herself and Jenny.