Zaire
Valtor sat alone in the main living area, leaning back in his chair with a smartphone pressed to his ear. His blue eyes widened at his father's shocking reveal.
"A search? When?" His voice rose before he caught himself.
"Tomorrow," Malcolm replied. "It was suggested by the superintendent, and I seconded it to avoid suspicion. The council has decided—an army of Vatican soldiers will arrive in Zaire tomorrow."
Valtor straightened sharply, eyes narrowing. "What are we supposed to do?"
"Nothing, son," Malcolm said. "Your hideout is well concealed. Even if they find the warehouse, it fits the normal description of a storage space. And President Zha'rik has given orders to protect you all, so don't worry."
"…Okay," Valtor muttered, still tense.
Malcolm continued, "I'm on my way to meet with some convening godfathers - dignified people from all regions who helped put these leaders in power. If anyone can bring the council down, it's them."
Valtor exhaled slowly. "What do you intend to do?"
"Convince them of the danger the council is steering our world toward. With their status, we can start a movement to challenge the council's illegal actions—violations of human rights, secrecy… all of it. We'll expose their plans publicly and fight them through the law."
"Wow," Valtor said. "That's… a lot."
"It is," Malcolm admitted. "But it's the only way to win back your freedom."
Valtor nodded, even though his father couldn't see it.
Rowynn walked in from behind him just as Valtor got off the call.
"Was that your dad?" she asked.
Valtor turned to her, the phone still over his ear.
"Yes, it was," he replied. "Where's everyone?"
"In the boys' room," Rowynn said. "Kymani's sharing an idea he had, so I came to get you."
"Okay," Valtor replied, following her out.
"Valtor's here," Rowynn announced as they joined the others.
Valtor glanced around, noticing Lynx and Zara sitting on the bed while Orea stood listening to Kymani.
"Great, you're here," Kymani exclaimed, facing him. "I was thinking—why don't we take a walk out? We've been locked in here since we arrived, even though we've been promised our safety. We still haven't gotten a closer glimpse of the city."
Valtor sighed. "I know, Kymani, but—"
"Come on, it'll be fun," the younger boy pestered. "Plus, it'll be a good distraction for Lynx too." He paused, expression softening. "You know why."
Valtor's gaze shifted to Lynx on the bed. His arms rested over his knees, eyes looking away.
"You guys," Valtor spoke, "I don't want to make you nervous or worried, but the council has ordered a search for us in every region starting from here. Their soldiers will arrive tomorrow."
They all fell silent, expressions tightening with anxiety.
"I know we'll be alright," Valtor added. "Our safety has been ensured. What I don't know is if we should be moving around for now."
"Actually," Zara spoke up, "that's more reason to get a glimpse of the city now. We never know when we'll have that choice again." She turned to Kymani, smirking. "Not that I'm trying to back your idea. I'm just saying."
"I'll take it," he shrugged.
Valtor faced Orea and Rowynn. "What do you guys think?"
Both girls exchanged a look—a quiet, knowing one—before giving their answer.
.................
Orea briefly shut her eyes, the cool afternoon breeze blowing through her hair as she walked with her friends out in the streets of Zaire.
Eyes fixed ahead, they took in the calm roads. Few people walked by, the warehouse clearly located in an industrial area. A few vehicles sped past—mostly trucks and wagons carrying food and natural materials.
Spotting a large farmland, they drifted closer, resting against a wooden fence as they watched the food production process for the first time.
Orea's gaze settled on an ear of corn still budding, till she zoned out.
"Everything okay?" Valtor asked, stepping beside her.
She nodded, smiling lightly. "I'm trying to see if I remember places like this."
"Do you?"
"No." She exhaled softly. "I remember seeing a river in my dream… and roads that look nothing like these. We're probably far from my home."
"You'll get to go home soon," Valtor said.
"It's okay," she replied quickly. "It's not why we're here. I'm sure I'll find my way back when all of this is over." She managed a small smile.
Valtor smiled too, drawing her close until she rested against him. Their gazes returned to the plantation.
"Hey guys!" Kymani called, gaining everyone's attention. "I just saw someone giving out free Zairan snacks across the road."
"Free?" Zara wondered.
"Yes!, probably for charity or something. And what better people to be awarded free stuff than us?, he began moving across.
"Kymani, hold on," Orea said, stopping him. "I don't think we should parade ourselves and get noticed."
"I'll go," she suggested. "It'll be easier for me to blend in."
They stood waiting as Orea crossed the road toward the small stall where a handful of people were gathered.
She glanced back at her friends, catching Kymani's enthusiastic thumbs-up. A small smile tugged at her lips as she shook her head, amused by his antics. Then she turned to approach the woman handing out the snacks.
"Good day," Orea greeted.
The woman turned toward the voice—and her radiant expression drained instantly, eyes widening in shock.
Orea froze as well, a sharp pain tugging from inside her chest. Her mind scrambled, fighting to place the face before her.
"Orea!!" the woman almost screamed as she rushed toward her.
Orea stepped back, confused. An unclear image flashed behind her eyes, making her shut them tight before opening them again.
"Orea, it's me!" the woman cried now, tears spilling.
Orea's breaths began to grew heavy, her heart beating dangerously fast. She stumbled back again.
Her friends, watching from afar, exchanged worried glances.
"What's going on over there?" Rowynn asked.
"I'll be right back," Valtor said, already moving.
Orea gripped her head as it began to ache sharply, her memories fighting to return.
Seeing her state, the woman paused, tears trailing down her cheeks. "You don't remember me?" she whispered then exhaled.
"Sweetie… it's me. Mum."
Orea's head snapped up, eyes locking on the middle-aged woman. Her whole body shook uncontrollably as tears streamed down her face. She backed away—slowly at first—before suddenly turning and running.
"Orea!" Valtor called, meeting her halfway as she fled toward him. He ran forward too, catching her and holding her firmly.
"What happened?" he cupped her face, eyes scanning her features.
Instead of answering, she crashed into him, still shaking while her tears spilled out in heavy waves.