The walk is long and silent. Gabriel leads, his coat catching the streetlight in sharp lines. Kelvin walks just behind me, his presence steady, watchful, like a safety net. Liliana is everywhere at once — walking ahead, falling back, circling us with restless energy. My shoes scuff against the pavement, every step louder than it should be. My chest feels tight, like the air is too thin.
We stop in front of an old building. Bricks chipped, windows dark. From the outside, it looks abandoned — the kind of place you'd avoid at night. My stomach twists.
Me (Anastasha):[whispering] "This is where you live?"
Liliana:[grinning, spreading her arms dramatically] "Welcome to our evil lair. Don't worry, the death traps are mostly decorative."
I stare at her. She winks. Kelvin sighs softly, shaking his head.
Kelvin:[gentle] "Don't mind her. It's safer than it looks."
Gabriel doesn't explain. He just pushes the door open and steps inside. The hinges groan. I hesitate at the threshold. Liliana notices, tilting her head.
Liliana:[teasing] "What's wrong? Afraid we're gonna eat you? Relax. We don't bite. Well… I don't. Can't make promises about him." [she jerks her thumb at Gabriel]
I glance at Gabriel's back. He doesn't react, but somehow that's worse. My throat tightens. Kelvin touches my shoulder lightly, his voice low, reassuring.
Kelvin: "It's alright. You're not trapped. Just one night, remember?"
I swallow hard and nod. My legs move, even though every instinct screams not to. The inside is… not what I expected. Not dusty or broken. The furniture is mismatched but lived-in, shelves stacked with books and files, faint lamplight casting the room in warm shadows. A space that feels caught between home and bunker. My chest aches with how wrong it feels to find comfort here.
Me:[softly] "…It looks normal."
Liliana:[grinning] "Disappointed? Sorry, no glowing runes or demon circles. Just bad coffee and Gabriel's endless supply of broody silence."
I set my bag down, hovering near the door. My voice shakes.
Me: "Why am I here?"
Silence. Gabriel turns slowly, his eyes catching mine in the dim light. His voice is calm, inevitable.
Gabriel: "Because the life you knew is already gone. And this is the only place left where you'll find answers."
The words sink into me like lead. My chest tightens until it hurts. Kelvin steps in quickly, voice softer, kinder.
Kelvin: "Don't listen to his phrasing. He likes to make everything sound like a funeral. You're here because you don't have to face this alone anymore."
Liliana flops onto the couch, stretching her legs out with a smirk.
Liliana: "Translation: congrats, newbie. You just joined the weirdest sleepover in the city. Hope you brought pajamas."
For the first time, I almost laugh. Almost. But the weight of Gabriel's words lingers, heavy and unshakable. My whisper slips out before I can stop it.
Me: "…I shouldn't have come."
Gabriel's gaze sharpens. His voice cuts through the air, quiet but certain.
Gabriel: "And yet, you did."
The silence that follows is unbearable. I stand there, torn between bolting and collapsing, while Liliana's grin and Kelvin's calm eyes pin me in place. For the first time, I realize — whatever this is, I've crossed a line I can't uncross.
(Inside the safehouse, moments after Anastasha enters)
She looks like a deer caught in headlights. Bag clutched to her chest, eyes wide, muscles locked like she'll bolt if I breathe too loud. Honestly? I'd give it ten seconds before she runs, if Kelvin weren't here babysitting both her and Broody McTrenchcoat.
Me (Liliana):[grinning] "You're staring at the furniture like it's about to eat you. Relax. That chair's ugly, but it's not cursed. I checked."
Her eyes flick to me, nervous. She doesn't laugh. Figures. Tough crowd. Kelvin shoots me that "be nice" look, which only makes me grin wider.
Kelvin:[gentle, to Anastasha] "You can sit down if you'd like."
She doesn't move. Just grips her bag tighter. Gabriel, of course, stands there looming in the corner like a poster child for "mysterious stranger who ruins lives." I roll my eyes.
Me: "Ignore him. He thinks silence is a personality. You'll get used to it. Or not. Either way, I recommend sarcasm as self-defense."
Her brow furrows, like she's not sure if I'm joking. (Spoiler: I always am. And also not.) She whispers instead of answering.
Anastasha: "…Why are you doing this? Why me?"
Oof. Straight to the angst. I glance at Gabriel, waiting for his patented 'doom and gloom' monologue. He obliges with all the subtlety of a guillotine.
Gabriel:[quiet, final] "Because you were never meant for the life you think is yours."
Yup. There it is. The tragic one-liner. I groan dramatically, flopping back against the couch cushions.
Me: "And there it is, ladies and gentlemen — exhibit A in Why He Doesn't Get Invited to Parties. Seriously, Gabriel, one time, just one, try not sounding like you're narrating a funeral."
Kelvin pinches the bridge of his nose. Anastasha looks even paler than before, like she might actually faint. Okay, time to dial it down — just a notch.
Me:[leaning forward, softer] "Look. He's not wrong, but he's not right either. You're not broken. You're… upgraded. Okay, maybe not upgraded. More like… you downloaded a DLC you didn't ask for, and now you're stuck with new powers and existential dread."
Her lips twitch. Not a laugh, but close. Progress. I keep going, lighter, faster.
Me: "And yeah, it sucks. But the bright side is, you're not alone. You've got us. The human golden retriever over here—" [gestures at Kelvin] "—and the walking angst novel—" [gestures at Gabriel] "—and me, your cool, infinitely cooler guide to surviving the end of normal life."
Kelvin sighs, shaking his head with the faintest smile. Gabriel doesn't react. Anastasha stares at me, torn between disbelief and the tiniest flicker of relief. I grin wider, because that flicker is enough.
(Safehouse tour, late night)
She's still standing by the door like it's going to sprout fangs. Poor thing looks like she hasn't decided whether to faint, fight, or run. Which means it's time for me to work my magic — also known as "talking until people either like me or want to strangle me."
Me (Liliana):[grinning] "Alright, rookie. Since you're clearly seconds from dying of awkward silence, allow me to introduce you to our humble HQ."
Her brow furrows, but at least she looks at me instead of the door. Progress. I sweep my arm dramatically toward the kitchen corner.
Me: "Exhibit A: the coffee machine that single-handedly keeps Kelvin functioning. No joke, if it breaks, we all die. Not from danger — from his withdrawal symptoms."
Kelvin sighs, but his lips twitch like he's holding back a smile. Anastasha's eyes flick nervously toward him, then back to me. Good. Hooked.
Me: "Exhibit B: the couch. Warning: never sit in Gabriel's spot unless you enjoy death stares that can peel paint. It's that one." [points at the corner seat] "Seriously. Territorial brooding zone. Do not trespass."
She glances at Gabriel, who of course doesn't move or react. Which makes it funnier. I lean closer to her, stage-whispering.
Me: "See? He's glaring already. That's his version of saying hi."
Anastasha stiffens, then — miracle of miracles — the corner of her mouth twitches. Almost a smile. Almost.
Me: "Exhibit C: the library-that's-not-a-library. Piles of books, files, and mysterious paperwork that I'm not allowed to touch because apparently, I 'spill ramen on everything.' Rude, but fair."
Kelvin cuts in gently, voice warm.
Kelvin: "It's mostly records. But if you're curious about anything, I'll show you."
Anastasha nods, small and uncertain. I don't push. Instead, I wave at the hallway.
Me: "Exhibit D: sleeping quarters. Beds slightly better than rocks, blankets mostly not itchy. We even have a spare room. Lucky you."
Her eyes widen. Her voice comes out sharp, panicked.
Anastasha: "Wait—you expect me to stay here?"
Gabriel finally speaks, his voice flat, inevitable.
Gabriel: "One night."
The weight in the air spikes again. She looks like she might cry or scream. So I jump in, clapping my hands like a game show host.
Me: "Yup! One night trial membership. Totally free, no credit card required. Cancel anytime. Just don't read the fine print about destiny, trauma, and questionable dinner options."
Her eyes dart to me, torn between disbelief and something close to relief. Kelvin gives me that "thank you for distracting her but also tone it down" look. I grin wider, because hey — it's working.
The spare room, late night)
The room is small. A single bed, a lamp, a dresser with a chipped corner. It smells faintly of dust and something cleaner underneath, like someone tried to make it welcoming but didn't quite get there. I drop my bag on the floor and sit on the edge of the bed. The mattress is too firm. The blanket too thin. Everything feels borrowed.
Through the thin wall, their voices carry faintly. Liliana first, sharp and sarcastic as ever.
Liliana (muffled): "You could at least pretend to smile. She didn't bite anyone, you know."
Kelvin (muffled, patient): "She's terrified. It's not a joke."
Liliana: "Everything's a joke. That's how I survive you two."
I hear her laugh — sharp, a little too loud. Then silence. Gabriel doesn't answer, but I can feel his presence even through the wall, heavy and unyielding. My chest tightens. I hug the blanket to myself, whispering into the dark.
Me (Anastasha): "…What am I doing here?"
The silence doesn't answer. My reflection in the dark window stares back, pale and haunted. I bury my face into the blanket, whispering softer.
Me: "You're Anastasha. You're Anastasha."
The words sound weaker every time I say them. My throat closes. Another whisper slips out, traitorous, trembling.
Me: "…Gabriel."
The name hangs in the room like smoke. I squeeze my eyes shut, hating the way it makes my chest ache and ease at the same time. For the first time since this started, I'm not in my own house. Not with my family. Not safe. And yet, somehow, I feel closer to the truth than I ever have.
I whisper one last time before sleep drags me under, the word breaking against the dark like a confession I can't stop repeating.
Me: "…Iris."
(Breakfast at the safehouse, morning)
The smell of coffee is what wakes me. Bitter, strong, like it could peel paint. For a second I forget where I am. Then I open my eyes, see the chipped dresser, the too-thin blanket, and it all rushes back. The safehouse. Them. Him.
My stomach twists, but my feet move anyway. I shuffle down the hall, every creak of the floorboards too loud. Voices spill from the kitchen before I even step in.
Liliana:[mock offended] "I'm just saying, instant noodles count as breakfast. Don't look at me like that."
Kelvin:[calm, patient] "They don't. Especially not when you add hot sauce and call it 'gourmet.'"
Liliana:[grinning] "Excuse you, it's called innovation."
I hover in the doorway. Liliana is perched on the counter, swinging her legs, grinning like she owns the place. Kelvin stands at the stove, frying eggs with the focus of a surgeon. Gabriel sits at the table, silent, a black coffee in front of him like it's both fuel and punishment. His eyes flick up the moment I step in. My breath stutters. Liliana notices first.
Liliana:[smirking] "Morning, Sleeping Beauty. Surprised you didn't run off in the night. Ten points to Gryffindor."
My face heats. I clutch the doorframe tighter.
Me (Anastasha):[flat] "I thought about it."
Liliana laughs, clapping her hands once.
Liliana: "Oh, I like her. She bites back."
Kelvin glances over his shoulder, smiling gently.
Kelvin: "Good morning. There's food if you're hungry."
I hesitate. My stomach growls at the smell, betraying me. Liliana's grin widens.
Liliana: "Sit. Eat. Pretend this is a normal breakfast with a totally normal group of people who definitely aren't keeping supernatural secrets from you."
I shoot her a look. She winks. Gabriel doesn't move, doesn't speak — just watches, silent and unreadable. I force myself to sit at the far end of the table, as far from him as possible. My voice is small, awkward.
Me: "…Thanks."
Kelvin sets a plate in front of me — eggs, toast, nothing fancy but warm. Liliana leans across the counter, resting her chin in her hands, eyes sparkling.
Liliana: "So, newbie, how'd you sleep? Nightmares? Existential dread? Or did Gabriel's ominous aura knock you out cold?"
I choke on my toast. Gabriel's jaw ticks, but he stays silent. Kelvin sighs, shaking his head.
Kelvin: "Liliana."
Liliana:[mock-innocent] "What? It's a fair question." [to me, grinning] "Seriously though, don't mind him. He's not glaring at you, that's just his face."
I glance at Gabriel despite myself. His eyes are still on me, dark and steady. My chest tightens. I look away fast, muttering.
Me: "…I don't belong here."
Kelvin pulls out a chair across from me, his voice calm, grounding.
Kelvin: "Maybe not yet. But you came. That means something."
Liliana leans back, smirking.
Liliana: "Yeah. Welcome to the weird kids' table. No refunds."
Despite everything — the fear, the weight, Gabriel's eyes — a small sound escapes me. A laugh. Shaky, quiet, but real. Liliana's grin softens just a little, and Kelvin's smile warms. Gabriel… doesn't move. But his gaze feels heavier, like he heard more in that laugh than I meant to give away.
The kitchen empties slowly. Liliana disappears down the hall, humming something off-key, probably to grab her phone. Gabriel lingers, pouring another cup of black coffee like it's penance. I push crumbs around my plate, restless, wishing my skin didn't itch under his gaze. Kelvin notices. Of course he does.
Kelvin:[softly] "Come on. Let's step outside for a bit."
I hesitate, then nod. The air outside is cool, fresher than the heavy tension inside. We sit on the back steps. The street is quiet here, tucked away, shadows stretching long. I hug my knees to my chest. Kelvin sits a respectful distance away, his posture easy but careful, like he doesn't want to spook me.
Kelvin:[gentle] "I know it's overwhelming."
I laugh bitterly, pressing my forehead against my knees.
Me (Anastasha): "That's one word for it. Try terrifying."
He smiles faintly, not offended. His voice stays calm, patient.
Kelvin: "That too. But you're handling it better than you think."
I look up sharply, frowning.
Me: "You don't even know me."
Kelvin:[steady] "I know fear. And I know strength when I see it."
My throat tightens. I look away fast, blinking hard. Silence settles. Then I whisper, broken.
Me: "…My family thinks I'm losing my mind."
He doesn't rush to answer. He lets the words sit, heavy, before speaking quietly.
Kelvin: "You're not. But I understand why it feels that way."
I bite my lip, fighting tears. My voice cracks.
Me: "Then why does it hurt so much? If I'm not broken, why do I feel like I am?"
Kelvin's eyes soften. His answer is quiet, deliberate.
Kelvin: "Because change always feels like breaking before it becomes something else."
The words sink deep, loosening something in my chest. For the first time, the tightness eases just a little. My shoulders sag. I whisper:
Me: "…Do you ever stop sounding like a therapist?"
He chuckles softly, shaking his head.
Kelvin: "Not if I can help it."
The sound almost makes me smile. Almost. Then Liliana's voice cuts across the quiet, echoing from the kitchen window.
Liliana (off-screen): "Aww, look at that! Kelvin's already adopting the newbie. Gabriel, you jealous yet?"
I jolt, my face heating instantly. Kelvin sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. Through the window, Gabriel doesn't answer. He just watches, silent, unreadable. Liliana cackles at his lack of reaction.
Liliana: "See? Classic. Broody silence. Ten out of ten, would annoy again."
I bury my face in my hands. Kelvin chuckles softly beside me, the sound warm, grounding. For the first time since stepping into this place, the fear doesn't feel quite as sharp.The sound of Liliana's laughter echoes from the back steps. Too loud. Always too loud. She thrives in noise, as if chaos can disguise the truth. It never does. The truth always cuts through eventually.
From my seat at the table, I watch. Through the window, Anastasha sits curled in on herself, knees drawn tight, Kelvin at her side. His voice carries even when low — steady, patient, like water smoothing stone. She listens to him. She relaxes, just barely. I note the change, the slight shift of her shoulders, the way her breath steadies. Small signs, but they matter.
Liliana (calling out the window): "Aww, look at that! Kelvin's already adopting the newbie. Gabriel, you jealous yet?"
I don't answer. I never do. Words are wasted on her taunts. She knows that. It's why she keeps trying — to force cracks where none exist. She doesn't understand that silence is not weakness. Silence is control.
Kelvin chuckles at her teasing. Anastasha hides her face, embarrassed. For a moment, she almost looks like an ordinary girl caught in ordinary embarrassment. Almost. But I see more than that. The way her fingers tremble. The flicker of something in her eyes last night when she whispered names into the dark — names that don't belong to her life now, but to another.
I sip the coffee. Bitter. Necessary. My voice, when it comes, is low, certain, not meant to comfort.
Me (Gabriel): "She won't run again."
Liliana scoffs, leaning against the counter, smirking.
Liliana: "Big words for someone who hasn't said more than six syllables to her since she walked in."
I meet her gaze briefly. She falters — just for a second — before smirking wider. She masks her unease with humor. Predictable.
Kelvin (from outside, gentle but firm): "Give her space. She's not ready for all of this at once."
I set the cup down. The sound is sharp against the wood, final.
Me: "She doesn't have time to be ready."
The silence that follows is heavier than Liliana's jokes, heavier even than Kelvin's calm. They know I'm right, though they won't admit it out loud. Time isn't a luxury Anastasha has. And the more she lingers on the edge of who she is, the more dangerous it becomes — for her, for us, for everyone connected to what's coming.
Through the glass, I watch her again. Fragile. Unstable. Unknowing. And yet… the past lingers in her like an echo. No matter how tightly she clings to the life she thinks she knows, the truth is already inside her. Waiting. Pulling her here, to us, to me.
My jaw tightens. The others see her as a girl lost in fear. I know better. She's not lost. She's returning. Whether she realizes it yet or not.