Oliver's gaze fixates on his spouse, his eyes drawn to the sight before him. In silence, he stares, his mind contending with the unfolding situation. Slowly, Oliver finds himself starting to believe Gregory's words. However, a lingering scepticism tugs at his being, pulling his lips tightly against the back of his cheek. Uncertainty blankets his thoughts, leaving him unsure of which path to choose.

"...I promise you... you can trust me," Gregory whispered, peering into Oliver's glistening eyes.

     Gregory's words pierced Oliver's heart, their impact breaking through his denial. Confidence swept over Oliver, transforming his pout into a smile. With his gaze locked on Gregory, Oliver felt the constricting grip in his veins gradually loosen, replaced by reassurance.

Oliver whispered back. "I trust you."

     A smile gradually formed on Gregory's face, mirroring the warmth in his heart. An assuring sensation wrapped around him, soothing his rapid heartbeat and instilling a sense of calm. He grinned back at his beloved, feeling the barriers between them dissolve, allowing their thoughts to intertwine freely.

     Later, Oliver, Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany changed their outfits, donning fresher attire. As they transformed their appearance, their bodies and minds braced themselves for the impending challenge ahead. Fear grabbed their chests, causing a contraction, while an overwhelming sense of suffocation filled their lungs, making each breath feel burdensome.

     Oliver descends the staircase, the lobby's chandelier casting a shimmering glow upon his uniform. His customary golden tailcoat that blends into a silver gradient adorns his lean frame. His sturdy white boots and elbow-length gloves complete his attire, but he leaves his shako cap, emblems and medals for the night.

     Beside Oliver, Gregory descends the staircase, his breath trembling with anticipation. He pulls the brim of his top hat lower, casting a shadow over his face. His pine-brown coat, reaching the knees of his black trousers, envelops him as he tucks his hands inside.

     Oliver and Gregory arrive in the lobby, greeted by an ocean of people filling the room. Seeing the bustling crowd causes their speed to falter momentarily, overtaken by a fear that lingers in their expressions. Their paces waver as they halt before their companions.

     Sophia turns to face Oliver and Gregory, her courageous gaze shining brightly. The overhead lights illuminate her loose, flowing hair, turning it into a luminous river of gold. She wears a crisp white shirt, sleeves casually rolled up to the elbows. Layered over it is a cropped golden-brown waistcoat and a matching blazer. Instead of her usual gemstone accessories and voluminous skirts, she opts for form-fitting trousers and laced heels for tonight's journey.

     Emerging from the corner, Edgar strides towards the group, his keen gaze fixed upon Oliver and Gregory. The warm yet dim ambience of the room accentuates the paleness of his blonde hair. As he walks forward, he slips his hands into the pockets of his warm black trousers, perfectly matching his dark bluish tailcoat.

     To the left of Sophia stands Sarrah, her curls and updo transformed into a sleek high ponytail interwoven with braided strands. She sports a light cotton cream-white shirt beneath her brownish amber-coloured vest. Her loose trousers flow down, reaching her leather shoes that rise midway up her calves. Wrapping around her wrists are metallic bracelets, their shine mirroring that of her pearl necklace with a silver heart pendant.

     Positioned behind Sophia and Sarrah, Bethany stands between the two, her glowing eyes illuminating the room. Her curls gather into a bun atop her head, with a few strands dangling down her neck and shoulders. A long-sleeved white shirt drape over her, complemented by a cropped sleeveless jacket that seamlessly blends shades of greyish-green and brown. She also has trousers and laced boots. And like Sarrah, she still has her pearl necklace with a silver heart pendant.

     Oliver took a deep breath, filling his lungs with air before releasing it with a huff. Frederick then emerged from the corner and approached Oliver. A mix of emotions danced across their faces as their eyes met.

"Dad," Oliver whispered, looking at Frederick.

"I wish you the best," Frederick stated.

Oliver nodded. "...Thank you," With a deep breath, Oliver stepped forward and hugged Frederick.

     The front door creaks open, its hinges groaning in protest as the doorway swings wide. The warm light within the mansion spills out, illuminating the dark front yard. Sophia, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany stride through the widely-opened entrance, descending the porch steps. The bright glow behind them casts their silhouettes onto the ground, creating a shadowy display. They gather in the centre of the yard, their hair gently swaying in the chilly night breeze.

     Oliver and Gregory are the last to pass through the front door. They pause and stand by the doorway, staring at the endless darkness before their eyes. With a shared contemplative moment, they turn their attention inward, their eyes meeting Frederick's as he stands with their children.

"Fathers... please be safe," Victoria said.

Oliver knelt, gently clasping Victoria's hands. "We will be," Oliver reassured her.

Elizabeth's voice trembled with fear as she spoke. "I'm scared. Will you be okay?"

Oliver nodded calmly, meeting Elizabeth's gaze. "Mhm, we will be just fine. Don't worry," he said.

Elizabeth frowned as she looked at Gregory. "Honest?"

"Truthfully honest," Gregory affirmed.

     Oliver and Gregory bent down, wrapping their children in an earnest hug. Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, and George returned the hug, their small arms encircling their parents tightly. Within the safety of their fathers' arms, the trembling children found solace, their fears gently eased by the genuine warmth and love that emanated from the embrace. The soothing sensation of their parents' cuddle provided a comforting respite, calming their anxious hearts.

"We'll be back," Oliver stated as he reluctantly let go of the hug.

     The children slowly released their tight embrace, stepping back a few paces until they brushed against Frederick. Their heads lowered as their gazes softened. Oliver and Gregory rose from the floor, and as their eyes met Frederick's, understanding passed between them.

     Gregory pulled the brim of his top hat forward, a subtle gesture of a brief farewell to Frederick before he turned and made his way towards the others, joining their path. Meanwhile, Oliver remained still, staring at his adoptive father. With a tender smile, Oliver inclined his head in a respectful bow, expressing his gratitude. Then, trailing over Gregory's footsteps, he embarked on his journey, leaving Frederick and his children behind.

     Oliver, Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany set forth, their steps carrying them across the expansive front lawn. They approach the imposing tall iron gate and pass through it. Turning sharply onto the left sidewalk, they cast a final gaze back at the others before pressing onward.

     Meanwhile, Frederick, Victoria, Elizabeth, Albert, George, and three maids stand at the entrance. As a gentle breeze brushes against their shoulders, their breaths quiver, and their hearts cannot help but sense the looming troubles and challenges ahead. Emotions ripple through the air as they watch Oliver and his companions fade into the distance.