Yoshua had not been able to stop pacing around the cottage all night since his call with Ibris. He was grateful that Jahui had, for the most part, safely welcomed a baby boy into the world. His tiny arms were adorned with delicate features, resembling those of Geshar, his father.

Yoshua and Aiyana had forbidden Kaya from leaving home. Kaya had not argued. She had been indoors all day, moving from one chore to another. For the past hour, she had been scrubbing the kitchen floor with restless energy, the rhythmic sound of bristles against stone almost soothing. 

Yoshua could sense that a part of her was grateful to stay hidden. Every shadow that passed the window, every creak of the floorboards, set her on edge. Her hands trembled as she wrung out the cloth in the bucket of soapy water.

 Several times that morning Kaya muttered, "I should have never helped Zorin," under her breath. Yoshua heard her each time but chose to let it go, deciding it was best to leave her with her thoughts.

The cottage was unusually quiet—not just to avoid waking the baby, but also because Aiyana and Yoshua were engaged in hushed conversations, hoping Kaya would not hear them.

Aiyana finally broke the silence—strained, hushed, yet loud enough to cut through the quiet.

"I can't let her go to the Underworld, Yoshua. She's a child!"

Yoshua could feel Kaya in the next room. Kaya froze, her hand pausing mid-swipe on the countertop. She had not heard her mother speak like that before—so desperate, so frightened. Slowly, Kaya stood up, leaving the cloth on the counter as she tiptoed toward the kitchen doorway. She kept herself out of sight, pressing her back against the wall as she listened.

"She has to go," Yoshua said, gently. "Jahui and the baby need her." He paused, his expression darkening. "And the monks... they know about her, Aiyana. You know what that could mean."

"I won't lose her, Yoshua," Aiyana whispered, distressed. "I've already lost Dariq to that damned city."

"Aiyana, we both lost Dariq to the war," Yoshua said softly, then added sharply, "Do you think I want this? If we stay, Kaya isn't safe here."

Yoshua could feel Kaya peering around the corner, watching as Aiyana walked by the table, pacing back and forth with her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her shoulders shook with the effort to hold back tears. Yoshua stood rigid by a table, his hands gripping the edge as if he were struggling to keep himself grounded.

"She's not ready for the outside world, let alone the Underworld." Aiyana said, trembling. "She doesn't even know what she is yet. How can we send her there?"

"You know I'll be with Kaya the entire time," Yoshua said after a long pause, with resolve. "I'll take care of her."

Aiyana sat down at the table, her face pale and drawn, the strain of the day weighing visibly on her. As Yoshua moved toward the doorway, he felt Kaya quickly duck behind the wall, her heart pounding.

Yoshua reached the kitchen entrance and paused, glancing back at Aiyana, who was murmuring, "I don't like this." 

Her whispers were interrupted by the sound of the baby's cries.

"The baby is awake," Yoshua said, turning away from the kitchen, towards the room where mother and child rested.

"Right." Aiyana took a deep breath, visibly struggling to keep her emotions in check. "Let me go check on them," she finally said, the fight draining from her.

"I'll help you," Yoshua replied, steadily, as he followed her.

Kaya quietly followed behind them, her curiosity overwhelming her fear. She stood right outside the dimly lit room, where the curtains were drawn tight, casting shadows across the floor.

On the bed, Jahui lay unconscious, her face pale against the white sheets. Yoshua's heart sank as he noticed the bloody towels piled in the corner of the floor, dark and ominous. The sight made his stomach churn.

"Jahui is not doing well," Aiyana said, scanning the room. "I need to clean this room." Her face was drawn, exhaustion etched into her features.

"I'll take care of it," Yoshua replied firmly. "Right now, we need to focus on the baby."

In an old cot lay the small baby, that cot once belonged to Kaya. The baby and its wings were snuggled tightly in a wrap. "Shh, little one," Aiyana whispered gently, moving to pick up the baby. "You need milk," she said softly, glancing toward a table in the corner. "I had one of the tribeswomen bring breast milk this morning."

Aiyana cradled the baby close, attempting to feed it a bottle. But the baby refused, wailing even louder.

"Can I hold him?" Kaya asked, stepping into the room hesitantly.

Aiyana shot Kaya a sharp look, irritation simmering. "I was beginning to wonder how long you'd hide behind that door. I may not be wolf, but I know when I'm being watched."

Yoshua chuckled.

"Can I hold him?" Kaya asked again, her nerves creeping in.

Aiyana softened a little. "Come," but the infant's cries only grew louder.

"Why won't it stop crying?" Kaya asked in frustration, glancing at Yoshua.

Yoshua stepped closer, his brow furrowing as he looked over the baby. "Let me show you," he said, taking the infant from Kaya. As he rocked it gently, the baby began to settle down. He's just like Kaya, Yoshua smiled.

"You've always been so good with babies. Why haven't you started a family of your own, Yoshua?" Aiyana asked, warmly.

Yoshua pursed his lips at the thought, a darkness flickering behind his eyes. He did not answer.

"Maybe I should come with you to the City," Aiyana suggested.

"No," Yoshua said, sharply. "You need to stay with the tribe. We will be back in a fortnight."

Just then, Yoshua's tablet rang, cutting through the tension in the room. He glanced at the screen and saw it was Ibris. "The transport should be there within the next few minutes. It's arriving earlier than expected," Ibris said urgently. "I hope the four of you are ready."

As Yoshua listened, he heard the unmistakable sound of a transport pull up, and then another. "How many transports did you send?"

"Just one," confirmed Ibris. "Why?"

Yoshua's instincts kicked in. It wasn't just one transport.

Yoshua handed the baby to Aiyana. "Take Kaya and lock yourselves in the bathroom. Don't come out until I tell you," he instructed, leaving no room for argument. Without hesitation, Aiyana grabbed Kaya by the wrist and hurried into the windowless room at the center of the cottage, shutting the door behind them.

Yoshua crouched low to the ground, moving with the silent grace of a wolf as he listened and sensed the subtle shifts around him. The scent confirmed there were two men—one human and one halfbreed—both armed with guns. Mercenaries. His only firearm was locked away in a box on the far side of the cottage, too far to reach in time. Scanning the room for anything he could use, his eyes landed on the metal rod of a lamp in the corner where Jahui lay. He crept over to it, quietly pulling it free from the wall and gripping its cold, metallic neck. In his other hand, he grabbed a towel. Then, he waited.

The footsteps were quiet, both mercenaries moving as silently as they could manage. One was creeping slowly toward the entrance of the cottage, while the halfbreed circled around outside, his scent unmistakable as he hunted for Jahui. Yoshua knew the halfbreed was tracking her scent like a predator closing in on its prey.

Just then, the front door burst open with a splintering crash as the human mercenary kicked it in, the sound echoing through the cottage. Almost simultaneously, a bright flash cut through the air—a laser shot blasted through the window, shattering glass as the halfbreed leaped inside, landing in Jahui's room with predatory grace.

The halfbreed laughed, a low, rumbling sound that sent chills through the air. He was a middle-aged jaguar halfbreed, his striking appearance seamlessly blending human and feline features. His skin was dappled with dark rosettes, and sleek black fur ran down his neck and forearms. He was dressed in all dark: a forest green, form-fitting shirt and cargo pants, along with sturdy dark boots. His eyes glowed a vivid yellow, sharp and predatory, and his grin revealed pointed fangs that gleamed in the dim light. He moved with a lethal elegance, his muscles rippling beneath the spotted fur.

The jaguar halfbreed's gaze fell on Yoshua, and his grin widened as he noticed the lamp Yoshua gripped tightly. Without hesitation, he raised his gun, aiming it directly at Yoshua's chest. "What, planning to redecorate?" he sneered, as his finger hovered near the trigger.

Yoshua stood in silence, as the jaguar halfbreed called out to the other mercenary. "Come in here, Yves. I found the woman and a halfbreed wolf," he said, dripping with amusement.

Yves was a lean-built, dark-haired man with olive skin, dressed similarly to Jack in dark forest green. He appeared immediately at the doorway, his gun aimed directly at Yoshua. "You said you could smell two more, Jack?" Yves asked, pressing his gun against Yoshua's head. "Where are they, wolf scum? Where's the halfbreed bastard?"

The halfbreed mercenary's face twitched slightly at the slurs, but he kept his focus, standing firm with the gun in hand. "Tell us where they are," Jack growled, "and everyone lives."

"I don't know about everyone living," Yves said with a malicious smirk. "I've heard the women up here are gorgeous. Are the other two women?"

Yoshua's blood boiled with fury. Outnumbered and unarmed, he knew he had to tread carefully.

"Have some decency," Jack snapped at Yves, his patience wearing thin. "There's a dying woman on the bed. Why don't we discuss your perversions later?"

Yves merely shrugged. "What's wrong with her?" Yves demanded, looking at Jahui, pressing his gun harder against Yoshua's head, his tone menacing.

Yoshua remained silent, his jaw clenched as he met Jack's gaze with unwavering defiance.

Jack chuckled darkly. "He's the quiet type." He looked to Yves, a smirk playing on his lips. "Why don't you go check the other rooms?"

In that moment, everything happened in a blur. Yoshua sensed movement behind Yves and whispered, "No." Aiyana crept up behind Yves, gun in hand, and fired a shot that missed him but struck Jack squarely in the abdomen. Jack collapsed to the ground with a gasp. As the shot rang out, Yves turned to retaliate.

Yves fired at Aiyana, the shot reverberating through the air. In one fluid motion, Yoshua swung the metal rod of the lamp with all his might, striking Yves in the head. The impact resonated in the room as Yves staggered back, Yoshua wrapped the towel around his head to suffocate him, Yves continued to firing his weapon wildly. Just as Yves broke free and pivoted to aim at Yoshua, another gunshot rang out from behind Yoshua, hitting Yves directly in the face. Yoshua turned to Jack, who had mustered the last of his energy to grab his gun and shoot Yves.

Yoshua, momentarily confused, glanced between Jack and Yves before seizing the large knife from Yves's belt. With determination, he approached Jack, pressing the blade firmly against his neck. "Who put up the bounty?" He demanded steadily, despite the chaos around them.

Jack chuckled darkly as he regarded Yoshua, a twisted grin spreading across his face. Yoshua noticed the blood seeping from the wound in Jack's abdomen, yet the halfbreed seemed unfazed. "You don't need that knife, man," Jack sneered. "I'm already down." His laughter and coughing echoed in the room as he continued, "You think we're mercenaries? We're Atlantean military special ops." He coughed again, struggling to catch his breath.

"Why did you kill your own man?" Yoshua demanded, confusion and anger boiling inside him, his fists clenched at his sides.

"I hated that bigot," Jack replied with defiance.

Yoshua stood there, bewildered and uncertain about what to do next.

"I'm not going to make it, man," the halfbreed gasped. "But you better get your family out of here. They're coming for all of you. The squadron is about four hours behind us." He added with grim seriousness.

Yoshua's brow furrowed. "Why are you telling me this?" 

A deep sadness washing over Jack's features. He glanced down at his wound, the blood seeping through his shirt. "It's taken me an entire lifetime to figure out," he replied, trembling slightly, "I've been fighting for the wrong side."

He lay back, a wild laugh escaping his lips, a maniacal sound that echoed through the room as if he had lost his grip on reality. Then, with a final, shuddering breath, he fell silent, his body going limp.

Amidst the madness, Yoshua's eyes flickered to Jahui, still unconscious but alive. He noticed the steady rise and fall of her chest, a fragile yet reassuring sign that she was still with them.

Behind him, Yoshua heard Kaya's anguished cry, "Uncle Yoshua!" Fear gripped his heart as he turned, dreading what he might find. His breath caught in his throat when he saw Kaya kneeling beside Aiyana, who lay in a pool of blood on the floor. The sight of their home, once filled with warmth and laughter, now lay in ruins around them.

Yoshua dropped the knife, its clatter echoing in the silence of the ruined room. He rushed over to Kaya and Aiyana, desperation driving his every step. Kneeling beside them, he quickly assessed Aiyana's injuries, his heart racing as he took in the sight of his sister-in-law lying there, vulnerable and hurt. "Aiyana, please," he whispered, shaking with grief, as he placed a reassuring hand on Kaya's shoulder. "Stay with us."

Aiyana managed a weak smile, despite the pain. "I won't get to see the Underworld after all," she whispered softly. "Take care of Kaya and keep her safe, Yoshua." She turned to Kaya, filled with love. "Always listen to your uncle. Be happy, my little one."

With trembling fingers and a final bit of strength, she pulled the leather-bound turquoise locket from her neck and pressed it into Yoshua's hand. "When you reach the Underworld, place this on Dariq's grave." A faint glimmer of peace softened Aiyana's face—a fleeting moment of serene acceptance amid the chaos.

"Ma, no!" Kaya cried, her voice breaking as she cradled her mother's head in her arms.

Aiyana lay on the ground, her once-vibrant spirit fading. Blood trickled from her mouth, staining her lips a deep crimson as she gasped for breath, struggling against the weight of her injuries. Yoshua knelt beside them, trembling hands gripping Aiyana's, desperately trying to anchor her back to life.

"Ma," Kaya sobbed, pressing her forehead gently against Aiyana's. In that tender moment, Aiyana took her final breath, her chest falling still. Kaya and Yoshua stood over her body in silence, as if time itself had paused.

Yoshua knew they couldn't afford to lose a moment. "Where's the baby?" He asked, urgently.

Kaya gave a shaky smile, her nerves still raw. "He's a good sleeper once he's out," she replied. "He's wrapped up in a basket in the bathroom."

"We have to move, now." Yoshua's instructed Kaya. "Check the transport Ibris sent. See if there are any medical supplies inside. Then start packing." Without waiting for a response, he walked away.

Kaya nodded, fear and uncertainty running rampant through her nervous system. "What are you going?" 

Yoshua took a deep breath. "I have two graves to dig," he replied, grimly.

Yoshua and Kaya spent the next hour alternating between deep silence and rapid activity. Kaya packed clothes and food into the transport while caring for the baby, pausing occasionally to feed the infant between the frantic motions of gathering their lives. Each item she packed felt like a farewell to the only home she had ever known, the weight of their loss heavy in the air. Outside, she caught fleeting glimpses of her uncle digging in the backyard, his movements purposeful yet somber.

After some time, Yoshua finally returned to the cottage, the remnants of earlier chaos still evident in the scattered belongings and the haunting stillness that filled the air. He gazed down at Jack's lifeless body, sadness washing over him. With solemn determination, he carried Jack's body across the crisp, snow-covered ground, to a quiet spot in the backyard and laid him to rest. He stood over Jack's grave like a soldier honoring a fallen comrade, offering a silent tribute that echoed his own past.

Yoshua returned to Aiyana's body. With Kaya by his side, he carried Aiyana through the quiet backyard, the snow crunching softly beneath their feet as they made their way to her favorite willow tree, which swayed gently in the chill breeze. Together, they carefully laid Aiyana to rest, the afternoon sun filtering through the branches and casting dappled light upon the grave, illuminating the snow that clung to the ground like a gentle shroud.

Yoshua bowed his head, putting his hands together in prayer, and Kaya followed suit. With a steady voice, he recited a burial prayer from the Kahkati tribe of Atlantis:

"Great Mother of the sky and earth, guide Aiyana on her journey. May the winds carry her laughter, and the stars watch over her in the night. As the river flows, may her spirit find peace, and in the hearts of those she loved, may her memory bloom like the flowers of spring."

Standing in silence, their grief unspoken yet palpable. The only sound that broke the stillness was the soft cry of the baby cradled in Kaya's arms, a poignant reminder of life continuing amid their heartache.

"We don't have much time," said Yoshua. With a sense of urgency, he turned and entered the cottage, Kaya trailing closely behind him.

Inside, he carefully lifted Jahui to the transport Ibris had sent. It was a large transport, black and sleek, a self-driving vehicle equipped for emergencies. Its exterior glistened in the afternoon sun, casting a warm glow that highlighted the advanced technology housed within.

Inside, the large cabin felt like a small refuge amidst their overwhelming sadness. It provided just enough room for everyone to sit together. A compact medical facility was organized along one side, stocked with supplies to tend to Jahui. As Yoshua took in the sight, a wave of gratitude washed over him. He couldn't help but appreciate Ibris' thoroughness during such a bleak time.

He quickly gathered any weapons he could find on Jack and Yves, as well as those in their military transport parked about a quarter mile from the cottage. After securing them in the large transport, he turned to see Kaya approaching. He nudged his head toward the it, signaling her to get inside.

As the transport begin its journey, Yoshua watched the cottage—a place steeped in memories—fade into the distance. The years he had spent here, striving to live up to his older brother's legacy, weighed heavily on his heart. Beside him, Kaya's tears glistened as she, too, witnessed their home vanish, each fleeting moment feeling like a bittersweet farewell to the only life they had both ever known.

With a heavy heart, Yoshua sent Ibris a message: "The four of us are on our way. The transport is being tracked. Send help."