The morning came swiftly, the manor bustling with quiet activity as Ari’s crew prepared for the unknown. While Yuri conducted patrols around the estate and Kimi worked on fortifying their magical defenses, Finoria stayed close to Ari, ready to assist if needed.

Varrek remained under watch, confined to a small room near the back of the manor. Ari had made it clear that, while they’d hear him out, trust was not freely given.

In the Study

Ari sat in his study, his dark eyes fixed on Varrek, who stood across from him. Despite the tension in the air, Varrek held himself steady, his scarred face unreadable.

“You said they’re working out of the eastern mountains,” Ari began, his voice calm but sharp. “What else do you know about their operations?”

“They’re not just hiding there,” Varrek said. “The base is a stronghold, built into the mountain itself. It’s fortified with both physical defenses and powerful magic. The wards alone are enough to repel most attacks.”

“Most,” Ari repeated, his tone measured.

“They’re not designed for someone like you,” Varrek admitted. “But brute strength won’t be enough. They’ve spent years studying you and your team—your tactics, your abilities. They’ll be prepared.”

Finoria, seated nearby with her shield propped against the desk, raised an eyebrow. “Prepared for us? Or just for Ari?”

“Both,” Varrek said, glancing at her. “They know how close you all are. They’ll use that against you.”

Ari’s expression didn’t change, but Finoria’s eyes narrowed. “You mean they’ll come after us to get to him.”

“Yes,” Varrek said simply.

Finoria leaned forward, her warm brown eyes flashing with determination. “Let them try.”

“Finoria,” Ari said, his voice calm but firm.

She glanced at him, her posture relaxing slightly. “What? I’m just saying we’re not exactly easy targets.”

“You’re not,” Varrek agreed. “But they won’t fight fair. They’ll look for weaknesses, exploit any vulnerabilities they find. And if they can’t beat you physically, they’ll attack your reputation, your alliances, even your allies.”

Kimi entered the room then, her silver hair gleaming in the morning light. She carried a small, glowing orb in her hands—a tool she’d been working on to detect magical interference.

“They’ll try,” Kimi said, setting the orb on the desk. “But they won’t succeed. I’ve reinforced the manor’s wards. No one’s getting close without us knowing.”

“Good,” Ari said with a nod. “But we’re not waiting for them to come to us. If what Varrek says is true, we need to find them before they make their move.”

Elsewhere: Yuri’s Findings

Meanwhile, Yuri prowled the grounds outside the manor, her sharp green eyes scanning the perimeter. She had set traps and alarms in key locations, ensuring that no one could approach undetected.

As she crouched near the edge of the forest, adjusting a concealed tripwire, a faint rustling caught her attention.

“Who’s there?” she called, her hand moving instinctively to the hilt of her dagger.

The rustling stopped, and after a tense moment, a small, wild-haired boy stepped out from the bushes. He couldn’t have been more than ten years old, his clothes tattered and his face smudged with dirt.

“Please,” the boy said, his voice trembling. “I need help.”

Yuri’s grip on her dagger loosened, but her eyes remained wary. “What are you doing out here?”

“I ran away,” the boy said, his gaze darting nervously behind him. “They… they took my village. I barely escaped.”

Yuri frowned, her instincts on high alert. “Who took your village?”

“They said they were heroes,” the boy whispered, his voice breaking. “But they weren’t. They… they hurt people.”

The words sent a chill down Yuri’s spine. She studied the boy for a moment longer before standing. “Come with me. We’ll figure this out.”

A Warning Delivered

Yuri returned to the manor with the boy in tow, her expression grim as she led him into the dining hall where the group had gathered.

“What’s this?” Finoria asked, tilting her head as she leaned against the wall.

“He says his village was attacked,” Yuri replied, her tone clipped. “By ‘heroes.’”

The room fell silent as the boy’s words sank in.

Kimi knelt down in front of him, her violet eyes kind as she spoke gently. “Can you tell us what happened?”

“They came a few days ago,” the boy said, his voice shaking. “They said they were there to protect us, but then… they started asking questions. About you.” He looked up at Ari, his eyes wide. “They wanted to know where you were.”

Finoria straightened, her expression hardening. “Sounds like your friends, Varrek.”

“They’re not my friends,” Varrek said evenly, though his jaw tightened.

Ari studied the boy, his sharp gaze unreadable. “Did they say anything else?”

“They said… they said they were going to make you pay,” the boy whispered, his small hands trembling. “That you didn’t deserve to be a hero.”

Yuri’s fists clenched at her sides. “Bastards.”

Ari rose from his seat, his dark eyes gleaming with quiet resolve. “They’re escalating. If they’re attacking villages for information, they’ve already made their move.”

Kimi stood, her serene expression replaced by a steely determination. “Then we don’t have time to waste.”

“What’s the plan?” Finoria asked, her voice steady.

Ari glanced at Varrek. “You’re taking us to the mountains. Now.”

Varrek nodded, his scarred face grim. “I’ll lead you there. But you need to be ready for what’s waiting.”

Ari’s gaze swept over his team, their resolve unwavering despite the weight of what lay ahead.

“We always are,” he said quietly.

As the group prepared to leave, the boy watched them with wide eyes, his fear slowly giving way to awe. For the first time in days, he felt hope—a hope born from the presence of true heroes.