The sunny afternoon baked the city in a quiet heat. People flooded the streets, some shouting over vendors, some drifting in the haze of routine. It was busy—yet strangely dull. Peaceful… too peaceful. Then—whoosh!—something tore through the crowd. A blur sliced past the line of pedestrians, so fast that wind exploded in its wake. People screamed as they were flung backward, clothes snapping against the sudden gust. “What the heck was that?” someone yelled. “It’s a ghost!” another screamed. “We’re haunted!” “Ugh—snap out of it, dummy!” Before the panic settled, another gust cut through the air. This one stronger. A large bird-shaped blur—blue as lightning—roared over the street, throwing dust and debris into a spiral. “Is this town haunted!?” someone shouted again. But it wasn’t a ghost. The blur was Freda, sprinting at inhuman speed, her body coursing with beast-like energy. And right behind her, chasing hard, was Zoe, riding a colossal aura bird that split the air like thunde

Sandy and his team had been kept busy with the guards, who fought fiercely and seemed to have the upper hand because of their sheer number. Sandy dashed toward two of them and attacked with plasma beaming from his palms, but they kept evading his strikes. Jade had no trouble on her end; she played her violin intensely while seated on a chair. Waves blasted from her instrument, shoving back many guards. She shifted the melody to another epic tone as the waves took crescent forms. Drawing her bow for the final note, she waved it over her head like a wand, sending crescents slicing toward the advancing guards—cutting through them as blood splashed across the floor. Jayden swayed as though dancing while waves shot from his palms, pushing back the guards coming his way. The more he struck, the more they appeared. Surrounded by guards with taser batons, he smirked and swung his arms around, gathering energy. Crossing his arms over his chest, he bowed his head slightly, almost as if in pra

“We’re a few miles away,” Neil announced. He and his squad advanced across the rooftop, heading straight for the back door with Kai’s powers guiding their path. They slipped down the stairwell leading to the top floor, descending in silence so as not to alert the guards. At a steel door, the team halted. Neil stood in front, scanning beyond it. His eyes narrowed as he sighed heavily. “How many are they?” Ned whispered. “Twenty,” Neil replied. “And they’re advanced Gifteds...” "By advanced Gifted," Ned said. "You mean....?" "Yes, they are all Abominables." “Damn,” Kai muttered. “What do we do?” “We wait,” Neil said. “Why?” Lyn frowned. “Shouldn’t we be attacking already?” Ned asked. “I guess we wait like he said,” Reece murmured. “And is that fear I smell on you?” Lyn turned to Reece, her death stare sent a cold chill down his spine... he shook in fear. “We do as he says,” Zoe cut in firmly. “Neil has his reasons.” The building’s alarm blared, shattering the quiet. Footst

"Why did you lead us here, Neil?" Zoe asked. "Aren't we supposed to go to where she is?" "I... I don't understand." Neil covered his eyes, his voice uncertain. "This is the right spot... then what's going on?" They all turned to leave, disappointment clear on their faces. Neil—usually a flawless leader—felt the weight of their silence. He sank onto a couch as they began to exit. His spatial awareness, once sharp and reliable, was useless now. He was about to rise when something about the room caught his attention. His vision wavered near a bookshelf, the edges distorting as if reality itself bent there. "Guys..." he called quietly. "What is it?" Kai asked. "I think I found something," Neil whispered, moving closer. "That’s a dead end, Neil," Reece muttered. "I don’t think there’s anything there." "Wanna make a bet?" Neil said, smirking. "If I’m right, you all will do whatever i ask of you." "And if you’re wrong?" Zoe asked. "Then I’ll do whatever you ask of me," Neil turned

"What took you so long, mate?" Sandy groaned."Sorry it took a while." Rory smiled faintly. "Had to get myself together."Silence filled the hall before Neil and Delia appeared beside him, their presence shifting the air."And I brought backup," Rory added, glancing at Delia.She stood a few steps apart—expression calm, but her eyes burned with silent fury. Everyone felt it."Did you do something wrong, Neil?" Sandy whispered."Well…" Neil scratched his head, avoiding his gaze. "I kinda… held her waist.""You did what?" Sandy hissed."It wasn’t my fault!" Neil defended, looking innocent.Rory chuckled, walking past them."Well, if you two have something going on in your heads," Jayden shouted, "you better let it out now so everyone knows what you’re talking about!""Yeah, the kid’s right," Cheryl said, folding her arms. "And by the way, where’s Freda and Jade?""I left them in a safe place," Neil replied.Rory looked toward the corridor, eyes narrowing. His telepathic link wouldn’t co