Chapter 6:
WonderLand
Aurora nodded.
AURORA (calm, confirming)
“Yeah. The ruins.”
John nodded, rolling with it.
JOHN (smoothly, continuing)
“Right. The ruins. We weren’t supposed to go there.”
Jake scoffed.
JAKE (grumbling, unimpressed)
“Which, of course, meant we went there immediately.”
Aurora smirked.
AURORA (casual, amused)
“Obviously.”
The Governor, watching all of this unfold, smiled.
GOVERNOR (light, conversational)
“And what did you find there?”
John exhaled slowly, falling back into the memory.
Or… at least, what he could remember of it.
JOHN (thoughtful, speaking as he recalls)
“At first? Nothing. Just silence. The ruins were dark, empty. Just the wind, moving through the old stone.”
Finn leaned forward dramatically.
FINN (grinning, lowering his voice)
“But then. We heard it.”
The table stilled.
The Governor’s gaze sharpened—just slightly.
GOVERNOR (soft, intrigued)
“Heard what?”
A pause.
Then—Sally sighed, rubbing her temples.
SALLY (deadpan, unimpressed)
“The demon of the ruins.”
Aurora covered her mouth, hiding a smirk.
Jake groaned.
The Governor, still entertained, chuckled.
GOVERNOR (amused, intrigued)
“A demon, you say?”
John nodded, playing into it now.
JOHN (lowering his voice slightly, serious)
“A deep growl. Low, echoing. It came from somewhere inside the ruins. We stopped. Listened. It got louder. Closer.”
Aurora tilted her head.
AURORA (calm, frowning slightly)
“…Wait. Was it a growl?”
The table paused.
Finn blinked.
Sally’s brows furrowed.
Jake let out a frustrated scoff.
JAKE (grumbling, irritated)
“Well, what else would it have been?”
Silence.
The Governor’s fingers tapped lightly against the table.
But he didn’t comment.
John shook it off, continuing smoothly.
JOHN (lowering voice, keeping suspense)
“And then. Out of the darkness. It moved.”
Silence.
The Governor’s expression remained pleasant.
GOVERNOR (soft, intrigued)
“What was it?”
Another pause.
Then—Finn, grinning, leaned back in his chair.
FINN (grinning, shrugging casually)
“Oh. It was a goat.”
The silence broke.
The Governor actually laughed—a soft, genuine sound.
John let out a slow breath, smiling faintly.
The tension in the room shifted.
Aurora shook her head, laughing quietly.
AURORA (deadpan, amused)
“A very aggressive goat.”
Jake groaned, rubbing his face.
JAKE (muttering, still irritated about it to this day)
“It headbutted me.”
Finn grinned wider.
FINN (cheerful, nodding)
“It did. You went flying.”
The Governor, still amused, lifted his goblet slightly.
GOVERNOR (pleased, entertained)
“An unexpected ending. And an excellent story.”
John nodded, sipping his drink.
The table had loosened.
The conversation had shifted.
Something was… missing.
Not just a detail.
Something more.
But no one said a word.
Instead, they let the moment pass.
And the dinner continued.
---
The laughter faded.
The warmth of the moment settled across the table, wrapping around them like the candlelight flickering against the stone walls.
The Governor, still smiling, set his goblet down with an easy motion.
GOVERNOR (pleased, warm)
“A fine story. And a reminder that, sometimes, our greatest fears turn out to be… smaller than we expect.”
His tone was light. Amused.
And yet—something in his eyes still held depth.
As if the words, though casual, carried something more.
John, still holding his own drink, studied him carefully.
But before he could decide how to respond—
Finn leaned back with a satisfied sigh.
FINN (grinning, stretching slightly)
“Well, at least we got something out of it.”
Aurora raised an eyebrow.
AURORA (dry, smirking)
“You mean the bruises?”
Finn shook his head.
FINN (cheerful, nodding to Jake)
“Nah. The fact that we can bring this up for the rest of his life.”
Jake, who had been taking a sip of his drink, paused mid-motion.
Then—slowly—he lowered his goblet.
JAKE (low, unimpressed)
“…hate you all.”
Aurora patted his shoulder.
AURORA (calm, smirking)
“We know.”
The Governor chuckled softly.
But his gaze never fully left them.
---
The moment of humor faded just slightly.
And then—he smoothly redirected.
GOVERNOR (pleasant, interested)
“Your bond is strong. That much is clear. It's rare to see such a strong connection.”
John didn’t know whether to take it as a simple compliment or not.
Especially coming from the governor.
He glanced at the others.
King, ever composed, remained unreadable.
Sally, though relaxed, hadn’t stopped observing.
Harry, who had been idly rolling his goblet between his fingers, spoke up.
HARRY (neutral, casual)
“We’ve known each other a long time. Probably as long as we can remember.”
The Governor nodded, as if he had already assumed as much.
GOVERNOR (pleased, warm)
“Good. Trust is a rare thing in this world.”
His words were gentle. Honest.
And yet—John still felt the weight behind them.
As the meal continued, John couldn’t help but wonder—
How much of this conversation was meant for them…
And how much of it was meant for him.
---
The warmth of the meal settled deeper now.
Goblets rested lightly in hands. Plates were still half-full.
The initial tension of the evening had loosened, stretched into something more… comfortable.
But not careless.
The Governor, still seated at the head of the table, took a slow sip of his drink.
Then—he smiled.
GOVERNOR (pleasant, thoughtful)
“You remind me of old friends.”
John stilled just slightly.
Not enough to be noticed.
GOVERNOR (calm, easy-going)
“Once upon a time, there were many who traveled together. Wandering souls, drawn to the unknown.”
"Their paths, though intertwined, were destined for separate horizons."
His fingers tapped lightly against the base of his goblet.
His voice never faltered.
Never demanded.
Just… spoke.
GOVERNOR (light, amused)
“I imagine their stories would not be unlike yours.”
Jake, who had been idly toying with his fork, glanced up.
JAKE (grumbling, skeptical)
“That so?”
The Governor’s smile didn’t waver.
GOVERNOR (gracious, amused)
“Of course. Travelers always carry their past with them. It shapes the way they walk forward.”
John felt Sally’s gaze flicker toward him.
He wasn’t sure why.
But he felt it.
The Governor lifted his goblet slightly.
GOVERNOR (pleasant, smooth)
“Wouldn’t you agree?”
A pause.
John, carefully, finally nodded.
JOHN (calm, measured)
“I suppose so.”
The Governor’s gaze lingered.
Then—he chuckled softly.
GOVERNOR (warm, light-hearted)
“There’s no need to be so cautious.”
A lie.
There was every reason to be cautious.
And yet—he made it sound so effortless.
So… genuine.
The Governor leaned back slightly, setting his goblet down.
Then—he gestured lightly toward them.
GOVERNOR (thoughtful, inviting)
“Tell me, then. Where does your path lead next?”
The room stilled.
Not in shock. Not in tension.
Just… stilled.
The way he asked it was simple.
Casual. Warm.
But there were only so many ways to answer.
---
The question still lingered in the air.
GOVERNOR (pleasant, curious)
“Where does your path lead next?”
John, carefully, chose his words.
JOHN (calm, measured)
“We haven’t decided yet.”
The Governor nodded, as if pleased by this answer.
Then—he smiled.
GOVERNOR (smooth, gracious)
"Well, take your time. There's no rush. I can understand. It's a big decision."
"It's perfectly fine to weigh all the options."
JOHN (calm, neutral)
"Yes. We are still deciding on it."
GOVERNOR (smooth, warm)
"Let me know if there's anything I can do to help you figure it out."
"I'm interested to hear what you eventually decide."
JOHN (calm, steady)
"We would appreciate that."
GOVERNOR (calm, unreadable)
“I would like if you stay here. Until you figure it out.”
Jake, who had been resting his elbow on the table, tensed.
Sally’s fingers tapped lightly against the base of her goblet.
Finn, curious, tilted his head slightly.
FINN (grinning, casual)
“Stay. Here?”
The Governor lifted his goblet and took a slow sip before setting it back down.
GOVERNOR (warm, inviting)
“For a time. There is no need to rush.”
He gestured lightly toward them, his movements slow, practiced.
GOVERNOR (thoughtful, easy-going)
“You are travelers, are you not? And what is travel, if not a chance to explore. And "Vash’Kael" is a city worth exploring.”
The words were so simple. So reasonable.
And yet, John couldn’t shake the feeling that this was more than just generosity.
Aurora, beside Finn, rested her chin against her hand, studying the Governor.
AURORA (calm, musing)
“You’re awfully accommodating.”
The Governor chuckled.
GOVERNOR (amused, warm)
"Hospitality is a commendable quality. To deny it would be to fail in our role as hosts."
Sally exhaled softly.
SALLY (dry, thoughtful)
“I don’t imagine you do this for every lost traveler who stumbles into your city.”
The Governor’s smile didn’t waver.
GOVERNOR (light, teasing)
“No. But then, not every traveler is as… interesting as you.”
His eyes flickered, just for a second.
John caught it.
Sally caught it.
Jake’s fingers curled slightly against his knee.
The Governor leaned back slightly, gesturing toward the open space of the hall.
GOVERNOR (gracious, smooth)
“You are free to explore as much as you wish. See the city. Take in what we have built here.”
His smile returned—effortless, warm, undeniably in control.
GOVERNOR (charming, finalizing)
“The doors are open to you.”
A pause.
Then, finally—John nodded.
JOHN (calm, steady)
“We appreciate the offer.”
The Governor inclined his head.
And just like that, a new step had been taken.
They had been invited in.
---
The night had stretched long.
The once-overflowing table was now a patchwork of half-finished plates, scattered utensils, and empty goblets catching the candlelight.
The warmth of the meal still lingered, but the conversation had slowed—not in awkwardness, but in quiet understanding.
The Governor, ever composed, ever in control, set down his goblet with a soft clink.
Then—he smiled.
GOVERNOR (gracious, smooth)
“It has been a pleasure.”
John, ever steady, nodded.
JOHN (calm, diplomatic)
“We appreciate your hospitality.”
The Governor tilted his head slightly, amused.
GOVERNOR (light, teasing)
“Ah. So formal.”
His eyes flickered toward the others.
Finn, who had leaned back in his chair, gave a slow, satisfied stretch.
FINN (grinning, playful)
“Well, can you blame us? We don’t usually get invited to places this fancy.”
Aurora smirked slightly.
AURORA (calm, dry)
“You should see some of the places we’ve stayed. It’d make you want to throw us out.”
John exhaled.
Sally shot a look. To both of them.
The Governor laughed.
GOVERNOR (amused, unknowing)
“Now now, no need to be so humble.”
John sighed, a sigh of relief.
Sally side eyes finn and aurora.
Finn pointed at Aurora and Aurora pointed at jake?
Jake couldn't be bothered, nudged king for help.
Who had tried to remain composed, changed the subject.
KING (serious, clearing his throat)
“..We’ll take some time to rest. And explore what this city has to offer.”
The Governor nodded,
GOVERNOR (pleased, satisfied)
“Of course.”
King had saved their cover.
And possibly their heads.
---
Governor gestured lightly, and almost immediately, attendants stepped forward from the sides of the hall.
Moving seamlessly. Effortlessly.
GOVERNOR (gracious, finalizing)
“My attendants will guide you to your quarters. The estate is yours to enjoy. And the city…”
He gave a slow, deliberate smile.
GOVERNOR (warm, inviting)
“…is yours to discover.”
---
The attendants moved in quietly, clearing the plates, refilling goblets.
The warmth of hospitality remained.
But the weight of every word spoken still lingered.
The group rose.
A few polite exchanges were made. Nothing meaningful. Just courtesy.
Then—they turned to leave.
The meal had ended.
---
(A Glance Back – A Man Among His People)
As they stepped through the tall, arched doors, the air outside the chamber felt different.
Like stepping out of a performance.
Like something had ended.
As they exited, Aurora hesitated.
Something made her glance back.
What she saw—was not what she expected.
The Governor, still in his fine golden robes, was helping the staff clean the table.
Lifting empty plates with ease, handing goblets to an attendant with a quiet chuckle.
He said something to one of the servers—a joke, maybe.
Because they laughed.
And so did he.
Like this was natural.
Like this was just a part of his life.
Aurora narrowed her eyes slightly.
She lingered just a moment longer, watching him work alongside his own people, as if there was no status between them.
Then—she turned back around.
She didn’t say anything.
Not yet.
But the image stayed with her.
And it would not leave easily.
---
The hallways felt cooler after the warmth of the dining hall.
Not cold. Not unwelcoming.
Just… a shift.
As they walked, the air was filled with idle conversation, the group still riding the afterglow of a lavish meal.
FINN (grinning, stretching his arms)
“Alright. I’ll say it.”
Aurora smirked beside him.
AURORA (calm, amused)
“Oh, this should be good.”
Finn turned to face the others, walking backward as he spoke.
FINN (grinning, satisfied)
“That was, hands down, the best meal we’ve had in… ever.”
Sally snorted.
SALLY (dry, teasing)
“High praise from someone who thinks burnt fish is ‘fine' if you scrape the edges.”
Finn gasped.
FINN (mock wounded)
“How dare you. I have sophisticated taste.”
Jake scoffed.
JAKE (grumbling, skeptical)
“Yeah, sure. Except for the part where you’ll eat anything.”
Finn shrugged unapologetically.
FINN (cheerful, nodding)
“That’s called being adaptable.”
Aurora patted his shoulder.
AURORA (deadpan, smirking)
“Right. A true connoisseur of questionable food choices.”
Finn gave her a dramatic bow.
FINN (grinning, playful)
“At your service.”
The attendants walking with them exchanged glances, clearly entertained.
One of them, a young woman with dark green robes and a calm demeanor, finally spoke.
ATTENDANT (curious, amused)
“So, was it to your liking?”
Finn beamed.
FINN (eager, nodding)
“Oh, absolutely. Best I’ve ever had.”
Aurora tapped her chin thoughtfully.
AURORA (casual, considering)
“The roasted meat was excellent.”
Sally, ever practical, nodded.
SALLY (calm, honest)
“It was good.”
Then, after a beat—she tilted her head slightly.
SALLY (curious, looking to the attendant)
“…Do you eat like that every night?”
The attendant chuckled softly.
ATTENDANT (gracious, lighthearted)
“Not quite. But our Governor believes in generosity, especially for honored guests.”
John, walking near the front, took that in.
Generosity.
That’s what this was.
And yet—it still felt like something more.
KING (calm, neutral)
“It was certainly memorable.”
The attendant inclined her head.
ATTENDANT (pleased, polite)
“That is what we strive for.”
Another attendant, walking beside them, finally chimed in.
ATTENDANT #2 (smirking slightly, amused)
“Though I must say, I did not expect the story about the demon goat.”
Finn grinned wider.
FINN (proud, nodding)
“Ah. A classic.”
Jake muttered something under his breath about never living it down.
John, still listening, exhaled quietly.
The conversation was lighter now.
The weight of the evening was still present, but not suffocating.
For now, at least.
And as they walked further into the estate, the night stretched on before them.
---
The heavy door shut behind them, and for the first time all evening, they were alone.
No attendants. No carefully curated dining hall. Just them.
SALLY (firm, steady)
"It could've ended so much worse, finn."
FINN (apologetic, apologizing)
“Ok ok. I get it. I get it. Won't happen again. I promise.”
Sally had been grilling finn and aurora for their slip up at the dinner, Which almost blew their cover.
Aurora, undoing the ties of her outer tunic, tilted her head.
AURORA (mock serious, apologizatic)
“Sorry mom. Now can we go to bed, please?”
Jake wheezed, pulling off his boots.
JAKE (smirking, pointing at sally)
“Mom sal is the best sal btw.”
Sally hands on hips, shook her head.
---
Unfasting the braid in her hair, shaking it loose sally scold them again.
SALLY (neutral, practical)
“You’re glad we’re still in one piece.”
Finn and aurora were already in bed, pretended to sleep.
John was exhausted. He wasn’t paying much attention to what was going on.
He moved toward the wash basin in the corner, dipping his hands into the cool water.
The night’s events still lingered at the edge of his mind, but for now, he focused on small things.
The sound of fabric shifting as King neatly folded his coat and set it aside.
The resounding noise of Finn and aurora shifting unnaturally in the bed, still pretending to sleep.
The quiet clink of Harry pouring himself a drink from the water jug.
No one was rushing to talk.
Not because there was nothing to say—but because everyone was exhausted.
And then—finn broke the silence.
FINN (super serious, looking up from the depths of his sheets)
“…I have to go the bathroom.”
He didn't have to say it out loud. But did so specifically looking at sally.
Sally rolled her eyes and continued with what she was doing.
finn got up.. slowly. Then walked straight to the corner of the room.
He looked at John for help, who then pointed to the bathroom.
The room fell silent.
About two or three minutes went by in complete silence.
Then—
AURORA (serious, half asleep)
"…I have to go the bathroom.”
She got up and lazily walked to the same corner of the room where finn had stumbled to few minutes ago.
Then after a while looked back at john. Who pointed her to the bathroom.
The room fell silent again.
---
Meanwhile, Sally had begun methodically checking the locks on the doors and windows.
King, standing beside her, watched quietly.
Then, after a moment—he spoke.
KING (calm, low voice)
“You don’t trust this place.”
Sally, not pausing in her checks, responded evenly.
SALLY (quiet, neutral)
“No. I don’t.”
King didn’t argue.
Didn’t try to change her mind.
Instead, he simply glanced toward John, watching him as he dried his hands.
Because soon, the three of them would talk.
The night was still settling in.
And so were they.
---
The room had settled into a comfortable quiet.
Just the small sounds of people preparing for the night.
Finn, sprawled across his bed, had gone completely still.
For a moment, it seemed like he had already fallen asleep.
Until—he spoke.
FINN (muffled, sleepy)
“…I need to go again.”
Aurora, lying on her own bed with her arms behind her head, sighed without opening her eyes.
AURORA (muffled, half asleep)
“again?”
Finn, had gotten diarrhea.
His stomach couldn't handle the strange assortment of food items he was stuffing into his mouth.
So now, he had to go to the bathroom four times already. Taking aurora with him everytime.
Because he was too scared to go alone.
Sally, who had felt bad for finn at first, told herself it was karma. And moved on with life.
While jake, was totally having the best time of his life.
---
Sally turned, watching as John sat on the edge of his bed, rolling his shoulders slightly.
He looked tired.
But not in a way that meant he was going to sleep anytime soon.
King, sitting near him, had been watching quietly.
Then, after a moment—he spoke.
KING (low, steady)
“We should talk.”
John exhaled slowly.
Then, finally—he nodded.
JOHN (quiet, agreeing)
“Yeah.”
Sally glanced once more toward the three of them.
And to harry, who had been staring straight up lying down for couple of minutes now.
Then—without another word, she turned and followed John and King as they made their way toward the balcony.
And behind them, the rest of the room remained—like you'd expect.
---
The night air was cooler here.
Not cold. Not biting.
But just enough to feel different from the warmth of the estate.
As John, Sally, and King stepped onto the stone balcony, the first thing that caught their eyes was the city below.
A sprawling expanse of stone and firelight.
Bridges stretched over deep ravines, leading to clusters of buildings stacked upon one another—like a puzzle that had been solved a hundred times over.
The streets were still lively.
Not in celebration. Not in freedom.
Just… in motion.
Workers moving crates. Hauling supplies. Watching.
Everything about them felt measured. Efficient.
And yet—not entirely free.
Sally was the first to lean against the railing, arms folded.
SALLY (quiet, watching the workers below)
“Even this late… they’re still going.”
King, standing beside her, let out a slow breath.
KING (steady, neutral)
“No one’s forcing them.”
A beat of silence.
Then—Sally scoffed.
SALLY (dry, unimpressed)
“Not openly.”
John, standing slightly apart, gripped the stone railing.
His fingers pressed into the cool surface, thoughts turning over and over.
JOHN (low, thoughtful)
“He’s got control. But it’s not complete.”
King glanced at him.
KING (calm, considering)
“You think the Governor’s not the one in charge?”
John exhaled through his nose.
Then, carefully—he chose his words.
JOHN (steady, analyzing)
“He’s in control of this estate. He’s in control of what people see. But down there?”
His gaze flickered to the streets below.
To the workers moving quickly, efficiently, without hesitation.
To the guards stationed at key points—not patrolling, just… watching.
JOHN (calm, pointed)
“Control like that doesn’t happen overnight. And it doesn’t happen just because one man wills it.”
King nodded slowly.
Sally drummed her fingers against the stone.
Then—she sighed.
SALLY (low, skeptical)
“Then what’s his game?”
She turned to John fully, eyes narrowed.
SALLY (pointed, serious)
“If he’s not the one pulling the strings, why invite us in? Why treat us like guests of honor?”
John let the question settle.
It had been lingering at the back of his mind since the first moment the Governor poured them their drinks.
Not an attendant.
Not a servant.
Him.
Every part of the night had been designed to make them feel welcome. Comfortable. Important.
John wasn’t sure if he bought it.
But he knew one thing.
JOHN (low, firm)
“He’s invested in us. For some reason.”
King folded his arms.
KING (calm, thinking aloud)
“He thinks we’re elves.”
John nodded.
JOHN (thoughtful, measured)
“He didn’t even hesitate. The moment he saw us, he knelt.”
Sally scoffed.
SALLY (dry, skeptical)
“Not exactly a reaction we’re used to.”
King rubbed his jaw, considering.
KING (calm, serious)
“Elves must have a high standing here.”
John glanced at him.
JOHN (curious, interested)
“You’ve noticed something?”
King motioned toward the symbols carved into the stone railing.
Faint, elegant, almost woven into the architecture itself.
KING (low, explaining)
“These markings. They’re old. And from what I saw in the dining hall, they’re everywhere.”
Sally frowned.
SALLY (tilting her head, confused)
“…And?”
King turned to her.
KING (calm, steady)
“They’re elven. I'm certain.”
Sally blinked.
John’s grip on the railing tightened slightly.
KING (smirking, shrugging)
“I don't know, could be.”
A pause.
Then, Sally exhaled sharply.
SALLY (deadpan, dryly amused)
“Great timing, king. Great timing.”
John shook his head, smiling.
Then glanced back at the city below.
The way the buildings blended seamlessly into the landscape.
The way the people moved with an unspoken rhythm.
The way the Governor had smiled so easily—like he already knew where they fit.
But they didn’t.
Not yet.
John finally turned back to the others.
JOHN (firm, decisive)
“We need to figure out what this place really is. And who really runs it.”
Sally nodded.
King exhaled, pushing off the railing.
KING (calm, neutral)
“Then tomorrow, we start looking.”
The weight of that decision settled between them.
Not heavy.
Not crushing.
Just real.
John, after a long moment, finally stepped back from the balcony.
JOHN (quiet, resolved)
“Let’s tell the others.”
And as they turned back toward the warmth of the estate, the city below continued moving.
Steady. Measured. Controlled.
And full of secrets yet to be uncovered.
---
The warmth of the estate hit them immediately as John, Sally, and King stepped back inside, shutting the balcony doors behind them.
The room was… not how they left it.
Sally stopped in her tracks.
King raised an eyebrow.
John exhaled slowly, already bracing himself.
Finn was half-buried in a blanket cocoon on the bed, arms sprawled out, looking more like a sacrificial offering than a person.
Aurora sat at the edge of her bed, casually tossing grapes into his open mouth with the precision of someone who had been doing it for years.
Jake, sitting cross-legged on the floor, was sharpening a dagger with unnecessary aggression.
Harry, once again near the fireplace, had a faraway look in his eyes, as if he had seen too much.
John frowned.
JOHN (slow, cautious)
“…Do I even want to ask?”
Aurora, without looking up, tossed another grape.
AURORA (calm, amused)
“We took bets on who would fall asleep first.”
John blinked.
JOHN (flat, deadpan)
“…And?”
Aurora finally glanced up at them.
AURORA (casual, smirking)
“And finn lost.”
Finn lifted a single hand weakly from his blanket prison.
FINN (muffled, dramatically suffering)
“Betrayed. By my own body, again.”
Jake scoffed, still dragging his blade over the whetstone.
JAKE (grumbling, unimpressed)
“He fell asleep in like, two minutes.”
Aurora nodded in agreement.
AURORA (calm, amused)
“Actually, one minute and forty-two seconds. Probably too tired after diarrhea."
FINN (muffled, fake crying)
“And they took advantage of it.”
John rubbed his temple.
Sally just sighed, shaking her head.
SALLY (dry, unimpressed)
“I don’t know what I expected.”
King, ever composed, tilted his head slightly.
KING (neutral, curious)
“…What did you bet?”
Harry, finally snapping out of whatever trance he had been in, spoke for the first time.
HARRY (calm, emotionless)
“His dignity.”
Finn let out a weak groan.
FINN (muffled, suffering)
“Gone. Lost forever.”
John pinched the bridge of his nose.
JOHN (deadpan, exhausted)
“We were gone for ten minutes.”
Aurora shrugged.
Sally finally turned to King,
And then john, arms crossed.
SALLY (dry, muttering)
“This is what we’re working with.”
John exhaled, nodding.
JOHN (calm, resigned)
“I see that.”
Jake, done with the nonsense, finally looked up.
JAKE (grumbling, motioning at them with his dagger)
“Can we get to the part where you explain what’s going on?”
John sighed.
Then, finally, he nodded.
JOHN (calm, serious again)
“Yeah. Let’s talk.”
---
The laughter and teasing had faded.
The energy of the room had shifted, the weight of the night settling back into place.
John, standing near the center of the room, met each of their gazes.
JOHN (calm, steady)
“We’re staying here for now. But tomorrow, we figure out what this place really is.”
Sally nodded, arms folded.
SALLY (firm, thoughtful)
“We’ve already seen enough to know there’s more going on under the surface. The question is how deep it runs.”
Jake scoffed, leaning back against the wall.
JAKE (grumbling, skeptical)
“Or if we even want to know.”
Aurora, sitting cross-legged on her bed, tilted her head.
AURORA (calm, amused)
“Oh, come on. Where’s your sense of adventure?”
Jake gave her a flat look.
JAKE (deadpan, unimpressed)
“It died somewhere between ‘demon ruins’ and ‘goat attack.’”
Finn, still wrapped in his blanket cocoon, lifted a single finger into the air.
FINN (muffled, but wise)
“May it rest in peace.”
John sighed, shaking his head.
JOHN (calm, focused)
“We’re careful about this. No drawing attention. Just watching, listening.”
King, sitting near the window, nodded slightly.
KING (steady, thinking aloud)
“If we move carefully, we can learn a lot without them even realizing.”
Harry, who had been silent for most of this, finally spoke.
HARRY (calm, neutral)
“And if they do realize?”
A pause.
The room settled.
John exhaled.
JOHN (quiet, firm)
“Then we’ll deal with it.”
---
After a long moment, Sally pushed off the wall.
SALLY (exhaling, glancing at the beds)
“Alright. We’ll talk more in the morning.”
Finn, from his spot in the blankets, gave a lazy thumbs-up.
FINN (muffled, pleased)
“Best decision we’ve made all day.”
Aurora chuckled softly, adjusting her pillow.
Jake muttered something about "finally" as he settled onto his own bed.
King took his time, carefully removing his boots before lying down.
Harry, had already fallen asleep. A book covering his face.
Sally gave John one last glance before heading toward her own bed.
John stayed where he was.
He wasn’t ready to sleep just yet.
Instead—he turned back toward the balcony.
And stepped outside.
---
(A Quiet Moment Alone)
The city stretched out before him.
A sea of stone and shadows, flickering torchlight marking the winding paths below.
Even now, the people were still moving.
Still working. Still following something unseen.
John’s grip on the railing tightened slightly.
Everything about this place felt controlled. Designed.
And yet—there was something else.
Something deeper.
The Governor had played the part of a gracious host flawlessly.
But John couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t about hospitality.
This was about something bigger.
Something they weren’t seeing yet.
A breeze rolled through the balcony, cool against his skin.
Then—a voice called from inside.
FINN (lazy, amused)
“John, you’re missing out on prime bed real estate buddy.”
John exhaled, shaking his head.
JOHN (quiet, almost smiling)
“Yeah, yeah.”
He took one last look at the city.
Then—he stepped back inside, closing the balcony doors behind him.
And the night, finally, settled.
---
[TO BE CONTINUED IN EPISODE 6]
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