Chapter 22 - Secret

At the same time, Gwen grabs the halter rope. With a gentle movement, she leads the horse out of the paddock. Once the saddle and saddlebags are adjusted, she mounts her horse. She takes one last look at the horizon, but is interrupted by a familiar voice.

_ Ay: “ Are you leaving already? ”

_ Gwen: “ Yes. ”

_ Ay: “ Let me walk you out. ”

The guardian turns her head slightly, without flinching.

_ Gwen: “ I don't think the boss will let a doctor leave. ”

_ Ay: “ I know, but honestly, I'm bored. I've stabilized the virus situation. The patients are safe. I have nothing left to do now. ”

Completely impassive, Gwen doesn't say a word for a few seconds. Then, she utters a sound, her eyes fixed once again on the horizon.

_ Gwen: “ Whatever you want. ”

Out of breath, Maïko and Shailly scan the crowd, searching for Gwen. Time is running out. They push their way through the crowd, then spot the guardian not far from the enclosure. With their hands raised, they take a deep breath.

_ Maïko & Shailly: “ Tutor Gwen! ” they shout.

Gwen and Ay's attention is captured.

_ Gwen: “ It's you kids, what do you want? ”

_ Maïko: “ We have a question about your brother. ”

_ Gwen: “ My brother? What has he done now? ”

_ Shailly: “ Do you remember the practice match I played against him? ”

_ Gwen: “ Yes, of course. Oh no, don't tell me… ”

_ Shailly: “ Why did he use several Sources against me? ”

Gwen guesses what Shailly is referring to. Despite everything, she remains impassive.

_ Gwen: “ When an individual reaches a certain age, you can unlock a new Source. ”

A feeling of bitterness overwhelms Shailly.

_ Shailly: “ Huh? ”

Out of the corner of his eye, Ay stares at Gwen, doubtful.

_ Gwen: “ Sorry, girls, I don't have time. I have to go now. ”

They set off on horseback to explore.

After walking several meters, the girls enter the humid depths of the rainforest. Multicolored butterflies flutter around them, accompanied by the melodious song of exotic birds. In this harmonious atmosphere, hidden from view, a question gnaws at Ay's mind.

_ Ay: “ Tell me. Why did you lie to the children? ”

No answer is given. Only the galloping of horses echoes. His eyes fixed on the horizon, he finally speaks.

_ Gwen: “ There are some secrets that should never be revealed. ”

_ Ay: “ ... ”

At the same time.

_ Maïko: “ Oh, okay, that's all then. ” she said, shrugging her shoulders.

Unable to utter a word, Shailly stared at the floor, disgusted.

_ Maïko: “ Is something wrong? ”

_ Shailly: “ She just lied to us. ”

Eyes widen.

_ Maïko: “ Huh? How do you know? ”

_ Shailly: “ Actually, Kaya made a comment about the different Sources of tutor Keren. She asked him if an individual could have multiple Sources. And he confirmed that it's impossible. ”

_ Maïko: “ Huh? But then… ”

Shailly stares at Maïko, looking anxious.

_ Shailly: “ I'm afraid they're hiding the truth from us, Maïko. ”