(Alnitak)

I’m not sure if what Bellatrix has said is even true, but it has deeply hurt Amaia. For the past few months she has lived with Alnilam and Jamina’s relationship, and after Mintaka’s one-night stand, she doesn’t deserve this.

"Take her back," Alnilam quietly says, seeing how delicate the situation is and can escalate. "The rest of us will stay and handle it."

I nod at my brother and hold her by the waist. She is glaring daggers at Bellatrix, who is happily chatting with her twin as if she hadn’t dropped a bomb a few minutes ago.

"I want to punch her face," Amaia savagely says. That mean spirit inside her which rarely surfaces is on the surface today. The anger sits on the tip of her cute nose. Her hands are clenched so tightly. If I hadn’t been holding her, she would have launched herself onto Bellatrix in a fit of rage.

"Me too. We will get our moment but it’s not right now. Come, let’s go."

She lets me guide her away with a sulk, her eyes remain focused on Bellatrix until we leave the hall.

"Do you know anything about what she said?" She sharply turns and asks me in the hallway.

"No, I am sorry. She is most probably lying, trying to get under your skin." I hold her shoulders in assurance and squeeze.

"She doesn’t even know me. How can she know Saiph is my mate? Do you think it is also because of Alnilam? Does she know he is my mate too?" Amaia asks several questions, frustrated, and places her hands on her waist.

I feel her irritation and pain in my bones.

"I was also taken aback by her words. I am not sure how she got that information but it could be because have a mole within us. Someone gave her that information." Her agitation only grows at my words.

And then as if something dawns on Amaia like a realisation and she goes all quiet.

"We shouldn’t be speaking aloud in this place. I think they are listening to us," Mindlink opens and she speaks through it.

I nod. "You are right, let’s go to our room."

I take Amaia back to the room.

There is truly something off about this place. Since we have arrived, there has been a foreboding and disconcerting feeling weighing all of us down.

Amaia changes her gown and puts on a nightdress. She hasn’t eaten much and now she is stressing over what Bellatrix has said.

Opening my bag, I take out a chocolate bar and bring it to her.

"Chocolate makes one happy, here." Amaia stares at it for a while and then takes it with a small smile.

"Thanks Ali." Unwrapping it she begins to munch on the chocolate and I just watch her.

Throwing open the door the others enter and Kacir closes the door behind him.

"Done?" I question, turning to face them.

"Yes," Alnilam says. Approaching Amaia he takes her in his arms and kisses the top of her head.

"I am sorry you had to deal with their vileness. They are going to try and rattle us."

Her body relaxes in his arms and she places her head on his chest.

"How do you do it Alnilam? How do you stand their hypocrisy, knowing what they did?" Amaia asks, frustrated.

Alnilam is mentally and emotionally stronger than us. If I had been in his place, I wouldn’t have been able to come, knowing I had to come face to face with the man who killed one of the most important people in my life.

Mintaka comes to stand by my side as we observe them together. Kacir and Rahria are just behind us.

"They are so perfect together," Rahria murmurs from behind me and we nod.

Alnilam holds her to himself. Placing his chin on the top of her head.

"I just think of them as insignificant. At the end of the day, they don’t matter. We have come here for three reasons." Alnitak turns while keeping Amaia in his arms and faces us all.

"Firstly, to honour Jamina by defeating them at their home. Secondly, to gather information regarding what they are up to, so keep your eyes and ears open. Hear the whispers. Thirdly, to show them we are unstoppable."

All of us agree.

Alnilam begins by sharing information he has gathered by meeting the other instructors and recruits. The possible powers the other recruits may have and what challenges we might be facing. We spend the good part of the night strategising.

"Remember to stay with each other during the battle, use your powers and weapons carefully and watch out for the opponents. Don’t take any opposition lightly and always defend your teammates." His eyes waver from one to the other, ensuring we are getting his point.

"Let’s see what rules they give us tomorrow," Mintaka says, sitting on the bed.

"True and we will have to decide when to shift and when to fight with our weapons," Rahria adds.

"Yes, ensure not all of you are shifting at the same time. Always shift in pairs so the rest can fight using your powers and weapons," Alnilam says, making us all nod.

"And yes, they will use Chitterings for battles. I am sure of that. Remember your training with Saiph." I know Alnilam is saying that because of how they attacked us using Chitterings. We have come to believe that somehow they can control these monsters.

"Get some rest now, tomorrow is going to be a long long day. Goodnight." Alnilam kisses Amaia on the forehead.

"Good night!" We wish him as he leaves.

Rahria and Kacir also bid us good night and retire for the day.

"Do you think Mama will come tomorrow?" Mintaka asks, taking off his shoes. I move over towards the other bed while Amaia brings out her stuffed yeti from her bag, clutching it to her chest.

"Maybe. I want to be victorious in front of her." I pull the blanket off the bed and help Amaia lie down in it, covering her with it.

Kissing her temple I let her rest. She appears exhausted. The events of the last 24 hours have taken a toll on her emotions.

Mintaka and I change our clothes before retiring to bed.

We are unsure what tomorrow holds for us but no matter how difficult the challenges are. We are going to win. Not only win, but we are also going to find the deepest, darkest secrets this place holds and reveal them.

One by one.