Calvin hid the small chest beneath his coat, feeling its weight press against him as he rejoined the convoy. The group was busy gathering and sorting the supplies they had scavenged from Bacca: medicines, bandages, and a few cans of food. The air was thick with the tension of their recent narrow escape, and everyone worked quickly to prepare for their next move.Calvin and Lizzie exchanged worried glances. They had nearly caused the convoy to leave without them, and now they stood empty-handed amidst the others' successful scavenging efforts. Lindsay approached them, her expression stern but tempered with a hint of understanding.“You did well yesterday, Calvin,” Lindsay said, her voice firm. “That’s the only reason you’re getting a pass this time. But listen carefully—there won’t be a next time. If either of you are late again, you’ll be left behind.”Calvin nodded, swallowing hard. “We understand, Lindsay. We’re sorry for the delay. It won’t happen again.”Lizzie looked down, clutch

Calvin and Lizzie finally arrived at the airport, the bustling atmosphere a stark contrast to the tense environment they had just left. They hurried to the ticket counter, purchasing the earliest flight back to Hudden. Everything seemed to be going smoothly, and for a brief moment, Calvin allowed himself to relax.As they made their way to the waiting area, Calvin's eyes scanned the crowd. Suddenly, his gaze fixed on a group of individuals dressed differently from the other travelers. They wore dark uniforms, their demeanor authoritative and their eyes sharp. Calvin's gut churned with a sense of impending danger."Lizzie," he whispered urgently, nudging her arm. "Cover your face with your hoodie and pretend to be asleep."Lizzie glanced at him, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. "What's wrong?""Just do it," Calvin insisted, pulling his own hoodie over his head and leaning back in his seat, feigning sleep.Lizzie followed suit, her heart pounding in her chest. She closed her eyes,

Calvin and Lizzie hailed a taxi, their nerves frayed but their spirits slightly lifted by the prospect of finally being back in Hudden. The cab ride was a quiet one, with both of them lost in their thoughts, the city passing by in a blur of motion and color. The taxi pulled up in front of their house, and they both exhaled a sigh of relief.The house stood there, seemingly unchanged, a beacon of familiarity amidst the chaos they had endured. Calvin and Lizzie quickly gathered their things and hurried up the front steps. Calvin fumbled with his keys, his fingers trembling slightly from a mix of exhaustion and anxiety.Once inside, Calvin locked the door behind them with a decisive click. The sound of the lock engaging was oddly reassuring, a small barrier against the uncertainties outside. The interior of the house felt like a time capsule, untouched since their hurried departure. The furniture was covered with dust sheets, the air still and quiet. For a moment, they both simply stood

Calvin and Lizzie sat in the living room, the warm glow of the lamp casting long shadows over the scattered remnants of their parents' lives. Journals with frayed edges, yellowing papers filled with intricate handwriting, and sketches that seemed almost magical were strewn across the floor and table. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and the weight of unanswered questions.Calvin rubbed his temples, feeling the pressure mounting. He sighed deeply and looked at his sister, his eyes reflecting a mix of determination and despair. "The only thing we can conclude right now," he began, his voice heavy with exhaustion, "is that our parents created the family heirloom amulet with years of research. It's as if they knew the war between Han Xin and Barrion would break out."Lizzie nodded, her eyes fixed on a detailed drawing of the amulet. The delicate lines and symbols seemed to pulse with hidden meaning, their complexity hinting at a depth of knowledge far beyond their understandi

Calvin walked downstairs to the kitchen, the floorboards creaking softly under his weight. The house was quiet, the early morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on the walls. He moved with purpose, heading straight for the coffee maker. He needed the strong, comforting bitterness of coffee to clear his mind and settle his nerves.As he waited for the coffee to brew, his thoughts raced. They couldn't risk going out again, not after the close call with the agents last night. But if they stayed inside, how could they possibly find the missing amulet? They were caught between a rock and a hard place, and the stakes were getting higher with each passing moment.The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the kitchen, providing a small comfort. Calvin poured himself a cup, the steam rising in gentle spirals, and took a deep sip, feeling the warmth spread through him. He needed to think, to find a solution that didn't involve risking their safety.Just then, he hea