Chapter 14: Coincidences

The entire group was instantly on high alert. The darkness of the pre-dawn hours couldn't hide the fear that gripped them, forcing sleep to abandon their tired bodies. With a sense of urgency, each person hastily grabbed their assigned weapons, ready to fight if the situation demanded it. The reality of the horrors lurking outside the dome, which had been their protective haven for the past few days, finally sank in. The once comforting sense of safety and security within its confines shattered, giving way to a tangible tension and an overwhelming fear of the unknown threats that awaited them beyond.

"Everyone, be quiet and arm yourselves without making much noise," Jack commanded. Meanwhile, Luke, who was on lookout, was already surveying the surroundings, trusting his colleagues to follow Jack's instructions. The sudden alertness and readiness of the group saved Luke the trouble of having to go to their makeshift quarters to wake them up himself. They were all now fully awake and aware of the situation, ready to face whatever was coming their way.

"That roar is quite loud, but it seems like there's another one," Max expressed, his eyes scanning the surroundings as he remained prepared to fight and protect the group. His keen observation skills and heightened senses allowed him to detect multiple sources of danger, indicating that they were potentially facing more than one threat. The group braced themselves, knowing that they would need to stay vigilant and united to ensure their safety in the face of these unknown adversaries.

"They're fighting outside, and it seems they haven't noticed us," Sam concluded, his assessment based on the pattern of the noises coming from beyond the dome. The group breathed a collective sigh of relief, realizing that for the time being, they remained undetected by the ongoing conflict. However, they understood that this was only a temporary respite, and they needed to remain cautious and prepared for any potential encounters. The knowledge that they were hidden gave them a small advantage, but they knew they couldn't let their guard down.

"Well, that certainly makes our future plan of going outside even more exciting, doesn't it?" Oliver chimed in, joining the hushed conversation. He looked downcast, tightening his makeshift vest and letting out a sigh. "How I wish the winner happened to be a herbivore."

On the other hand, Will's attention was focused on the children, his face etched with concern. He couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he observed their determination and bravery, even though their bodies trembled with fear.

'They shouldn't have to experience this,' he thought to himself. He was fully aware of the origins of their unwavering determination. He knew just how much hard work they were willing to put in to meet their family's expectations, even if they hadn't consciously realized it themselves.

He had also been in their shoes, working tirelessly and losing sight of self-appreciation while pursuing his own dreams. Despite this, he managed to find his own path and make significant progress for himself. Despite his struggles and moments of doubt in those around him, he found his way back up and encountered trustworthy companions along the journey.

Despite his past experiences, there was still warmth in his heart that Will himself hadn't noticed, but those close to him were fully aware of it. The situation they found themselves in at that moment was a testament to this. Seeing his younger self reflected in those children was one thing, but personally involving himself and risking his own safety in the process took it to a different level beyond mere curiosity.

Max, the tallest among the bodyguards, noticed Will's distant look and gave him a firm pat on the back, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Our location is still concealed, and it seems they haven't detected us yet. Let's proceed with caution when exploring the murals and searching for the exit. We don't want those monsters outside to take notice and come looking for us," Will instructed, emphasizing the importance of staying hidden. Going outside at this moment posed too much risk.

Will turned around and patted Max's chest, muttering a quiet "thanks," before addressing the rest of the group.

"How long do you think their fight will last?" Will asked everyone once they had gathered and confirmed their safety.

"Probably days. They seem to be far away from us, which is good news. However, the fact that their howls are reaching us indicates that they are either massive or have incredibly strong vocal cords," Sam analyzed.

"The noise they made seemed more like a provocation than a struggle for survival. Their fight might have just begun, and they are testing each other's strengths," Jack added.

"Is that supposed to be good news for us? As long as we stay inside, they won't notice us, right?" Jake asked, his voice trembling with a desperate need for reassurance.

"No, it's not," Amelia, who had been silent until now, spoke with a sense of sorrow.

"Why is that?" Lucy asked, trying to hold back her tears. Her usual stubbornness and refusal to show weakness were starting to crumble.

"It's taking them so long to determine their strengths, as if they're communicating with each other," Amelia's next words filled them with more fear and allowed their minds to imagine even more horrifying scenarios.

Panic began to build up in their hearts. Oliver attempted to calm and console them, but Will stopped him.

"Let them be. They are smart and strong. They need to face their fears and overcome them on their own if they want to survive for longer," Will said, walking towards Sam. "Can I have one?" he asked, as Sam handed him a tobacco and spoke in a hushed tone.

"I know you're confident about those five, but it seems like you're forgetting about the odd one," Sam said, pointing towards Rayana.

"I haven't forgotten about her. I'm concerned too," Will replied, his gaze fixed on Luke and Jack in the distance, strategizing and planning for the days ahead. Max was keeping the children entertained, cracking jokes from time to time to distract and uplift their spirits.

After taking a puff of smoke, Will looked at Sam with a smile.

"I don't need to worry about her as much, do I? You four are already looking out for her," Will's tone carried a hint of amusement and friendly accusation.

Will chuckled as he noticed a slight shift of the tobacco in Sam's mouth. "I can relate to those five because of our similar backgrounds. Rayana's case is a bit foreign to me, and I don't know much about her, but that doesn't mean I don't feel sorry or worried. However, you four seem to know more, and on the other hand, I know you."

"You all seem confident about her. You saw some potential right?" Will inquired.

Sam could no longer deny it. "She's not ordinary. Despite the chaos, she remains calm, and Jack seems intrigued by her."

Will laughed heartily. "Is he considering her as his successor or something?"

"Most likely. Max over there has been bonding with the kids. He genuinely gets along with all of them, but you know him."

"So he has already set his sights on one of them," Will confirmed.

This time, it was Sam's turn to grin. "Don't play dumb with me, you snake. You're eyeing the blond one yourself. The others have plans too, including me."

Will playfully cursed and then continued the conversation with a more serious tone. "It's such an uncanny coincidence, if you ask me. Six kids and six adults, all wolves in sheep's clothing, sent to a foreign place. I can't help but feel like we're playing into someone's design, and I don't like it."

"I agree. Not one bit," Sam replied.