Chapter 3: Urgent News

Ezra's voice cut through the tense silence that had settled over the room, his tone laced with urgency and disbelief. "What the hell do you mean, Atlas? Are they onto us? Are we in danger?"

As the gravity of Atlas's warning sank in, the members of the crew exchanged anxious glances, their minds racing with fear and uncertainty.

The mere suggestion that their secret could be compromised sent a chill down their spines, each of them acutely aware of the consequences if their identities as Zetens were revealed.

Atlas, their leader and strongest member, met Ezra's gaze with a steely resolve, his expression grim but determined.

"It's not about being caught," he explained, his voice low but firm. "There's something far more sinister at play here. Something that threatens not just us, but everyone in this city."

The room fell silent as Atlas's words hung heavy in the air, the weight of his revelation pressing down on each member of the crew. For in that moment, they knew that their lives hung in the balance, and that the stakes had never been higher.

As the tension in the room reached its peak, Ned's voice broke the silence, his words laden with concern and hesitation. "Atlas, you know we can't just leave the city, right? We have families and loved ones to worry about. Why can't we bring this to the attention of the authorities? There has to be another way."

But before Ned could finish his plea, Atlas silenced him with a raised hand, his expression grave and resolute. "No, Ned," he interjected, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. "We can't afford to take that risk. This information comes from Aurore herself."

At the mention of her name, the members of the crew exchanged knowing glances, a silent acknowledgment of the trust and respect they held for their enigmatic ally.

"She felt something beyond the city walls," Atlas continued, his tone icy and calculated. "And she had visions. Visions of a threat so dire that she believes we must escape as quickly as possible."

The weight of Atlas's words hung heavy in the air, the gravity of the situation sinking in as the reality of their predicament became clear. They couldn't risk exposing themselves to the higher authorities, not when the threat they faced was so unknown and insidious.

And as they grappled with the implications of Aurore's warning, the members of the crew knew that they had no choice but to trust in their leader's judgment. For in this dangerous game of survival, they were all they had.

Dune's voice cut through the tension, his words echoing with a sense of urgency. "What if I tell Daniel about this? People will believe his words. He's the hero of the city."

Atlas nodded in agreement, his expression grave but determined. "That's a good plan," he acknowledged. "If Daniel can rally the city, we may have a chance to warn them about the impending danger.

But we still need to leave the city ourselves. I don't know what's coming, but if Aurore believes we're in danger, we can't afford to take any chances."

As the gravity of their situation settled over them,Liam spoke up, his voice tinged with concern. "How much time do we have until Fein is destroyed?"

Atlas's silence hung heavy in the air, each moment stretching into eternity as the weight of his answer loomed over them. And then, finally, he spoke, his voice laced with grim resignation. "Ten hours, maximum."

The words hung in the air like a death knell, the realization of their impending doom sending a shiver down Dune's spine. Without a moment's hesitation, he leapt to his feet and bolted from the basement, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

As Ned watched him go, shock written plainly across his face, he knew that time was of the essence. With the fate of their city hanging in the balance, there was no room for hesitation. They had to act fast, or risk losing everything they held dear.

As Dune stepped into the house, a wave of shock washed over him as he beheld the sight before him.

There stood his older brother Daniel, his usually composed demeanor replaced by a sense of urgency and determination.

"Daniel? What are you doing here?" Dune questioned, his voice tinged with confusion and concern.

Daniel's gaze met his, his expression fraught with worry. "We need to get ready, Dune," he replied, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "We're leaving, right now. Where's Mom? And Ned?"

Dune stood speechless, his mind racing with questions. How did Daniel know about their plans? Was he planning to join them in their escape, or was there something more?

Before he could voice his concerns, Ned arrived, his presence adding to the tension that hung heavy in the air.

Daniel wasted no time in instructing him to prepare for their departure, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Daniel drew closer to Dune, his once familiar features were transformed by a surge of power, his eyes alight with cosmic energy that seemed to dance with the brilliance of distant stars.

It was a sight Dune had witnessed before, but each time, it filled him with awe and wonder.

"I found Mom," Daniel explained, his voice low but resolute. "She'll be home soon. Listen to me, Dune. I need to reach the main city as quickly as possible.

Something bad is about to happen here, and we need their help.

After Mom comes back, take the horses, your little sisters, and brother, and leave this city," Daniel instructed, his voice firm with resolve. "I'll be back soon. I must warn the higher-ups."

With a sense of purpose driving him forward, Dune knew that their survival depended on their swift action. As the weight of responsibility settled upon his shoulders, he braced himself for the challenges that lay ahead. With his family's safety hanging in the balance, there was no room for hesitation. They had to act, and they had to act now.