The trainers were all summoned by the director of the Academy for extraordinary council meeting. It wasn't the first time it had happened. They were now held very often, almost every week. They had to discuss the safety of the students, since, outside the Academies, the powerless had begun to express their discontent. For centuries they had managed to live in peace, but suddenly the Hebs had begun to show their angrier side. With the onset of the first protests, the four Academies had banned excursions and surrounded the buildings with reinforced protective shields, to prevent the Heb from entering.

It had reached a point where, to prevent further rebellions, they had to lock them up, with no possibility of exit, surrounded by electromagnetic shields in what took the name of Region-H.

Unfortunately, however, it was only the beginning. Trust between the clans broke down and relations deteriorated completely.

Erleen arrived at the director's office but found no one. It was empty, at least apparently. Suddenly the door closed behind her and out of nowhere the Trydans of the Guard appeared. Thanks to their shields, she hadn't been able to sense their energy. She couldn't even try to defend herself because they had already wrapped her with their barrier to make her harmless. A member of the Guard, behind her, placed handcuffs on her wrists. They were made of glass and inside them was contained a mixture that had the same power as the Trydans.

The headmistress also appeared alongside other Trydans. «I'm really sorry, Erleen, but the Glawogs and the Luns must be removed.», she told her regretfully.

«What does it mean? Why?», Erleen couldn't understand what was happening.

«The Elders have decided.» a Trydan said grabbing her arm. «Luns and Glawogs are a threat to order. Your powers are dangerous.»

«We're not a threat.» Erleen repeated several times but she couldn't do anything when they dragged her from the office and escorted her out of the Academy.

As she walked – against her will – the corridors, she saw a large number of Trydans walking around with the same handcuffs that prevented her from using her abilities. The students, Luns and Glawogs, were also captured and imprisoned. They were taking them all before the amazed and shocked eyes of the other Nerys present.

Caleigh also witnessed the scene, without understanding what was actually happening or where they were taking them.

The Trydans called students and teachers of the remaining clans to order and forced them to return to their classrooms and resume lessons, as if nothing was happening.

Caleigh, even against his will, couldn't do otherwise. However, while he was with his students, he couldn't help but think of that scene. His friend, and all those Nerys, dragged away by force. In his mind he wondered if he could have done anything to help them.

«Mr. Caleigh.», his students had to call his attention several times. 

«I apologize.» he said before he resumed instructing them on how to keep their mutations under control for more than a few seconds. Every time he tried to transform, to demonstrate, unfortunately he failed miserably. Finding concentration after what had just happened was not possible. «I think it's best to stop here for today. We are all confused and unfocused. Go back to your dorms.» he said. «Tomorrow we'll try to pick up where we left off.»

The Aderyns didn't have to be told twice and the room emptied in no time.

When all the students were out, Caleigh hurriedly left the building. This time, he had no problem transforming into a small swallow and darting towards Alyx's house. He was the one closest to the Elders. He had stopped being a trainer, and now he was part of a delegation of Nerys, spokesperson for the wishes of the council of Elders. Caleigh hoped that at least he had more precise information.

As he flew over the city near the Academy he saw many Nerys captured and taken from their homes. He flew even faster and when he finally reached Alyx's door, he resumed his Nerys form and knocked insistently.

Alyx opened it. His face was lined with concern. He grabbed Caleigh's arm and dragged him inside, so he could quickly close the door. Inside, sitting at the living room table, were all his old schoolmates who, having left the Academy, had remained a very close-knit group.

They were having a lively discussion but when they saw the Aderyn arriving they stopped talking. Hyram got up and rushed to join him. «Where is Erleen?» he asked agitated.

Caleigh couldn't hold his gaze or find the strength to tell him what he'd witnessed. Hyram clenched his fists.

«It's too late. Neewel was also taken a few hours ago.» Layton said without losing focus. She was shielding the house, so that no one could hear their argument.

«They're taking them all.» Alyx said. «They're going house to house, town to town, village to village. It's an absurd situation.»

Hallam shook his head in annoyance at the events that were taking place out there. «All this doesn't make the slightest sense. We have always lived in peace. Luns and Glawogs were never a threat, they never did anything to undermine the stability of the system.»

«They are very powerful.» Alyx stated. «After the Hebs revolts, the Elders began to fear that one day they too could rise up. And if you think about it, against their abilities none of us stand a chance, not even the Trydans if caught unawares.»

Hyram sat down again dejectedly.

«We must do something.» Alyah said, getting up from his seat and banging her fists on the table. It was the first time they had seen him so serious and determined. «We can't allow all this. It's not fair, not to Erleen, Lyth, and Neewel, nor to the rest of their clans.»

«Alyah is right.» Kihan said. «There must be something we can do.»

«But what? There are only seven of us against the Elders and the Guard.» Layton pointed out. «How do you plan to free two entire clans? And above all, we free them to do what? They would catch them again, hunt them down like they are doing now.»

The room went silent. Unfortunately, Layton was right.

Hyram continued to clench his fists. Luckily Layton was there with her shield, preventing their powers from reaching the outside, or they would be discovered.

Alyah tried to calm down the Tywod, but his attempts were in vain. «I know you want to see her, that you can't stand they took her away, but you're going to get us in trouble.»

«Alyah is right.» Kihan said. «If they find us, they will think we are plotting and they won't hesitate to get rid of us too.»

Alyx sighed. «I will try to speak to the Elders again, but I fear they will not want to listen to reason if we have already reached this point. That's all we can do, I'm sorry.»

«They won't listen to you. I need facts, not empty words.» Hyram said, slamming his fist on the table.

Caleigh stepped between the two before they started arguing, given the rather hostile tone the conversation was taking. «Keep calm. Layton is tired enough already.» he pointed out. «This is not us, we have always been united. Don't prove to the Elders they are right.»

«Let's let Alyx give it a try, otherwise we will find another solution together.», Kihan put an end to that discussion.