The drive to Taliba Academy was long and painfully silent.

I stared out the window, watching as the familiar streets of Luna Vista disappeared behind us. Streetlights cast an eerie glow on empty sidewalks, and the occasional car passed by, completely unaware that my entire life had just been turned upside down.

Rue sat beside me, arms crossed, his expression unreadable. Aunt Luna was in the front seat, giving the driver instructions before turning her attention to a tablet. She hadn’t spoken much since we left. Neither had we.

My thoughts were a mess.

Where were they taking us? What even was Taliba Academy? And most of all—what the hell was happening to me?

I pressed my forehead against the cool glass of the window, trying to process everything. Last night, I had seen something—an alternate reality? A different version of events that never actually happened. And for a moment, I thought I could change things.

But I failed.

Maybe I was just going crazy. Maybe I was just being delusional for thinking I could have saved Dad.

I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling inside me. Damn it.

"How much longer?" I finally asked, breaking the silence.

Aunt Luna glanced at me through the rearview mirror. "We’re almost there."

I frowned. The road ahead looked empty, just a long stretch of highway leading to nowhere. But before I could question her, the car pulled into a secluded airstrip—where a sleek black helicopter was waiting.

I blinked. "Wait… what?"

"Taliba Academy is on a private island," Aunt Luna explained as she stepped out of the car. "It’s not accessible by normal means. This is how we get there."

So basically, once you’re there, you can’t escape.

Rue and I exchanged glances. This was getting way too surreal.

We followed her to the helicopter, where a pilot was already waiting. The blades were still, but just looking at them made my stomach twist.

"Never been on one of these before," I muttered.

"First time for everything," a voice suddenly said.

I turned and saw a guy, probably around my age. He was taller than Rue and—okay, wow, good-looking. Sharp eyes, confident smirk. The kind of guy who would be a star athlete in school.

"Just don’t puke on me," he added with a smirk.

I rolled my eyes. "No promises."

Within minutes, we were strapped in, and the helicopter lifted off the ground. The sudden force made my stomach lurch, and I gripped the seat tightly. As we gained altitude, I dared to glance out the window.

Below us, the city lights of the mainland shrank, replaced by an endless stretch of ocean. A shiver ran down my spine. We were really leaving everything behind.

The flight was quiet, aside from the steady hum of the rotor blades. Aunt Luna barely spoke, focused on her tablet. Rue was deep in thought, staring at the horizon. The guy—whoever he was—seemed completely relaxed, arms crossed like this was just another normal day for him.

"How much longer?" I asked after what felt like forever.

"We’re approaching now," Aunt Luna replied, nodding toward the window.

I turned my head—and my breath caught in my throat.

Taliba Academy.

An island loomed ahead, illuminated by faint golden lights. From above, I could see massive structures nestled between lush forests and cliffs. The Academy itself stood at the center, its architecture a mix of modern and ancient—a fortress and a school combined. Surrounding it were training grounds, dormitories, and even a vast lake.

"That’s it?" Rue muttered. "It looks… huge."

"It is," Aunt Luna said. "Taliba Academy has been around for generations, hidden from the public eye. Only those who are gifted or work directly with us ever set foot here."

The helicopter began its descent. My stomach churned again, but I forced myself to stay composed. The moment we landed, the doors opened, and the cool ocean breeze hit my face.

"Welcome to Taliba Academy," Aunt Luna said as we stepped onto the island.

The guy—whoever he was—led the way through the academy grounds. The paths were lined with glowing lanterns, casting warm golden hues on the stone walkways. In the distance, I could hear faint sounds of training—voices shouting, footsteps pounding, energy crackling in the air.

"Sym," he finally said, breaking the silence. "Didn’t get the chance to introduce myself earlier. Sym Mendez."

Rue and I just nodded.

We arrived at the main building, a massive structure with tall glass windows and a grand entrance. Above the doors, a large insignia was carved into the arch—a golden sun with a watchful eye at its center. The symbol of Taliba Academy.

Before I could fully take it in, the doors swung open, and a group of students passed by, some sneaking glances at us.

"News travels fast here," Sym muttered. "By tomorrow, everyone will know who you are."

"Wow, finally, my rise to fame," I mumbled.

We continued inside, passing through high-tech security scanners and long hallways lined with moving holographic displays. The Academy felt less like a school and more like a secret headquarters—something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Eventually, we reached an elevator. Sym pressed a key card to the scanner, and the doors slid open.

"You two will be staying in the dormitory on the east wing," Sym explained as the elevator began its ascent. "It’s one of the best buildings. Only selected students stay there."

Rue finally spoke. "Why us?"

Sym gave him a knowing look. "Because Aunt Luna personally brought you here. That makes you special."

Rue scowled but didn’t argue.

"So, what exactly do we do here?" I asked.

Sym raised an eyebrow. "Didn’t Aunt Luna explain?"

"She gave us nothing but cryptic answers."

Sym sighed. "Alright, I’ll make it simple. Taliba Academy is a school—but not just any school. Every student here is gifted—like your father, like me… like you."

I tensed. "So, it’s true."

Sym smirked. "Oh, it’s very true. And whether you like it or not, you’re part of this world now."

The elevator doors opened, leading into a dimly lit corridor. Sym led us to a set of doors.

"This is your dorm," he said. "You’re rooming with me."

He pushed the door open, revealing a spacious dormitory with three rooms, a study area, and a large window overlooking the academy grounds.

"Damn. It’s like a condo." I muttered.

Aunt Luna appeared behind us. "Get some rest. Training starts tomorrow."

Rue frowned. "Training for what?"

Aunt Luna’s expression was unreadable. "To survive."

A chill ran down my spine.

That night, I lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. Sleep wasn’t happening.

I got up, intending to check on Rue—only to find him already sitting in the living room, staring out the window.

"Rue?" I whispered.

He turned slightly. I sat beside him.

"What?" His voice was tense.

I hesitated. "Do you think Dad’s still alive?"

A long silence followed before he finally spoke.

"I don’t know. But I’m going to find out."

I swallowed hard, my mind racing.

No matter what, we were going to get Dad back.