Elle's eyes wondered as the car approached the massive base of the Vacile from the whirling green light behind them. The large area and high-tech decor met her expectations for its futuristic and intimidating design. A massive screen stood in front of them, looming above a large control panel filled with multiple buttons and illuminated interfaces indicating the advanced technology it oversaw.  

  

Four people stood in front of the control panel, their posture rigid and their expressions unreadable, as if they had been waiting for them. Nikolas let out a low whistle, his tone full of admiration and worry. He knew he was in serious trouble. It was unlikely that the other Vacile members to be unaware of the mess he made in Hwenton.  

"Wait here," he said quietly, stepping forward with resigned determination.

Elle wanted to protest and tell him to put his sweater back on first, but Nikolas had already gotten out of the car and closed the driver's door. His posture was relaxed, but his mind was racing, and he was already planning an explanation as he strode toward the other Vacile members.  

  

A woman with a long curly hair and warm brown skin approached him, her face raging with frustration. She clenched her jaw and furrowed her brows at him.  

  

"What the fuck, Niko?!" she yelled, breaking the tension. "What part of 'lay low' didn't you get? You're all over the news!"

"Woah, woah. Watch your profanities." Niko playfully commented, raising both his hands as Mathilda blew up on him, "Listen, I had no choice, okay? I was just buying food and then-"

"You could've just left instead of engaging with them further!"

"I would've but they were shooting at me."

"You shouldn't even be there in the first place!" Mathilda exclaimed, her voice loud with rage. Her glaring gaze turned to Niko's car where Elle sat quietly who was watching and listening to the heated conversation.  

  

Mathilda paused as their gazes locked, her irritation briefly subsiding under Elle's firm gaze. The way Elle maintained her calm but unwavering gaze sent an unnerving feeling to Mathilda.  

  

"And to top it all off, you brought a citizen with you." Mathilda said, taking her sharp eyes off at Elle and turning back at Nikolas.

"We need her." Niko tried to defend his decision.

"We're done with recruitments, Niko!-"

"All right, that's enough." A tall, sleek-haired woman with a calm but commanding tone stepped forward and gently drew Mathilda back by her arm. Her presence seemed to relieve the tension in the air.

"You've both made your points," she said, looking from one to the other. "While I understand Niko's reasons for doing what he did, Mathilda is also has a point. Given that we have plenty of food stocked here, you didn't have to leave the base just to buy some"

Although she was clearly attempting to mediate, her steady voice revealed underlying frustration. Nikolas scratched the back of his head, looking unbothered and bored, "Food here is bland. I'm tired of it, plus she's..."

Elle's attention remained focused on their conversation. Mathilda's remarks were scathing and resentful, as she brought up the possibility of Elle coming from The Shelter, condemning anyone from that place as dangerous and untrustworthy and Elle couldn't entirely blame her. Elle caught a glimpse of a Vacile member approaching the vehicle. Their presence became apparent in her peripheral vision as the figure steadily approached her side. Her fingers lingered close to the window controls, waiting for a gentle tap on the glass. Then, with silent curiosity, she met their gaze and lowered the window.

"Hey. I can't help but notice you sitting here alone," A woman with short and orange hair and tan skin said, leaning casually against the window. She exuded confidence while remaining modest. Dani smiled and extended her hand to Elle for a shake. "My name is Daniella Samara, but you can call me Dani."  

  

Elle's mind raced as she took in the introduction. She was well aware of Dani's identity— she was the Brains of Vacile. The one who possessed the ability to absorb knowledge. Dani could learn everything there was to know about someone—or something—with a direct touch. Elle felt uncomfortable at the thought. She made a mental note not to make any skin-to-skin contact with Dani.  

  

"Ellena," Elle said firmly, meeting Dani's gaze. "My name is Ellena Frieah, but you can call me Elle." She nodded and kept her hands to herself.

 "Not a big fan of handshakes, eh?" Dani asked with a playful tone to lighten the mood. She kept her hand extended to Elle, hoping to trick Elle into shaking her hand. When she saw that Elle refused to fall for the ruse.  Dani drew her hand away with a small shrug "So.. How did you end up here?"

Elle looked at Niko, who was still having a tense exchange with Mathilda, and then back to Dani. She spoke quietly and casually, "I followed a stray cat into an alleyway.  Next thing I knew we're running away from the imperial guards."

Dani's orange brow furrowed in pity as she whistled softly. As she observed the ongoing debate between Niko and Mathilda, with Mika who trying to calm them down. Dani chuckled before turning her gaze back to Elle "Where are you from?"

"The Shelter." Elle replied with ease, her lips forming the tiniest trace of a smirk. She knew she could have chosen any random location in the empire, but she couldn't help but take advantage of the chance to surprise Dani and see how she would respond. She waited for Dani to respond, a playful glint dancing in her eyes.

Dani's smile shifted slightly as she kept on glance at Elle. Dani was aware that she needed to be cautious because the Vacile had a history of not-so-good interactions with the people from The Shelter. "Are you sure you'd rather not shake hands?" she queried in a light-hearted yet cautious tone.

Elle shook her head, her expression calm and resolute. Nikolas abruptly ended his furious conversation and walked decisively toward the car before Dani could say anything further. He pushed Dani to the side without hesitation. She gave him a glare and muttered a curse under her breath.

Niko opened the passenger door and grinned teasingly as he extended his hand to Elle. "My dear?" he teased, exuding chivalry.

Elle accepted his hand and exited the car, rolling her eyes slightly before handing him his sweater, "You should really put your clothes back on."

Nikolas shook his head and chuckled gently. "Princess, it's covered with blood. I would prefer not to."

Without saying anything further, he directed Elle to the other Vacile members who were still waiting by the control panel. Dani watched them, her gaze shifting between Elle and Niko, clearly intrigued.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet.." Niko turned to Elle, giving her a chance to introduce herself.

"Ellena Frieah. Call me Elle." Elle introduced herself, "I have an healing ability and I came from The Shelter."

After a moment of weighted silence, Mathilda crossed her arms and scowled. "Great," she said, her voice full with negativity, as she turned away, clearly irritated.  

  

"Nice to meet you, Elle," Mika murmured politely, moving forward and extending her hand. Elle stopped for a second before accepting Mika's handshake, appreciating her sincerity.  

  

Elle was naturally aware of Mika's identity, as she was of all of them. The Shelter had made sure of that by continuously promoting the idea that every member of Vacile as dangerous foe, an enemy of the empire. Elle couldn't help but wonder how much of the Shelter's villanizing stories were genuine as she stood here in front of them.

"My name is Miyaki Hakuseki, and I am the founder and leader of Vacile." Mika bowed politely at Elle. Her voice was clear and forceful. "I have metallokinesis, the ability to manipulate metal."

She motioned to the lady standing stiff next to her. "This is Mathilda Dowereign, and she has aerokinesis." Mathilda frowned, foldeding her her arms. Mathilda was obviously not in the mood for small talk

Mika gestured to a man slouching on a rolling chair, his posture equally at ease as his attitude. "That is Natsuo Yamane. He possesses hemokinesis, the ability to control blood." Natsuo stared at Elle with a slack, almost uninterested face as he slowly drew from the cigarette between his fingers and released a cloud of smoke into the air.

Mika turned to gaze at Dani and Niko, who were standing nearby. She smiled pleasantly and gestured to Dani and Niko. "And I'm assuming you've already met them."

Mika returned to Elle and placed a hand on her chest, her attitude becoming professional. "Let me formally welcome you on behalf of the Vacile. Your contributions will and are very much appreciated."

"Thank you. I'll try not to be too much of a headache." Elle answered humorously. Mika chuckled enthusiastically at her joyful statement. Elle was briefly drawn to Mika's golden ring, which was now a chain around her neck. The jewelry was subtle, but it conveyed the idea that Mika was married, or had been at one point.

"We don't exactly have a room ready for you yet, since your arrival was unexpected," Mika said, placing her hands together in a little gesture of apology. "Dani will give you a tour of the base, while Niko and Natsuo prepare your room for you."

"That sounds fantastic," Dani said enthusiastically, "I'll give you the grand tour," She beckoned for Elle to follow her. Elle nodded and followed behind Dani, curious as to what she would witness.

-----

The tour did not last long. Dani showed Elle several significant areas within the base including the main hall, the kitchen, the library, the lounge, the conference room, the gym, and the mechanical room. According to Dani, everything was designed to be "practical and straightforward," making it easy to go round every corner. 

After a time, Dani led her to the rooftop—atop a mountain. The stark contrast between the high-tech base inside the the tall and rough mountain emphasized the base's isolation and secrecy. Dani and Elle walked along a quiet hallway after the tour, the silent atmosphere too unsettling for Dani's taste. She guided Elle to her room and clinic with cautious movements.  

  

Something about Elle made her hesitant to break the silence and start a conversation. Perhaps it was her calm manner or the way she held herself, as if she knew more than she let on. Dani couldn't put it into words, but she had a constant sense of caution—and, to her surprise, a brief feeling of intimidation.

Nikolas leaned on an open door close to the Main Hall, "Hey, ladies." His tone was light but teasing.  

  

Dani cringed at Nikolas. Elle's expression, however, remained unchanged.  

  

"How is the room going? "Dani asked,  as she leaned in for a closer look, seeing Natsuo push the bed swiftly and successfully to the side.  

  

"We're almost done." Nikolas moved aside and pointed to the room. His smirk resurfaced when he turned to face Elle. "Check out your new room, princess."

Dani took a step back, silently inviting Elle into the room. Natsuo moved by Elle as she walked in, his presence almost overwhelming in the small space. When their gazes connected, his bright red eyes clashed with Elle's cool blue. The world appears to come to a halt for a moment, as a significant but unspoken discussion lingers between them. Almost as quickly, Natsuo began going down the corridor, but the weight of that moment hovered over him, leaving an uneasy silence behind.

Nikolas observed the brief time with penetrating eyes, feeling uneasy in his chest. He wasn't sure what he'd witnessed, but the encounter made him uncomfortable. When he returned his gaze to Elle, his smile resurfaced, eradicating any indication of doubt.

"We'll give you some privacy, princess." Nikolas smiled. His tone was light, yet it appeared a little too casual. Nikolas gently closed the door behind them, and Dani waved a quiet goodbye.

Elle entered the large room and examined its modest yet inviting design. It was larger than the little flat she had rented previously. A full-sized bed was tucked in the corner, with a bedside table. The room had a vanity, a wardrobe, and a door to an en suite bathroom.  

  

Elle was taking in her new room when she sensed a presence behind her, near the door. She didn't have to turn around to see who it was.  

  

"What do I owe the pleasure?" Elle turned on her heel and confronted Mathilda, her voice full of sarcasm.  

  

Mathilda leaned against the doorframe, arms pulled tightly across her chest and piercing glare on her face. Her piercing gaze, full with barely hidden contempt, met Elle's. Elle remained unbothered, meeting her stare squarely. She was conscious of Mathilda's lack of interest in her. Mathilda wasn't exactly discreet about her emotions, and Elle didn't shy away from the tension.

"The Shelter, huh?" Mathilda scoffed as she slowly and cautiously approached the room, stopping just in front of Elle. "Quite a home." Her eyes were probing and scrutinizing, and her tone was laced with barely hidden sarcasm.  

  

Even though the mix of "home" and The Shelter made Elle uncomfortable, she pushed herself not to roll her eyes. "Once more, it is a pleasure to have you visit."  

  

For a brief moment, Elle's attention shifted lower, and she noticed something surprising. Mathilda wore a silver ring on her neck that resembled Mika's golden one. Mathilda didn't seem to notice Elle's quick observation. She took one more step, her presence now looming. 

"Let's cut off the small talk, shall we?" Mathilda said in a low, snarling voice, "I don't trust you. People like you from The Shelter cause nothing but problems."  

  

Her observations were sharp and direct, like a razor. The tension between them was strong enough to choke on, and the room felt colder.

Elle maintained still, her icy blue eyes devoid of emotion, "If I see or hear anything suspicious from you," Mathilda stated in a low and frightening tone. "I will rip you to shreds"  

  

A blast of wind tousled her hair and clothing, a subtle indication of Mathilda's strength and intimidation. But Elle seemed unconcerned about it. "I don't need your trust," she remarked plainly, "And I don't care for it."  

  

Mathilda's her jaw clenched and her scowl deepened. Elle's nonchalant reaction just annoyed her more. "You're just lucky that Niko is here to back up your ass." She growled, her tone full of dislike. After saying nothing further, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her with a clang that echoed through the walls.  

  

A scoff passed Elle's lips as her annoyance rose to the surface. A burning sensation swelled in her chest as she felt the freezing sensation spread through her body. She crossed the room in a few steps and collapsed onto the bed, her limbs limp as she gazed up at the ceiling.  

  

  

Elle winced inside as her thoughts twisted awkwardly. In her mind, the word "home" twisted like a thorn, its edges sharp and jagged. Maybe she just didn't like the word 'home' at all.