Nathan – POV

After tidying everything and leaving the bedroom just messy enough to look “slightly used,” I followed Elliot and Gabriel toward the ward’s reception area.

It looked deserted. No staff, no patients. I flushed slightly, wondering if everyone had cleared out on purpose—because of us.

Gabriel spoke up. “A car’s coming to collect us. That’s standard whenever we’re admitted—so no one can get any intel on our condition.”

Nodding, I asked, “Is your place far from here?”

Elliot smiled and brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “About a ten-minute drive. We’re in the middle of the woods. There’s an Olympic-sized pool, sauna, tennis courts… you’re welcome to use anything you like.”

I smiled back. “That doesn’t sound like a house, it sounds like a resort. No wonder no one ever quits working for you if those are the perks.”

Gabriel chuckled. “Do you know how to swim? Played tennis before?”

“I can swim—I was on the school swim team for a bit. But I’ve not done it in years.” A shadow crossed my mood at the memory. I’d jumped straight into working three jobs after school to help with medical bills. Shaking it off, I added with a small laugh, “As for tennis… I’ve tried, but I’m better at hitting balls out of the court than keeping them in. Most of my time was spent chasing them.”

They both laughed lightly, and Gabriel gave me a playful grin. “Well, with us around, we promise to be your ball boys.”

Elliot raised a hand and, out of nowhere, a pen flew into it. I gasped and flinched—more surprised than afraid. It had happened so fast, I barely saw the movement.

Outside of TV, I’d never actually seen an ability used in person. Back at the Association, ‘Normals’ weren’t allowed anywhere near the training zones for safety reasons. Only certified Espers worked there, and the rules were iron-clad.

I grinned up at Elliot. “That’s so handy. I wish I could do that—then I wouldn’t have to get out of bed to grab my phone.”

Elliot chuckled, his face softening.

Just then, a sleek black car pulled up outside with heavily tinted windows. Gabriel stepped out first, opening the door and gesturing for me to get in. I climbed in and immediately sank into buttery-soft leather seats that warmed my back and legs like a gentle hug.

When they joined me, the car set off in silence. A partition blocked the view of the driver, adding to the sense of privacy—and luxury. From the outside, the windows were completely blacked out, but inside I could see the forest rushing past as we sped down a long driveway.

The car was moving fast, but even so, it felt like it would take nearly an hour to walk the same distance. Only a few minutes in, the trees parted—and there it was.

A house—no, a mansion—of glass and wood emerged from the forest. There was even a separate garage, housing at least six high-end sports cars in various colours and brands. The main house towered three stories high, somehow combining sleek modern design with cosy lodge aesthetics.

My mouth fell open in disbelief.

We slid out of the car, and I spotted Adam waiting near the front entrance. He gave me a polite nod before turning to Elliot and Gabriel. “Everything has been transferred over and set up. Let me know if you need anything else.”

They thanked him, and he drove away, presumably back to the Association’s main hub.

We approached the front door, which opened with a scan of their fingerprints. The foyer opened into a massive three-storey room with wooden beams and vast panes of glass. The natural light was unreal. To the side, I could see the shimmering pool and a walled garden full of blooming flowers. Trees framed the house so closely it felt like I could reach out and touch them.

The living room was spacious and welcoming, with plush couches, artfully draped blankets, and side tables stacked with books and papers. The open kitchen to the left had at least four ovens and two oversized double-door fridges, complete with a sleek water dispenser.

Elliot began a tour, but I was too overwhelmed to absorb most of it. Everything screamed wealth. The library alone was crammed with shelves of books that filled the air with that distinct, comforting smell of old paper and ink.

Then they showed me to my room.

It was massive—easily the size of my parents’ entire flat. The bathroom had a clawfoot tub, big enough for two, maybe even three people.

Gabriel was still talking. “We brought all your things over—hope it wasn’t too much. They’re in those boxes there. If you need anything else, just let Adam know.”

My brain barely processed the words.

Then Elliot’s stomach growled loudly.

The sound broke the tension in me, and I laughed softly.

Elliot grinned. “I think that’s enough of a tour for now. Let’s get something to eat.”

I nodded and followed them back to the kitchen. But before we got there, both their watches began to beep and vibrate, red lights flashing. In an instant, the atmosphere shifted. Their bodies tensed, and the air filled with the subtle hum of swirling energy.

Elliot sprinted to the nearby study and grabbed a heavy black duffel bag. Gabriel turned to me, calm but apologetic.

“Sorry to cut things short. We’ll be gone a few hours. Feel free to explore—nothing’s off limits. There’s food in the fridge, and some things you can heat up if you get hungry.”

Even though I wasn’t going on a mission, my heart started racing. Elliot returned, the duffel slung over his shoulder with a metallic clank from inside.

He paused by my side and smiled gently. “Bottom drawer next to the fridge—there’s a chocolate stash. Just in case.”

I nodded, still trying to process everything. Gabriel gestured to the front door. “Your biometrics are registered, so you can use your thumb to open it.”

As they moved to leave, the black car rolled up again.

Elliot turned suddenly and caught me in a kiss—quick, intense, and hot. It left me breathless, eyes wide.

He grinned. “Good luck kiss.”

Gabriel followed with a grin of his own and pulled me into a deeper kiss, tongue teasing briefly before pulling back, leaving me flushed and speechless.

“I needed that luck too,” he winked.

And just like that, they were gone—speeding down the drive in a blur of tinted glass and swirling dust.

I stood in the doorway, cheeks burning, in a mansion I could hardly believe was real… completely alone.