Felix sat at the kitchen table, the familiar scent of eggs and toast reminding him of simpler times. His mother busied herself by the stove, humming softly, while his father sat across from him, sipping his coffee in silence. The momentary peace felt like a dream, but Felix knew it wouldn't last. His mind kept drifting to the others—Bella, Owen, and the rest of their team. The battle wasn't over. It had only just begun.
As he stared at his plate, the clinking of the fork against the dish, Felix's thoughts were interrupted by a sudden vibration in his pocket. He pulled out the small communicator that Lyra had crafted, her signature tech fused with magic, allowing their group to stay in touch over great distances.
Felix glanced at his parents, who seemed lost in their thoughts, and quickly stood on
He tapped the device, and Bella's voice came through, her tone serious. "Felix, I think you should get back here as soon as you can."
Felix's heart raced, though he kept his voice calm. "What's going on?"
"We've got a new problem. There's been a breach… something from the other side came through the portal."
Felix's eyes widened, and his grip tightened on the communicator. "How bad is it?"
"Bad enough that Owen can't handle it alone. Lyra's already tracking it, but we're going to need everyone on this."
Felix's jaw clenched. They had barely returned, barely had time to reconnect with their families, and already the next threat was looming. "Alright, I'll be there. Give me ten minutes."
He hung up and took a deep breath, staring out at the horizon. His father's words echoed in his mind. _Strength comes from more than just fighting._
He turned back to the door, knowing what he had to do. As much as he wanted to stay, as much as he wanted this peace to last, the world needed them. He stepped inside, finding his parents still seated at the table, waiting for him.
"I… I have to go," Felix said, his voice heavy with regret.
His mother looked up, her eyes filled with understanding but also pain. "Already?"
Felix nodded. "Something's come up. We didn't finish everything we set out to do."
His father stood, crossing the room to place a hand on Felix's shoulder. "You do what you have to, son. We'll be here when you get back."
His mother smiled, though her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Be careful, Felix."
"I will," he promised, pulling both of them into a quick embrace. "I'll be back. I just don't know when."
With a final glance at his parents, Felix stepped out of the house, his heart heavy but resolute. He tapped the communicator again, sending a message to the group.
"I'm on my way."
Ignoring his brother who behaved like he didn't care .
Back at Bella's house, the air was equally thick with tension. Her parents hadn't pressed her for details after she had told them only a fraction of her journey. They knew Bella wasn't one to stay in one place for long, but seeing her after so much time had passed, they wanted nothing more than to hold on to her for a little longer.
As she stood in the sm6uall living room, her communicator , the light flashing softly. She hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Felix is coming," she said after a brief pause, glancing at her parents.
Her mother gave her a sad smile, brushing a hand through Bella's hair. "I figured it wouldn't be long before you had to go again."
Bella's father sighed. "Just promise us you'll be careful."
"I promise." Bella swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing a smile. "I'll be back. We all will."
Her mother nodded, hugging her tightly. "Stay safe, sweetheart."
With one last look at her parents, Bella stepped outside, staring up at the sky. Felix's house wasn't far, and within minutes, they would all be together again, ready to face whatever came next.
As Felix and Bella met halfway, Owen and Lyra were already waiting at the portal's entrance. Owen's face was tense, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by the weight of responsibility. Lyra was pacing, her hands glowing faintly with magic as she worked to stabilize the breach.
"What's the situation?" Felix asked, stepping up beside them.
Lyra didn't stop working as she replied. "Something came through—something big. It's fast, and it's heading toward the city."
Owen cracked his knuckles, his eyes burning with determination. "We can stop it. But we're going to need all hands on deck."
Bella nodded, already preparing her mind for the fight ahead. "Then let's go."
As they stood together, facing the unknown threat once again, the weight of their journey settled on their shoulders. But they weren't alone. They had each other, and that was more powerful than any force they could face.
The portal shimmered behind them, its energy pulsating with an eerie glow. With a final glance at the peaceful town they called home, they stepped through, ready to confront whatever awaited them on the other side.
The fight wasn't over.
But neither were they.