The journey home felt longer than usual. Cassandra kept her head down, weaving through the crowded streets with practiced precision. Every lingering glance in her direction set her nerves on edge.
She made sure no one followed, occasionally doubling back or taking unnecessary turns. The memory of Hector and his robot ARIA was still fresh in her mind, and she wouldn't put it past them to track her movements.
When she finally reached the house, she reasoned that people might now be watching it closely. With Matilda captured, they would likely be on high alert for any suspicious activity.
'Better this way,' she thought, moving silently around to the back. The window creaked slightly as she eased it open, but she managed to slip inside without making too much noise.
Her fingers found the familiar shape of the clock's hand in the dimness, and with a practiced motion, she triggered the mechanism. The secret door swung open with a soft click.
