The hideout was deathly silent, save for the faint hum of the massive machine that now dominated the space.
All the children lay unconscious, scattered across the cavern floor. Ani, however, remained standing.
Her body was rigid, her arms raised above her head in surrender. Fear clung to her like a second skin, but she remained alert, her wide eyes darting toward the white-suited soldier.
The leader of the intruding soldiers, the imposing figure in the white suit—known as CP—stepped forward, his reflective visor gleaming under the artificial lights. He tilted his head slightly, observing Ani with what seemed to be a mix of curiosity and surprise.
"She's still conscious," CP remarked, his voice cold and mechanical. Turning to the soldiers behind him, he commanded, "Send this one to All-Father. Immediately."
