Chapter 41: We should stop at the scientist guild first

Chapter 41: We should stop at the scientist guild first With the help of the dim crystal light, he saw Ethan’s appearance—seeing the ice dagger hover in the air and pointing in his direction, Liam’s legs gave out. ’’I-I’m not one of them. Please let me go.’’ He brawled, overwhelmed by fear and frustration at being questioned. Snot dripped down his face, and Ethan’s brow furrowed in disgust. He released the man after hearing his heartbeat reveal the truth. ’’Can you drive a train?’’ His tone was flat; he didn’t expect an answer—he just wanted the crying to stop. "Yes! Yes, I can!!’’ Liam frantically nodded, desperate to be useful and avoid being killed. Ethan raised a brow, pleasantly surprised. ’’Alright come with—’’ ’’Hoooonk!’’ The train horn blared, cutting him off. Ethan’s head snapped towards the sound, eyes widening. Grabbing Liam by the collar, he sped toward the control room and came to a stop at the sight before him. Eva and Julian were fiddling with controls like unsupervised children. ’’The red one made it lit up, hmm...press the green one,’’ Eva instructed Julian, and he stretched his hands to press the button, only to meet Ethan’s flat expression. He raised his brows in a ’What?’ look—they were trying to drive the train out of here. Sigh... Ethan pressed in between his brows and pushed the man forward, ’’He can drive.’’ Ethan’s words made Eva pause, she turned to the tear-faced man. ’’Are you sure? I can drive...watch.’’ Eva made a move to press another button, but Ethan was faster, he lifted her, carrying her away. Eva’s hands were outstretched, her fingers twitching in pressing motion, ’’No...’’ her tone was filled with so much reluctance. She hadn’t pressed enough, Ethan ignored her pleas and held her down as he sat, his hands wrapping around her struggling figure. Julian ignored the pleading gaze she was sending in his direction, he picked at his fingers like it was the most interesting thing. Liam saw no one paid him much attention and he quickly started up the train. The train carried them smoothly to their destination, and at some point, Eva relaxed into Ethan’s embrace. She regretted missing the rare chance to press buttons and see them do something. She glanced at Julian and snorted, ignoring his presence—at this moment her stomach growled. She turned her head to the side, locking gaze with Ethan, and motioned for her stomach. Ethan got her meaning and regretfully released his hold, he turned to Julian, ’’The food.’’ Julian raised his brows and comfortably leaned his seat, showing no signs of movement, ’’Eva dear, Are you hungry? Hmm...’’ The smirk on his face made him punchable, Eva gritted her teeth, ’’Yes.’’ Julian felt refreshed, knowing her purpose of ignoring him was ruined by hunger. He brought out the food, knowing he shouldn’t push it too much or she might really turn violent. Setting the food on the iron table, Julian set out some for their driver—he needed to be healthy so they could reach the destination in peace. Eva forgot her brewing anger and focused on her food. Time passed quickly, and the train finally reached its destination. As soon as they got down, they left the train station to avoid questions they were ignorant of. They left the stunned Liam, who didn’t think he could survive such horrors. Eva’s feet stepped on the ground, and her face bloomed with a relieved smile; she had never thought she would miss the solid ground so much. Julian couldn’t communicate with Blaine to pick them up, and could only board a bus back. Eva looked out the window to see the city was still the same—if you ignored the crystal glowing stone lighting the way. She got bored of looking and leaned back into her seat, shutting her eyes. Ethan watched the city run as usual but a nagging feeling told him it was calm before the storm. He hoped he was overthinking and reading much into the situation. Julian noticed that no cars passed by—only buses like theirs. He observed to be sure before he nudged Ethan, ’’Did you see, no cars have driven past us this past hour?’’ Ethan was stunned and looked out the window, and truthfully no cars drove past. ’’We should stop at the scientist guild first.’’ Ethan came to a decision. They planned to reach the mansion first, but he changed his mind; they needed information. He felt uneasy about their lack of information. Julian nodded; Eva followed along, sensing the urgency in Ethan’s tone and the tense air. After an hour, they informed the driver to drop them off in front of the S logo building. Eva eyed the tall building and didn’t know she would enter so soon. Ethan and Julian walked by her sides, placing her in the middle as they entered the building. Eva’s eyes took in the array of unfinished technologies; men and women in white clothes walked back and forth; some were neatly dressed while the others had their clothes barely hanging on their bodies, their hairs unkempt, and spotting black eyes that would make a panda jealous. Eva saw the depressing sight, and the tall, savvy image she had of them popped like an unrealistic dream. ’shocking.... But to be expected. But they smell of stress, and depression, looking like her zombies but much cleaner.’ She mused. They ran through security strictly checks, Julian and Ethan had to bring out a card issued by a top scientist before they were allowed to go on the top floors. ’’She’s with us,’’ Ethan informed the security who tried to stop Eva from entering. ’’The Elevator is out of power, use the stairs.’’ The guard called after them. Julian waved in response and they changed their direction to the stairs. ’’What floor are we headed?’’ Eva’s tone was filled with curiosity and slight fear. From her observation, this building was so tall from the outside, thirty floors at her estimation. She broke out into a sweat, thinking of the people working here. ’’fifteenth floor, I think.’’ Julian’s tone was unsure, and they turned to Ethan, who mostly deals with the scientist guild. ’’it’s the eighteenth floor.’’ Ethan’s words made Eva hug herself in disbelief. ’’What?!’’ Eva shouted in shock, noticing the stares she was getting, she covered her mouth, but her eyes were expressive enough. Not understanding her big reaction; only when they reached the stairs did they understand Eva’s fears. Eva stared at the endless spiral stairs, already feeling dizzy. Her expression was one of near tears, filled with deep respect for the workers.