- Are you done yet? - Penelopa asked, her voice trembling, as if she were struggling to control the emotions constantly building inside her.
- But overall... it wasn't that bad, - Leopold summed up, giving a crooked smile. His words sounded like mockery, as if all the chaos meant nothing to him. - In another universe, half of them wouldn't have survived, - he added, glancing with slight amusement at the two sitting on the sofa.
Nulla automatically moved closer to Emi, as if seeking refuge in him, though her heart raced faster. The brunette looked at her with surprise, as if wondering what exactly drew her to him.
- I pity you, - Penelopa muttered, her tone sharper than she had intended, and the look she gave Nulla was full of cold judgment. - You ended up with idiots.
- Enough, - Emi interjected, his voice firmer, more authoritative. - You kept interrupting and cursing at us instead of helping.
Penelopa snorted, but before she could respond, Leopold stepped in.
- Enough, enough, - he said, seeing Penelopa's anger rising like a storm.
- Enough?! - Penelopa exploded, turning sharply toward Leopold. Her face turned red, and her eyes flashed with fury. - They can kill each other as much as they want, but let me remind you that Jamin is only fifteen! - Her voice trembled with bitterness, as though she were bearing a responsibility forced upon her, though she never asked for it.
- I know, - Emi admitted, trying to defuse the situation, but his words were too weak to put out the flame of Penelopa's anger. - But he was the least planned.
- Nulla too, - Penelopa retorted with blatant irony, her words like a pinprick straight into the heart of the situation.
- It was a series of unfortunate events, - Emi threw in, trying to justify the chaos they had created themselves.
Penelopa shuddered with emotion. Her eyes grew wide, as if they overshadowed the rest of her face, and her cheeks turned scarlet.
- You're sick, - she spat through clenched teeth.
- Instead of arguing, - Leopold interrupted, leaning back in his chair in a manner that expressed both nonchalance and dominance over the situation. - We should come up with a plan, - he added with confidence, as if he were the one holding the whole situation together.
- Great! What plan?! - Penelopa asked, her sarcasm cutting through the silence like a knife.
- You'll drive us, - Emi interjected tiredly, as if looking for the quickest solution, knowing full well he was asking for too much.
- How?! - Penelopa shot back, furrowing her brow. - Didn't you hear what I explained? You've closed off all the roads, at least the private ones.
- You have a company car, - the brunette reminded her, hope in his voice. - It must be working.
- Emi... - Leopold tried to intervene again, but the brunette ignored him, staring him directly in the eye.
- This is really important, - Emi insisted, and there was a desperation in his voice suggesting it was about more than just a plan; it was about something much bigger.
- Fine, even if... you report the nonexistent Artur, what then? - Penelopa asked, now addressing Nulla, whose uncertainty was almost tangible.
- We have to get them out of the White City, - Emi responded with determination. - If we leave them here, we might as well try to rescue them from Typhon's hands.
A cold shiver ran down Nulla's spine, and her body instinctively curled up at the thought of Typhon. Her gaze dropped to the floor, and her hands nervously rubbed together.
- No one gets to Typhon, - Leopold reassured her, though his voice betrayed uncertainty. - If necessary, I'll talk to my father.
- Great, and what will that change? - Penelopa retorted sarcastically, raising an eyebrow. - You can't always hide behind your father.
- True, - Emi agreed, crossing his arms. - In the end, he knows enough to betray us.
- You think he'd turn in his own son? - Leopold threw in, with a sneer, as if the thought itself was absurd to him.
Suddenly, Nulla, who had been silent for most of the conversation, felt like something had finally clicked into place. She understood something that had escaped her attention earlier.
- I know now! - she blurted out, her voice suddenly loud, interrupting the conversation. Everyone turned their gaze to her.
- You're Leonard's son! - she exclaimed, then quickly covered her mouth with her hands, as if realizing she had said something she shouldn't have.
Leopold lifted his head with a self-satisfied smile, his eyes shining with triumph.
- Told you so, - he replied with arrogant nonchalance. - I'm LEOPOLD LUBIAŃSKI, - he announced, spreading his arms as if to receive an applause from an invisible audience.
- Shut up, - Penelopa threw back tiredly, as if she were exhausted from his constant showing off. - Let me think...
- Are you sure you can't move the company car? - Emi interrupted again, ignoring the fact that the conversation had just touched Leopold's big secret.
- If I use it, then... - Penelopa trailed off for a moment, as if weighing every word. - Well... he...
- I understand, - Emi nodded, his eyes full of understanding and seriousness. - Still, we have to try.
- Fine, - Penelopa sighed, still full of doubt. - I don't see any other way either.
- What next? - Leo interjected, raising an eyebrow as if what he was saying was obvious.
- Maybe if you'd told me about Mina earlier, we wouldn't have to be wondering what to do next, - Penelopa replied with full disapproval, her tone filled with reproach.
- It was classified, - the brunette reminded her, avoiding her gaze. - Artur wouldn't allow it. - After these words, he lowered his head, as if considering his role in the whole situation, then sat down on the floor, pulling his long legs closer to himself.
- And what about Ignacy? - Nulla finally spoke, her voice quiet but filled with concern.
- Calm down, - Penelopa turned to her, an expression of sympathy on her face, though there was also sadness there. - If we get you out of here, I'll take him to Robert. There, they'll either cut off his hand or find a way to fix those spreading circles.
Nulla thought for a moment about whether the hand-cutting part was true. Still, she didn't feel sorry for her brother - after all, he got himself into this mess, at least that's what she thought. If amputation would prolong his life, it didn't seem like a bad solution. After all, they could print and transplant a hand.
- So, you're really going to take them to the point? - Leo asked, looking at Penelopa with disbelief.
- Us, - she corrected him, giving him a sharp look. - I'll take us.
- Great, - Emi agreed, his tone expressing relief, as if something was finally going according to plan. - We need to be at my place by six. - He reminded them, as if time were their greatest enemy.
- I'm not promising anything. - Penelopa said directly, as if she didn't want to give false hope. - But...
- But? - the brunette repeated, raising his eyebrows, waiting for an answer.
- You'll go to the point with Leo. - she replied, glancing nervously at Nulla. - Nulla will stay with me in the car.
- No! - Emi protested almost immediately. His voice was full of determination. - I promised I would watch over her.
- You can't even look after yourselves, and you want to watch over Nulla? - she replied, rolling her eyes in irritation.
- I have to. - the brunette said quietly but firmly, as if it were his mission. - I promised Ignacy. - he repeated louder, his words almost like an oath.
- I'll look after her in the car. - Penelopa responded firmly, like a lioness protecting her cubs. - Remember, the point is at the station, and it's crawling with cyborgs.
- I was thinking of parking on the roof, then we'd just go down one floor. - Emi explained, trying to present his plan as best as he could.
- Let's do that. - Penelopa agreed, though her tone was more focused. - But that doesn't change the fact that Nulla stays with me. We can't just stand on the roof waiting for you forever.
- I can't. - Emi kept repeating, as if he were trying to convince himself.
- There's no other option. - Leopold finally spoke up, joining the conversation. - Nulla. - he said, addressing the white-haired girl who had been sitting quietly, observing their conversation.
- Yes? - she responded cautiously, her gaze shifting between them, her body tense. She had been listening to them for some time, and the longer she did, the more out of place she felt. - Should I agree? - she asked uncertainly.
- If it bothers you... - Leo began, his tone softer, as if trying to calm her down.
- It bothers me. - Emi interrupted, not letting Leopold finish.
Nulla thought for a moment, ignoring the ongoing argument between the ex-couple. Her gaze wandered with interest to Leopold, who noticed her attention and tried to use it to his advantage, clearly emphasizing his best features. His prominent cheekbones and collarbones, barely visible beneath his shirt, gave him confidence. He sat exceptionally straight, turning to her with his "better" profile.
- I'll go. - she interrupted their quarrel, speaking louder than she intended. - I'll go, and then I'll stay with Penelopa in the car.
- Nulla. - Emi said, his voice tinged with disappointment, though he desperately tried to hide his emotions. His face was stone-like, but his trembling hands betrayed the tension building inside him.
- The truth is, I'd just get in your way. - Nulla replied, turning away from him. Her voice was quiet but full of internal tension. - I don't even know what exactly this point is. - she added, as if trying to find a justification for her decision.
- And don't forget. - Penelopa interjected, her eyes sparkling with determination. - Nulla is Ignacy's sister.
Emi rolled his eyes, as if he'd heard this a hundred times and it didn't matter to him.
- And Ignacy is my friend. - Penelopa continued, ignoring his reaction. - I should protect his sister too.
- If we have a plan... - Leopold spoke up, standing up from the ground and stretching his arms, as if considering what to do next.
- No. - Emi cut him off, his voice sharp, almost commanding. - I don't think it's wise. Split up? - he added, staring intently at Nulla, as if his eyes could protect her from whatever was to come.
- You're saying it like something's going to happen to her. - Penelopa responded, crossing her arms over her chest. Her tone was sarcastic, as if she were trying to provoke him.
- Of course, I'm saying that! - Emi snapped, sparks of anger flashing in his eyes. - I can't leave her in your hands!
- Oh my... - Nulla sighed and covered her ears, feeling that another argument between them was just seconds away.
- You know... - Leo began quietly, sitting next to her. - I had a feeling today might be an interesting day, which is why I took Penelopa away from that idiot. - his tone was light, almost indifferent, as if what was happening around them didn't matter much.
- Really? - Nulla asked sarcastically, not taking her eyes off the argument between Emi and Penelopa, which was beginning to escalate.
- Honestly, I was hoping for pancakes with Penelopa. You know, strawberry ones, but what's going on here is probably much more interesting. - he smiled slightly, as if the whole commotion was just entertainment for him.
- Better? - Nulla repeated, looking at him in disbelief, feeling something boiling inside her. - This isn't 'better,' Leo, it's awful! - she said sharply, pulling away from him with clear anger. Her heart was racing, and the emotions she had been trying to suppress began to take control.
- I know... - Leo tried to explain, his voice softening, as if he suddenly realized his words had hurt Nulla. - But that's not what I meant... - he added, lowering his head in a gesture of remorse.
- Never mind. - Nulla replied, turning away from him. Her thoughts began to swirl around the whole situation. She wondered how her brothers were handling this. Was she too indifferent? Too harsh? Or maybe she had judged them wrongly? Especially Teodor... She didn't feel guilty, but she was afraid they might misunderstand her, especially since Teo had lost his memory and might not even know what she was talking about.
- FINE! - Emi shouted, interrupting her thoughts. His voice filled the room, drawing everyone's attention. There was so much frustration in it that he almost shook.
- Fine! - Penelopa repeated, her tone no less emotional, but more controlled. - Nulla stays with me. - she stated firmly, giving Emi no chance to object.
- If anything happens to her, it will be YOUR fault! - Emi warned her, his eyes now dark with anger, as if he were ready to place all the blame for what was to come on her.
- I'll take full responsibility. - Penelopa declared, her voice sounding like a medieval knight's oath, ready to give her life for her cause. - I'll do whatever it takes to protect her. - she added with such determination that her words seemed to strike the air like a sword.
Emi exploded.
- You can't just think that you always know best! - he shouted, standing up suddenly, as if he could no longer bear it. - You always make the decisions! About everything! And what if you're wrong?! What if this time you're not right?!
Penelopa narrowed her eyes, her face growing cold as if she wanted to fend off every one of his attacks with icy calm.
- Maybe that's because, Emi, someone has to make the decisions when you just complain and oppose everyone! - she hissed. - You always have something to say, but you never take action, and when you do, you just bring trouble to me, to Blue, to everyone.
- Trouble! - Emi stepped closer to her, his face almost touching hers, and anger clearly painted his eyes. - I act when I need to! Not when I feel like showing I'm better!
- Better? - Penelopa burst into bitter laughter. - It was never about being better. It was about us surviving! But, as you can see, that's too hard for you to understand!
Silence suddenly fell, as if their words had hit the walls of the room and collided with each other. They all stared at one another, waiting for someone to make the next move. Nulla took a deep breath, knowing that this argument was only the tip of the iceberg. She felt the weight of all those words, all the decisions she couldn't control. She was too small in the face of everything happening around her.
***
Nulla sat in the back seat, accustomed to the technological wonders of the White City, but today's journey had something unsettling about it. The car glided quietly, almost soullessly, as if it were an extension of the city itself—cold, perfect, alien. Emi, sitting in the front, was driving, immersed in the raw, minimalist control panel that resembled a dead sheet of glass. Blue LEDs running along the body of the car blended with the interior material, pulsating in rhythm with the invisible workings of the machine.
The silence in the cabin was suffocating, interrupted only by the strangely cheerful music playing from the radio, which didn't quite fit with the cold, mechanical world. Nulla glanced out the window at the city far below. From this height, the people on the streets looked like tiny, chaotic dots—like ants moving through a cold, metal web. Their movements were quick, mechanical, almost invisible in the maze of buildings and skyscrapers. Drones hovered around these human figures—nearly silent machines patrolling the space, watching every movement from above. Their silver bodies reflected the sunlight, casting glints on the cold, concrete streets. Nulla also spotted cyborgs, their bald heads and metallic implants reflecting the sun's rays.
They were integrated into the city, almost part of it, their metallic limbs glistening in the sunlight, terrifying her with their cold, impersonal appearance. Looking at all this, Nulla felt an increasing sense of unease. Though she was used to the technology of the White City, today's view—the combination of the raw, sterile interior of the car with the cold, organized city below—heightened her discomfort. She felt the city's chill seep into her skin, as if something ominous was lurking in this perfect, cold space.
- It's quiet here, - whispered Leopold, sitting next to Nulla, breaking the suffocating silence that filled the vehicle, as if it were weighing them down with an invisible burden.
Nulla, feeling uneasy, nodded, trying not to make any sudden movements. The atmosphere was tense, as if any sound could trigger a storm.
- You know... - Leo started cautiously, his gaze drifting over to Emi and Penelopa in the front. Both seemed lost in their thoughts, like ships drifting on a dark ocean. Penelopa seemed ready to explode, as if she were just waiting for the smallest mistake from Emi. - It wasn't always like this, - he sighed, his voice carrying a note of nostalgia, but also of pain.
Nulla broke the silence, curiosity winning over fear. She turned away from the window, where the city stretched out like a cold, mechanical jungle.
- What do you mean? - she asked, leaning closer, wanting to understand the mysterious dynamic between them.
Leo smiled weakly, as if remembering this was both sweet and bitter.
- They used to be a couple, - he began, his tone revealing more than he wanted to say. - You couldn't take your eyes off them. They were always circling each other, like Saturn's rings, constantly in motion, constantly close, yet separated. - His words flowed slowly, as if he were searching for the right expression for something hard to grasp.
- If they were together once... - Nulla moved even closer, her curiosity growing. - Then why did they break up? - she asked, her voice soft, but filled with interest.
Leo shrugged, as if it was obvious, but at the same time painful.
- He didn't love her, - he replied simply, though there was more in his tone. - You know, even if you plant a flower and don't water it, it won't bloom.
- So they fought? - Nulla pressed, her question hanging in the air as if she couldn't understand how something like that could happen.
Leo pulled back slightly, his expression growing colder.
- No, it's not about that, - he said quietly, as if speaking to himself. - He just stopped loving her. And she... can't forget about him. So when she sees him, she lets herself have emotional outbursts, and he... - He paused, his eyes drifting to the view outside the window. - He lets her, until he's had enough. And when he has, then... then he yells just as loud as she does, - he finished, his voice deeper, as if he were distancing himself from that moment.
Nulla furrowed her brow, not understanding.
- I don't understand, - she said, her voice innocent yet full of desperation.
Leo sighed heavily, as if weary of this conversation.
- In that case, I envy you, - he said bitterly. - Why waste flowers when they'll just wither anyway? - His gaze shifted back to Penelopa.
- But you could cut them and put them in a vase, - Nulla replied, her thoughts drifting somewhere far away.
- Yes, but even then, - they wilt. - Leo answered with unsettling certainty. - But at least for a while, you'll get to enjoy them, - he added with a smile that looked more like a grimace.
- You're gossiping about me, - Emi suddenly threw in, glancing at them through the rearview mirror.
- No, - Leo denied, not even hesitating. - I'm not hiding it.
- And you should, - Penelopa scolded him, her voice sharp, as if cutting off the remains of the conversation.
- You know, Nulla, - Leo returned to the conversation, ignoring Penelopa. - Even if the rose withers, its thorns will always remain on the stem, - he said, his tone carrying something enigmatic.
- Are you that much of a flower enthusiast? - Penelopa threw in sarcastically, glancing at him sideways.
- I'm just speaking the truth, - Leo responded with irony, his smile like a shadow. - If something is true, it should be said loudly. Otherwise, it becomes just a whisper or a lie.
- Never mind. - Emi interrupted, his voice calm, like a gentle breeze soothing the tense atmosphere. - Yes, we used to be a couple, but stop putting those nonsense ideas into her head. - he added with a slight smile, giving Leopold a brief, warning glance.
- And don't compare me to flowers. I can't stand them.
Penelopa, sitting casually, looked at Emi from beneath half-closed eyelids. She smiled, her irony subtle, like a quiet laugh hidden behind a curtain.
- You can't stand anything. - she said with light sarcasm, as if each of her words played with his calm, leaving a delicate shadow of mockery.
- Nulla. - Emi addressed the white-haired girl, his tone gentler. - Are you sure you want to stay in the car?
- And why wouldn't she be sure? - Penelopa interrupted. - If you hurry, you'll make it in twenty minutes.
- Or even fifteen. - Leo added with his typical self-assurance.
- I'll stay. - Nulla answered calmly, glancing at her new brown boots.
- Do your shoes hurt? - Penelopa asked kindly, surprising with the softness in her usually distant tone. - Maybe I gave you the wrong size...
- They're fine. - Nulla replied quickly, trying to hide a hint of embarrassment.
- Nulla. - Leo suddenly spoke, changing his tone to a more carefree one. - Let's play something.
Nulla looked at him with condescension, feeling that if Ignacy were here, the car would have fallen apart from his loud screams. She had the feeling that what Leo was proposing was far from reality. Additionally, the walls of her mind continued to echo with thousands of rapidly galloping thoughts.
- Pen? - she began quietly, suddenly gaining courage. Leo immediately fell silent, watching her with curiosity.
- What's up? - Emi asked, cutting Penelopa off, whose eyes rolled in irritation.
- You know my brother... - Nulla spoke calmly, though there was tension in her voice. - Is it possible that...
- No. - Penelopa interrupted, her voice cold and sharp as a razor. - He didn't know.
Nulla felt all the energy drain from her body, as if the weight she'd been carrying for hours suddenly evaporated. For a moment, she felt relief, but then a new wave of questions came.
- But how... - she started again, studying Penelopa's long, shiny hair.
- Ignacy is my friend. - Penelopa repeated firmly. - But I would never have involved him in this.
- It ended up with him getting himself into it. - Leo said sarcastically, interrupting her.
- Stop. - Penelopa scolded him, and a delicate crack appeared on her face, like a line on porcelain, through which worry could be seen. Nulla felt a sudden relief, the realization that she wasn't the only one worried about her brother gave her comfort. She more than ever wanted to stay in the car and talk to Pen. *"Maybe I'll find out more?"* she thought. *Or... maybe I'll just get bored,* she quietly concluded in her mind, almost shrugging her shoulders.
- Ignacy... - Penelopa continued, her voice sounding thoughtful. - He never asked. Even when he was helping me.
- If he helped you, he must have known. - Nulla interrupted her, feeling her heart race. Fear began creeping up her throat again, choking the words she barely managed to say.
- He didn't know. - Penelopa repeated firmly, her voice stronger now, her green eyes glazing over slightly. - Ignacy was never my confessor, and even if he had been, I would have lied to him.
Nulla fell silent, trying to organize the thoughts that were becoming more and more chaotic. Silence filled the car, swallowing her, as if an abyss of emotions was pulling her deeper.
- And you didn't think that way about me? - Leo suddenly interjected, breaking the silence. - If it weren't for you, I'd probably be living the life of a nouveau riche. - he added with slight irony, though there was something more behind it, something real.
- So why did you join? - Emi asked, not taking his eyes off the road.
- Love. - Leopold answered with one word, but there was something heavy about it, as if it weighed far more than it sounded.
- Or lack of brains. - Nulla said sarcastically, narrowing her eyes slightly. - I also told you to leave me alone.
Leo smiled crookedly but didn't respond. The tension in the air seemed to dissolve in the cool interior of the car.
- Have you ever been outside the White City? - Emi asked, changing the subject, his voice calm, though there was a trace of curiosity in his tone.
- Yes. - Nulla nodded, her thoughts drifting to past memories. - But back then, I was only in the fourth and fifth wall zones. - she added, recalling her past travels. - I was, for example, in the Jadeite Castles and beyond the Moving Sands. - she continued, as if seeing those images in her mind again.
- True, the Jadeite Castles are beautiful. - Leopold admitted with enthusiasm, his eyes sparkling, and his voice gained a bit of liveliness. - I remember the old marks on the walls, like... - he stopped, trying to recall something important. - Cyrillic! Yes, it was Cyrillic. - he said proudly, as if he had discovered something significant. - My father used to force me to learn it.
- You know Cyrillic? - Nulla asked, slightly surprised.
- No. - Leopold replied shortly, shrugging. - I skipped the lessons. - he added with a touch of irony. - Fortunately, I have two younger sisters, so they could fulfill his twisted ambitions. - he finished, a grimace of disgust appearing on his face, as if the memory of his father was particularly bitter.
- Can you use zones instead of those cultural names? - Penelopa interrupted, clearly irritated, though her face remained stone-like, as if she had once again donned her mask of composure.
Nulla lowered her head, clenching her hands.
- It was Zone six thirty-seven. - she answered confidently, lifting her gaze.
- And two hundred five. - Emi interrupted her.
- I've never been there. - Emi said calmly, almost indifferently. - Though I've heard it's a beautiful place. But I prefer traveling beyond the walls. - he added with a slight smile.
- You travel beyond the walls? - Nulla was clearly surprised, feeling her heart race. She thought she should say something but quickly controlled her emotions, sitting up straight. - You go beyond the walls? - she repeated in disbelief. - But it's forbidden! What about the corpses and contamination?
- Cults. - Emi replied shortly. - Also, drones hover above the ground. As soon as there's a larger concentration of bodies, the sky turns red. - he explained, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
- And what do cults have to do with this? - Leopold interrupted, his carefree attitude slowly giving way to seriousness. - You think five drones can handle them? - he asked, his voice shaking slightly, as if he had lost his confidence. - My father, even though he's the face of the White City, can only give speeches about how we're the heart of Europe. But the bodies don't decrease; on the contrary. And what about the rebellious wastelands? Their black soils have turned into graveyards - he stopped, feeling the gaze of the others on him, except for Emi, who kept his focus on the controls but was watching Leopold in the rearview mirror.
- I don't care anyway. - Leo continued, shrugging, trying to regain his former lightness. - I have sisters, let them deal with it. - he added, attempting a smile, though it didn't quite work.
- I've never been beyond the wall. - Nulla confessed after a moment of silence.
- And you haven't missed anything. - Penelopa replied without a shadow of doubt. - As Leo said, it's a literal morgue and battlefield. Cults can't handle it. - she said, glancing at Emi, who didn't seem disturbed by her words.
- Maybe a morgue, maybe a battlefield. - Emi replied, still calm. - But if you've never breathed forest air, you really don't know anything.
- "Forest air?" - Nulla repeated to herself, feeling the word resonate in her mind. She knew the theory about its composition, but it didn't seem extraordinary to her. After all, the air in the White City was the purest – filtered, germ-free, almost therapeutic. Yet that word – "forest air" – kept bothering her, returning like an echo in her thoughts.
- Enough! - Leo shouted, extending his arm excitedly. - I see the station! - he added, still energetically waving his hand as though every moment in the air was warming him up.
- Calm down, Leo. - Penelopa sank deeper into her seat, as if finally able to relax for a moment. Her voice was soft, almost soothing, yet exhaustion pierced every word. - We all see it.
Leo flinched for a moment, blushing. - Sorry... - he whispered, scratching his temple, trying to hide his embarrassment. - I guess I'm too excited, right?
- A little bit. - Emi responded with a hint of sarcasm, not lifting his eyes from the controls. His tone was cool, as if he didn't quite share Leo's enthusiasm.
Nulla watched the view outside as the vehicle descended. In the distance, she spotted the top of a transmission tower, its shiny silvery surface reflecting the sun's rays. The flashes of light almost blinded her sensitive, pale blue eyes, forcing her to quickly turn her head.
- Be careful. - Leopold, who had noticed her reaction, looked at Nulla with concern. - Are you okay?
- Steer! - Penelopa snapped at Emi, interrupting the moment of concern. - We're finally landing!
- I'm steering, I'm steering! - Emi shouted back, gripping the controls tightly, though clearly shaken. His tone became more impatient, as if wanting to emphasize that he had everything under control.
The vehicle slowly lowered, and the dust carried by the wind mixed with the ground, obscuring Nulla's view. Only when the car gently settled on the roof of the skyscraper could she fully appreciate the structure before her. The transmission tower seemed to dominate the entire area. Its steel structure gleamed in the daylight, reflecting the sun's rays like a cold, metallic mirror. However, what caught her attention were the strange, immaterial fragments – translucent, blue, digital elements that seemed to pulse with their own otherworldly glow. They appeared as though they extended beyond the material world, as if they were part of another dimension. Nulla felt as if she were looking at something that didn't fully belong to this reality.
The blue light pulsed gently, illuminating the metal bars of the tower, giving the structure an almost hypnotic glow. The flickering reflections danced across the car windows, filling the vehicle's interior with a cold, penetrating light.
- We're here. - Leo announced, opening the vehicle's door, his voice sounding more businesslike than usual.
- What? Already? - Emi asked, as if waking up from a stupor. - Alright. - he nodded, opening his door. He was about to step out when suddenly he felt Penelopa grab his hand with all her strength, pulling him closer to her. Her whisper was cold and full of warning.
- I'll manage. - Emi replied quietly, looking at her seriously. - I probably won't meet him. - he added, pulling away from her grasp, though not entirely sure of his words.
The brunette slammed the vehicle's door with such force that the echo bounced off the silence of the parking lot, leaving the two women inside. Nulla, sitting in the back seat, instinctively shivered. She followed with her eyes as the man, accompanied by Leon, made his way toward the door under the tower. Their silhouettes grew smaller with every passing second, but the intensity of the situation still pulsed in her mind. Inside, she felt the tension grow with every moment. Suddenly, as if on instinct, Emi stopped. He looked in the direction of the car, his face carrying a mix of emotions—unease, determination, maybe even fear. His gaze pierced the space between them, then, as if without thinking, he turned and rushed back toward them. His movements were swift, sharp, almost desperate, and Nulla felt something indescribable begin to rise within her—fear? Uncertainty? She didn't know exactly what was happening, but the situation was becoming more and more tense.
- What's going on? - Nulla turned to Penelopa, whose face, though outwardly cold, was beginning to show the first cracks in her mask.
Before either of them could say anything, Emi yanked open the car's rear door, peering inside. A flash of determination, bordering on madness, gleamed in his eyes.
- If anything happens, scream! - he said, his voice sharp, almost commanding, as if it was the last thing he needed to say. He slammed the door shut without waiting for a response.
Nulla, looking through the window, saw Leo standing nearby turn, his face twisting into a smile that looked more like a mocking grimace than joy. "He's laughing," she thought. Her heart skipped a beat, and her breath grew heavier. Slowly, she turned toward Penelopa, whose composure was starting to crumble like a porcelain figurine. Her eyes, usually so full of distance, were now filled with anxiety.
- I think Emi's taking this all too seriously. - Nulla remarked, trying to ignore the growing sense of danger within her.
Penelopa took a deep breath, thoughtful, as if fighting not to show weakness.
- He feels guilty. - she replied after a moment. Her voice was quiet, as if she were speaking more to herself than to Nulla.
Nulla looked at her, confused, trying to understand what exactly she meant. "Guilty? But not towards me... Towards my brother," the thought hit her like a cold wind. And yet... Why hadn't he shown that at home? Could she have missed something? Probably. Something about the situation didn't add up.
- How long have you been surrounded by men? - Penelopa broke the silence, trying to change the subject, though there was barely contained curiosity in her tone.
- My whole life. - Nulla replied, gazing out the window at the dark, cloudy sky. She blinked, as if trying to make sure that what was happening around her was real. - Do you really think it will take them only twenty minutes? - she asked, her voice carrying more than just curiosity. It was fear that was beginning to fill every open space in the car.
Penelopa shrugged, but her eyes revealed more concern than she wanted to admit.
- If they hurry, maybe. - she responded unconvincingly, fixing her gaze on Nulla as if trying to reassure her, though she didn't believe her own words.
- What if they run into... someone? - Nulla added after a moment, her voice trembling. Penelopa looked at her, trying to assess what exactly she meant.
- Someone? - she asked cautiously, though a shadow of understanding appeared in her eyes.
- You mentioned something to him earlier. - Nulla tried to recall Penelopa's exact words when she spoke with Emi. - He said he'd manage... - she quoted, attempting to recreate their conversation.
Penelopa fell silent for a moment, as if weighing every word.
- It was about his brother. - she finally replied, sighing deeply. Her voice, though calm, betrayed a certain shadow from the past. - Didn't Ignacy ever mention him to you? He's my boss, he probably hates him. I remember, two months before Teo woke up, Ignacy looked like someone barely holding himself together. He was nervous, aggressive... I think he even fought with him.
Her words were so brief and incoherent that Nulla listening to her managed to get lost twice in the conversation. The pale-haired woman drew in a sharp breath.
- We never talked about it... - she admitted. - Never about him. Everything always revolved around me. - she added, a little quieter, as if she was only now realizing how focused she had been on herself.
Penelopa looked at her carefully, as if evaluating whether it was the right moment to bring up something more important.
- And what about Teo? You seem to have a better connection, do you talk? - she began cautiously, trying not to offend Nulla. - Ignacy said you two were like two peas in a pod.
Nulla smiled ironically.
- If we compare salty and fresh water, maybe. - she replied, allowing herself a sarcastic remark.
Penelopa sighed, trying to change the subject.
- You know, my brothers and I don't have that kind of connection. Ignacy is like an older brother to me. Maybe that's why I envy you a little.
- You have nothing to envy. - Nulla interrupted her immediately, as if to cut off the topic. - At the moment, we're facing Tryfon. - she added sarcastically, turning her gaze away.
Penelopa, nevertheless, tried to lighten the atmosphere.
- Still... having a close family is something... - she started, but Nulla silenced her again.
- Our family isn't close. We just have a talent for getting into trouble. - she replied coldly.
- Our family isn't united, we just have a knack for getting ourselves into trouble. – the white-haired Penelopa interrupted, not giving Nulla the chance to continue. Nulla wasn't in the mood for this conversation. Her mind was preoccupied with entirely different thoughts; she wanted to know the truth, not analyze family matters. She wasn't ready for this kind of discussion.
- Why? – Nulla asked aloud, her voice sounding a bit stern, as if she were trying to force an answer. Penelopa looked at her deeply, as though she wanted to ask something else, but no words came from her lips.
- Why? Activists do it. – she added, trying to understand the true purpose of their actions.
- Me. – Penelopa answered, surprised by the question. – I honestly thought you would ask something else. – She returned to her stone mask, straightening up, as if she were trying to hold onto the chaos inside her.
- No. – Nulla disagreed, her tone firm. – If I have to join you, I at least want to know what this is all about.
Penelopa, trying to maintain her calm, rubbed her forehead.
- If I were you, I'd say they kidnapped me and are holding me illegally. – She looked at Nulla's flashing wrists, as if to emphasize how absurd the whole situation was. – You've got five districts. – she reminded the younger girl.
- Ignacy doesn't have any at the moment, and Teodor might be a sleeper activist. – Nulla responded. – These five districts mean nothing to me. – She concluded, feeling frustration rising in her voice.
- A sleeper activist? – Penelopa repeated, as if trying to digest the new information.
- I've looked into it a bit. – Nulla said confidently. – It seems pretty strange. Besides, Ignacy won't tell me what happened that day. Every time I ask, he changes the subject. – Her voice trembled with frustration, as if the memory still hurt more than she was willing to admit. – And then there's our resurrected dead father. – She shook her head. – Something definitely doesn't add up here.
- I think you're overthinking it. – Penelopa replied, trying to regain control of her emotions. – Yes, your father is weird, but Teo? Teodor? – She looked at Nulla disapprovingly. – Teodor is definitely not one of them. – She sighed. – I don't know why he lost his memory, but it's not because he's an activist.
- Still, I'd rather check everything myself. – Nulla responded with determination.
- You asked why. – Penelopa reminded her, wanting to change the direction of the conversation. – I do it for family. While others do it for justice, for freedom, for themselves, so that today won't entangle them tomorrow.
- I get it, so you don't have any real goal, you just feel wronged and jealous. – Nulla remarked, her tone full of irony and distance.
Penelopa glared at her, trying to control the anger building within her.
- It's not like that. – The brunette firmly denied.
- I don't care what it is. – Nulla said, her voice filled with determination and exhaustion. – I'll go wherever my brothers go, though I won't lie, I think it's all stupid. – She looked at her wrists as if trying to remind herself what had brought her here. – Now I can't back out, and if I close my eyes, it won't make the world disappear, will it?
- Has anyone told you that you're like Ignacy? – Penelopa asked, incredulous.
- Ignacy? – Nulla repeated, surprised.
- Yes, it's like I'm seeing him from school. – Penelopa mused. – You look just like Teodor, but your character… – she responded, eyeing Nulla's white hair.
At that moment, a loud knock interrupted the conversation. Penelopa, startled, stepped back inside the car. Her surprise was so intense that Nulla felt something tightening around her heart. With curiosity, she peered around Penelopa, wanting to see what had caused such unease.
- Art? - her voice seemed to crack under the tension. - What are you doing here? - she shouted, her words echoing inside the vehicle.
Nulla sat on the back seat, stunned.
- Art? - she repeated in disbelief, her heart freezing. Something heavy turned over inside her gut.
- Pen... - A man with a repulsive posture stood in the doorway of the vehicle. His silhouette exuded brutal strength, and in his dark, icy eyes lay contempt. Artur slid inside with brazen confidence, as if he had just returned home.
Penelopa instinctively recoiled, moving closer to the steering wheel, as if it might shield her from the man she had known for years. But now, in the light of his gaze, he seemed like a complete stranger.
- Are you alone? - he asked, inhaling the air in a way that reminded her of a wolf sensing blood. Contempt practically dripped from his voice.
Nulla watched him with disgust, her eyes drawn to the heavy chains decorating his neck and the grotesque, dead cyborg head hanging from his side like some twisted trophy.
- As you can see, - Penelopa replied, trying to maintain her composure, though her voice clearly trembled. She sensed that every word they exchanged was leading them straight into the lion's den.
In the back of the vehicle, Nulla froze as though time had suddenly stopped. She watched everything unfold in slow motion, unable to move. Artur, now comfortably sitting in the front seat, resembled a king lounging on his throne. The initial exchange of words sounded ordinary, almost like a conversation between old friends, though Nulla could feel the tension mounting with every passing second. Art mentioned something about Emi and Blue, calling them complete idiots, but it didn't even sound like a joke anymore.
And then, something changed.
His gaze suddenly hardened, and his tone became sharp, like a cold wind sweeping through the ruins of a mythical underground. Nulla felt her heart race, and every sound became muffled, drowned out by the terror. She knew something was about to happen, but she couldn't stop it.
Artur moved suddenly, with the precision of a predator ready to strike. His hand reached for an inner pocket of his coat. Nulla noticed a gleam of metal. It lasted only a fraction of a second, but for her, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Before she could react, she saw the metal knife gleaming coldly as it was pressed to Penelopa's neck. Pen froze. Her breath caught suddenly, and her hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Time seemed to stop. Silence fell, thick and suffocating, as if the very space around them dared not move even an inch.
- Don't move, - Artur hissed, his voice filling the vehicle with a threatening echo. It sounded like a verdict.
Nulla watched in horror, unable to move. She saw the man brutally strike Penelopa at the back of her head. The sound of the blow reverberated in her ears, like a glass bottle shattering on concrete. Penelopa collapsed, her body falling onto the seat like a statue knocked off its pedestal. She was powerless. Nulla felt the world spin around her. She wanted to scream, rush to help, but fear paralyzed her body. Artur slowly turned toward her, his cold eyes looking at her with such merciless indifference as if she were just another object to be claimed.
There was nowhere to run.
In an instant, his hand gripped her white dress, yanking it with brutal force. His other hand, hard as iron, pressed a chloroform-soaked cloth to her face. The scent of chemicals flooded her nostrils, and everything around her began to dissolve into nothingness. The world blurred, like an image seen through a fog. Nulla's eyes grew heavier, and the darkness slowly began to consume her, cold, relentless, like the abyss of Tartarus. The last thing she saw was Artur's gaze. He smiled, like a predator who had just caught its prey. The darkness enveloped her.