Night was slowly falling on the city.
In Asher's living room, a makeshift map covered the coffee table. Sketches, notes and scribbled routes testified to the haste with which everything had been organized.
Asher, still pale from his collapse, explained the plan in a firm voice.
— Fishlegs Castle is isolated. Only one road leads to the main entrance. Too risky.
He pointed to a wooded area on the map.
— But there is an old service passage behind the cliff. Little monitored.
Klaus crossed his arms.
— We enter in small groups. Discreet.
"Correct," Asher confirmed.
He pointed to each one in turn.
— Klaus, Gale, Bryan and I go through the back.
— Eiden and Axel neutralize the surveillance guards.
— Kira, Diana and Alix take care of evacuating Miria as soon as we get her back.
Marlie, nervous, asked:
—And if Fishlegs is waiting for us?
The silence hung heavy for a second.
"So we improvise," Asher replied. But we're not leaving without her.
Ray, who had remained silent until then, nodded slowly.
—Are we going there tonight?
- Yes. At midnight. Fishlegs will be less vigilant.
One by one, everyone nodded.
Fatigue suddenly fell on everyone now that the plan was set.
Katrina took a shaky breath.
"So… everyone get some rest. You will need your strength.
Little by little, the living room emptied. Everyone found a room, or a quiet corner to recuperate for a few hours.
But Katrina stayed.
Standing by the window.
Arms crossed, gaze lost in the dark night.
A few minutes passed.
Then Klaus walked silently into the room.
He observed her tense back before approaching slowly.
- How are you ?
Katrina didn't turn around.
His voice was fragile.
— I… I don't know.
She breathed hard.
—I'm so afraid that something will happen to him...
His voice cracked.
— Although she may have become a woman... she remains my daughter.
Klaus nodded.
—No one says otherwise.
He came a little closer.
—And it's normal to be afraid when you don't know where she is or how she's doing.
Katrina closed her eyes.
"I'm scared...terrified of losing her.
His voice trembled.
And, almost in spite of herself, she snuggled up against him.
Klaus stood still for a second, surprised.
Then, gently, he put his arms around her.
A simple gesture.
Comforting.
Silent.
At the same time…
There was a knock at the front door.