Suddenly, Alden looked toward Ethan and Draven, who met his gaze in return.
Alden huffed, "Suddenly I'm not feeling bad for him at all."
Ethan crossed his arms. "Me too."
Draven grunted. "Yeah, same here."
Seraphina and Ava laughed harder, breaking the hug from Alex, who now glared at the trio playfully.
"Yeah, well, I didn't ask for sympathy from weaklings either," Alex shot back.
Ethan, Draven, and Alden barked in unison, "What do you say, you bastard?!"
Alex grinned. "Didn't you hear that?"
Alden jabbed a finger. "You wanna go?"
Alex cracked his knuckles. "Bring it on."
Suddenly Zara emerged from the shadows, her voice low and urgent. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself… but 30 minutes remain now. Let's go."
Hearing that, everyone's expressions fell, the banter dying like a snuffed flame. The reality crashed back—heavy, final.
"Alright guys," Alex said, his tone shifting serious as he looked toward all of them. "I'll miss you all, but it's time to go now."
