Eleanor's POV
The taxi ride was a blur of silent dread. Mia directed the driver to a sleek, imposing complex on the city's outskirts called the "Apex Research". The name was etched in cool, modern letters on a black granite wall. It looked less more like a high-security research facility, all sharp angles and reflective glass.
"This is where they craft the enchanted vehicles," Mira explained quietly as we pulled up. "It's the only place with the right... containment fields and artificers."
I just nodded, staring at the monolithic building. There was a tension in the air between the three of us. I felt it, a cold certainty that they were holding something back.
Something that would probably shatter whatever fragile composure I had left. So I didn't ask. Some truths, I decided, were better faced when I was already braced for impact.
I'd sent a text to the triplets' group chat earlier, told them where i was heading and that i would be coming back late.
