CHAPTER 234: Alaska, a Safe Place

CHAPTER 234: Alaska, a Safe Place

The plane advanced through the night, crossing a dark and silent sky toward Alaska. The interior was in dim light, with most of the passengers asleep or silent.

Fenix and Selene were seated facing each other, separated by the small central aisle. Lucian rested between them, motionless.

For a few minutes, neither said anything.

Until Selene broke the silence.

—That civilization… —she began, settling into her seat—. They're called the White Nocturnes.

Fenix raised his gaze slightly.

—Curious name.

—They live completely isolated. In the middle of nowhere. They have no contact with other factions.

Fenix nodded slowly.

—Sounds exactly like what we need.

Selene hesitated a second before continuing.

—Fenix…

He did not respond.

—I'm sorry about your arm.

There was a small silence.

Fenix turned his head slightly, looking at the empty sleeve that hung at one side of his body.

For a few seconds he said nothing.

Then he spoke.

—It's nothing.

His voice was low.

—I just have to… learn again.

Selene watched him in silence.

—Shoot with one hand —he continued—. Eat with one hand… do everything with the left.

He tried to sound indifferent.

He did not succeed.

His jaw tensed.

—Nothing complicated.

But his voice broke barely at the end.

A second.

Just one.

He lowered his gaze, pressing his lips together, as if trying to contain something he did not want to show.

The constant noise of the engines filled the silence that followed.

Selene leaned slightly toward him, lowering her voice.

—Hey… —she said calmly—. I know everything has been shit these last months… but at least we're still here.

Fenix did not respond.

—We're in this together —she added—. And that's already something.

Silence fell again for a few seconds.

Then Fenix spoke.

—Since Enid died… —he began, without looking at her— I feel like… something is missing from me.

Selene watched him.

A second later—

CLAC.

The dry sound of the slap cut through the air.

Fenix turned his face from the impact, surprised.

—Don't be an idiot —Selene said, serious.

He looked at her, not understanding.

Selene leaned a little more, her gaze firm.

—That woman was a monster.

Fenix said nothing.

—She manipulated everyone —she continued—. She played with people as if they were pieces. Are you really going to stay broken over someone like that?

Fenix lowered his gaze.

—She used you —Selene added—. You, Marcus… everyone.

The silence became heavier.

Fenix did not respond.

He did not argue.

He did not contradict her.

He just… broke.

His shoulders trembled slightly while tears began to fall in silence.

Selene watched him for a few seconds.

Her expression softened barely.

—You're too good for this rotten world… —she murmured.

Fenix did not raise his head.

And for the first time in a long time, he simply let himself cry.

Selene let him have a few more seconds, giving him space. Then, with a firmer tone, she spoke again.

—Fenix… we have to be prepared.

He did not raise his head.

—Marcus is not going to stay still in one place —she continued—. And from what it seems… he's looking for you.

Fenix swallowed.

—He wants revenge.

Silence returned.

Fenix breathed deeply… and this time he did not hold back.

—I… —he began, his voice broken—. I could have prevented all of this.

Selene said nothing.

—I could have stopped Enid earlier… —he continued—. I could have done something when there was still time.

He clenched his fists.

—Marcus… the others… —his voice trembled—. Everyone.

He raised his gaze, eyes reddened.

—But I did nothing.

Selene watched him in silence.

—I saw it all coming —he added—. The signs… what was happening… and even so I kept going as if nothing.

His breathing became irregular.

—And now they're dead… or worse.

His words came out faster and faster, more charged.

—And it's my fault.

Silence.

Fenix lowered his gaze again.

—It's eating me up inside… —he murmured—. All of this.

Selene did not respond immediately.

The noise of the plane continued constant, oblivious to everything.

And for a moment, the only thing that remained… was the weight of those words.