'I... I don't know,' Nyx muttered as the golden light slowly passed through the walls, disappearing from the view. 'It almost completely blocked our link; I couldn't do anything, Leo. I was scared... Why didn't you run? You promised."

Leo winced at the obvious tremble in Nyx's voice. I thought about escaping and almost did in the end... But then I felt it. The encompassing warmth, whispers of promised safety... That's why I didn't move. Because somehow I knew this fire wouldn't harm me.

For a while, it seemed like Nyx wouldn't say anything. Yet, just then, her soft whisper filled Leo's head. 'Hunter...'

He blinked, furrowing his brow. What?

'Hunter,' Nyx repeated, her tone never changing. 'He might have left me his memories, his shattered mind. However, you, Leo... you have his power, his unlimited access to bloodlust, and what's now obvious, his instincts... I thought they died with Hunter's consciousness, but it seems I was wrong.'

Hunter, huh? Leo chuckled within the safety of his mind. Protecting me even from the grave. Fucking hell...

'You could say that,' Nyx agreed. 'However, remember, those instincts now belong to you. They are currently weak, and most likely still in the process of bonding with your subconsciousness, but with time, they will become another part of you. And just like with open bloodlust, you must be ready for what they will bring.'

Sounds ominous. Leo sighed, once more watching through Nyx's eye as the golden dome continued to expand outside the warehouse. Not like we can do much about it, eh? I just need to learn how to handle all of the changes coming my way and not die in the process. Sound simple.

'Humans...' Nyx grumbled quietly. 'You really love your sarcasm.'

Leo almost snorted. One, I'm not human anymore. And two, I'm sure sarcasm must be a universal way of coping with bullshit. Life would be dull without it.

'I'm sure,' Nyx muttered, her voice as dry as a desert.

Sobering up, Leo glanced at Holden, who still had a hand upon the colossal, golden pillar. Anyway... This light, it healed me. It even got the few scars I gathered on my arms... If it can do that, then maybe there is another way to fix Adam.

'Leo,' Nyx whispered softly. 'The light healed you, that's true. But please, don't get your hopes up. The little human's case is much more complicated than a flesh wound. It might work, but it also might do nothing or cause more harm than good.'

Leo bit back a retort, swallowing hard. Even if he didn't want to hear it, he knew Nyx was right. However, he couldn't give this idea up, not when another light had finally appeared at the end of the tunnel.

Don't worry, he finally said back. I understand that this is just a 'might' and nothing definite. I won't let this blind me.

'I'm glad... And Leo? I truly wish I could give you a solution. But not even Nikra knew of a way to save the child at your current stage of power. Any sort of healing arts or cleansing rituals are far beyond us.'

Understood. Leo nodded lightly with a heavy heart. Though I would like to hear about those things anyway if you don't mind.

'Of course,' Nyx whispered, her tone brightening, the warmth returning to their link. 'But it will need to wait. The process is done.'

Focusing on their shared sight, Leo understood what the Voidling meant. The golden dome finally stopped expanding, its transparent light hovering a good distance above the warehouse.

The new Safe Zone's protection stretched wide, easily covering the area around the building and even including the streets to some extent. There really was no comparison between a temporary and permanent zone.

Looks good. More than enough space to house a few hundred people if developed right. Leo admitted, a few possible plans running through his head. But not gonna lie; if the entire city didn't notice this already, it will soon.

'Indeed. A small price to pay for certain protection.'

Leo nodded without a word and disconnected from their shared vision. With Holden finally turning away from the glowing pillar, it was time to set up the next part of their plans.

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And so, with measured and almost silent steps, he approached the other man. The leader was already fighting off questions from a grinning Clara. Yet with just a raise of his hand, he stopped the overly excited woman when he noticed Leo coming closer.

"Well Hale, this is it. You said you could do this, and you did. You have my and my people's thanks."

"Oh don't be so stiff, Tony!" Clara clapped Holden on the back, hard. "We just claimed a permanent safe zone. Smile a bit!"

The man stumbled a step, shooting the woman a glare. "You smile enough for all of us. And our job is far from over, Clara."

The woman huffed, her shoulder slumping. "Aye, aye. I know. Way to bring down the mood when that bloody thing pumped me with more caffeine than I ever drank."

Leo quirked an eyebrow. So, the Safe Zone really healed them all. Although, it didn't fill him with energy like it did for Clara.

Maybe it works differently for humans? Or is it just her? A quick scan of the warehouse made Leo question the latter. Apart from Clara, no one seemed like they drank five energy drinks in a row. Though Tyler's constant dedication to glaring at me is commendable.

Shrugging off the hostile gaze, Leo nodded to the tower behind Holden. "Any problems with the new safe zone? Stability? Payment?"

"Nothing," the leader stated, even as a tiny frown appeared on his face. "At least not yet."

Dear Void, what now? Leo mirrored Holden's expression. "What do you mean?"

"Don't get me wrong, Hale, this place is safe, much safer than the one we had before..." Holden grimaced, but it was almost unnoticeable. "I just don't know how long this will last."

You're not making much sense, man. Get to the point.

"This shield, that repaired the building and now covers it in a dome, isn't impenetrable. Just like Voidlings, it has a power ranking," the man continued explaining. "Currently it stands at D- but if the world keeps on growing, this might not be enough."

Leo let out a long sigh. Why did I ever think this would be simple. Of course, a random safe zone won't protect us from beasts that have had years or more to grow stronger.

"So what? This place will become essentially useless after some time?"

"Not necessarily," Holden shook his head. "With my job, I can upgrade it. Bigger territory, stronger shield, Ether flare production. All of this and more is available to buy. However, none of those things come cheap."

"Ether?

Holden nodded. "Among other things. None of which we can even obtain now."

Yeah... figured out that myself. Still, it could have been worse. Of course, just as this thought passed through Leo's head, Holden spoke up again.

"And once we buy those upgrades, the upkeep price will return. If we don't pay it, our safe zone will slowly revert to its base state."

Leo fought the urge to hit his head into a wall. I just had to jinx it... New rule, Nyx, remember it. If something can go wrong, it will go wrong. And if it didn't, expect it to go to shit later.

'I can see what you meant by being a pessimist,' Nyx muttered.

Ignoring the Voidling's jape, Leo addressed the two humans. "Only Ether to pay this time?"

Holden's mouth tightened into a thin line, his eyes darting from right to left, up and down. "For now? Yes. I can't see any other requirements. Only Ether is to be paid every ten days."

Depending on the amount, it should be doable for a large group. Leo noted, nodding at Holden. "You have time to figure out this later. Doubt you will need any upgrades in the coming days."

"Aye." Holden began towards the warehouse exit. "We have other things to worry about. Our first safe zone will collapse soon if we don't pay, and I have nowhere near enough Ether for that. We have today and most of tomorrow to gather things and escort everyone here."

It's just one thing after another, isn't it?

"So what's the plan?" Leo asked out loud. "I didn't get you this nest, only for it to become useless."

Holden grimaced and spun around to face the others, his emotion on full display again. "Allen!" He growled. "You will stay here. Protect this place with your life if you must. Do you understand, boy?"

Tyler's permanent glare at Leo disappeared as he gave Holden a firm nod.

"Evan," the leader turned towards the assassin. "Map this place and make an inventory of what we can use. When you finish, run back to ReachHope and tell Diana to speed up the preparations. I want people to be ready to move on the first light tomorrow if necessary."

Evan tipped his head, "On it. Good luck."

As the man sprinted deeper into the warehouse's offices, Holden looked back at Leo and Clara. "You two, I know it's a lot to ask after what you just did, but I need you to accompany me somewhere."

"Oh?" Leo narrowed his eyes. "Where?"

Holden, not backing off, held his gaze. "Police station. If we all want to survive, we need more people. I can't always depend on you and the few fighters I have. Not when we must transport about forty people from ReachHope to here."

Fair point. Leo tilted his head. "And you want me to come? Bring a literal monster to another group of humans?"

For the first time since he met him, Holden chuckled. "Indeed. I heard Clara told you about our past with that group, right?" Leo nodded. "Then trust me when I say it. I know Frank better than anyone, and if there is one person who won't have a problem with you, it's him."

"That's quite the statement to make," Leo commented. "But fine, I will go. Just remember, I'm not a tool for you to use. If you have a plan, you tell me about it. No funny business and everyone will remain happy."

Holden tightened his hold on the sword at his hip. "You have nothing to worry about, Hale. Not from me," he sighed. "I wouldn't dare to put my people at more risk than they already are."

Leo grinned just enough to show a bit of teeth. "Good. I will meet you by the gallery's entrance close to the station. Till then."

Without another word, Leo spun around and dove towards the exit, ready for the next part of the journey.

Nyx. It's time to hunt.