Petyr is reunited with his family. His ashes are placed into a small box and buried at Capitala Memorial alongside his late wife, Gina, and son, Ben. It’s a quiet evening, hardly any words are spoken. The sun begins to set on the horizon. I take a handful of soil, then toss it into his grave.

“Thank you for giving me another chance,” I whisper solemnly. Keith leans his head on my shoulder and massages my arm gingerly.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” he says. It’s all he can do. He cries for me. I turn to him and kiss him on the forehead then wipe the tears from underneath his eyes.

“I love you. I won’t let anything happen to you,” I kiss him once more. “But I need to be alone right now.”

I wander the streets of downtown Capitala. During my walk I see the ruin of the bank sectioned off to the public by a tall wire fence. Photos of the victims are hung on fence along with bouquets of flowers. My lips tremble helplessly and eyes begin to burn. I fall to my knees and let it all out. I cry until I have no tears left to cry; until all I feel is seething hatred.

“Don’t let anger define you…” I hear him say. I ignore it, and phone the Prime Minister’s secretary.

A solid mahogany door opens to my left. The Prime Minister enters his office, a plume of gray smoke trailing from the lit cigar held daintily between his fingers. He appears well relaxed, wearing a loose fitting button up and black suspenders.

“Greetings, Mr. O’Hara,” he says quaintly. “I appreciate you agreeing to meet face to face. Confidentiality is key and whatnot.” He reaches to shake my hand but I don’t budge. He pauses, then takes another look at me. “Are you alright?”

“I’ve reconsidered your offer. I want to join. I want to put a stop to Lupo!”

“Oh?” he replies curiously. “Last we spoke you were adamant on caring for your father inste—”

He stops, then comes to the realization of what happened. His face droops with sorrow. “Oh… my deepest condolences, Mr. O’Hara.”

I wipe my face. “It’s whatever. Tell me what I need to do to join. What do I sign?”

“Let’s not be too hasty. You’re under quite a bit of stress. We should maybe discuss this when your mind is a bit clearer.”

I pound my fist onto his desk. “No! I’ve had days to think this over! You’re right! I’m done being the victim! I’ve lost my mother and father in two separate attacks! I’m not going to lose anyone else!”

The Prime Minister takes a few puffs of his cigar contemplatively. He narrows his gaze silently, judgingly. I gaze back. His nose twitches slightly and he leans forward in his leather seat.

“Ayden, I understand how you feel. To lose everyone you’ve cared about and feel nothing but the burning sensation of vengeance. You and I are alike…”

“Don’t compare me to you!” I hiss through my teeth. “We’re nothing alike!”

“Quite the contrary. I lost my family too...” he replies. I narrow my eyes suspiciously.

“I’m sorry. What happened to them?”

“I lost them in the invasion fifty years ago. Arcathia was vulnerable during the war. She was reliant on the DSSO for protections…”

He rises from his seat then turns to face the window. He points with his cigar towards an area within Circle Park.

“Right there… that’s the last place I’d see my wife and daughter alive. We were racing to an evacuation shuttle. I lost grip of my wife’s hand in the panicked crowd. She called out my name but then her voice was silenced by what sounded like crashing thunder. It was a harrowing sound, like the sky was being torn apart over our heads. Before I knew it, an unholy blackness swallowed me. I’m trapped in this void like space for what felt like an eternity. I thought I died and went straight to Hell. When I came to, I found myself inside an evac shuttle, my wife and daughter were nowhere in sight. I discovered later one of the Gifted saved a group of survivors just before an orbital strike would’ve killed us all…”

He glances over to a picture on his desk then shows it to me. The photo is of a young woman and a young girl about ten years old. It’s dated December 19th, 2201, two days before the attack.

“That was my wife, Leah, and my daughter, McKenzie. I took this photo during a picnic in Circle Park. We were oblivious to the threat coming in the following days. This photo is the only thing I have left to remember them by…”

He gazes into the photograph deeply, then swallows. “Sometimes I wish it were me instead of them...”

He shakes his head then places the picture facedown on the desk.

“So rather than sulk or wallow in misery, I took action like you. I climbed the political ladder and became Prime Minister. It wasn’t easy, it was hard work but eventually I reshaped Arcathia into a safer place.”

“It certainly doesn’t seem that way…” I comment snidely.

“Ayden, I know you still resent me for not warning the public about Lupo, but I assure you we’re on the same team. We both want to see the end of Lupo’s terror.”

“No. We may be in the same court, but we’re not on the same team. I’ll give you my cooperation but you'll never gain my trust. Not after that stunt you pulled Friday.”

My cybernetic arms rings and I glance down. It’s Keith. I put it to voicemail. The Prime Minister stares placidly then rests his cigar on an elegant stone ashtray. He then rises from his seat and paces back and forth in front of his office window overlooking Circle Park.

“Are you sure this is what you want to do? You’re putting your own life at risk.”

“I’ve never been more confident,” I reply. The Prime Minister nods mutually then walks over to a display cabinet to the left of his desk. He takes two small glass cups, and with his other hand a square shaped crystal decanter. He lifts the bulbous top from the decanter and a sharp smell fills the room. Bourbon. Aged bourbon. He pours the dark, smooth liquid into the glasses.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for how I chose to handle things. Let’s toast to a new beginning and to the fall of Lupo.” He gazes to me, glass of bourbon in hand. I huff disapprovingly, but I can’t resist. We toast, then I throw my head back and down the bourbon in seconds. The concoction burns my throat raw, forcing an unflattering cough. The Prime Minister chuckles briefly then sips from his glass.

“Let me show you something,” he says eagerly.

“Shouldn’t we discuss the task force?” I ask, feeling slightly motivated by the burning sensation in my chest.

“In time,” he replies. He guides me to a pedestal in between two bookshelves on the other side of the room. On top of the pedestal is an ominous, reflective black box. I observe the box at almost every angle but spot no significant detail that would make it anything more than just a black box. I turn to the Prime Minister unamused. He presses a hidden button and the black box’s surface becomes transparent instantly. Inside, in a piece of scorched metal, at least that what it looks like at first glance. As I gaze longer, the unfamiliar piece of metal takes shape. It’s some kind of mask, an animal mask with pointed ears and a snout.

“What am I looking at?”

“The mask of the original Lupo—well, what’s left of it at least,” The Prime Minister replies. I reposition myself in the front of the pedestal and the hunk of gray metal starts to vaguely resemble the outline of a wolf’s head. My own intrigue draws me closer until the faint reflection of my face overlaps the front of the mask. I align my eyes with the shattered lens the original wearer once saw through. It invokes a strange feeling of peculiarity. I remember something.

I’m running down a long stairwell into a corridor. My little heart is pounding in my chest. I’m lost and I’m scared. I look up. The wolf mask appears from thin air, floating ominously over my head. It looks down upon me with a halo of fire and imposing red eyes. My legs won’t move. I’m paralyzed with fear.

I blink the flashback away, then stare at the mask absently. “Why do you have that?” I ask calmly.

“To remind myself evil still exists,” he replies. The Prime Minister switches the button and the mask becomes covered by the black veil once again. I glance to the black box with sickening fascination. I can still see the mask through the veil, and it’s looking back at me with fiery, red eyes. My cybernetic rings again. I glance down. Keith again. Like before, I send it to voicemail. I look back to the glass box in wonder.

“Who was the first Lupo?” I ask. The Prime Minister furrows his brows curiously. He reflects silently, scratches his chin and then half-shrugs.

“The identity of the first Lupo remains… unknown,” he replies with a heavy sigh. “We know they were female, and in their mid-forties. It’s strange really. This pregnant woman is a lot like the first Lupo. Another nameless nobody.”

“No one’s been able to identify her?”

The Prime Minister shakes his head. “She’s an enigma… but you’ll be debriefed about that later.”

“When exactly is later?” I ask.

“Possibly as soon as tomorrow,”

“Tomorrow?!” My nerves kick into high gear. I want to ask questions but once glance to the Prime Minister and suddenly my mind blanks. I stammer hopelessly.

“Time is of the essence. I’ll have my secretary contact Director York of the Arcathian Bereau of Investigation and have him arrange pick-up at your address. Please remember this operation is on a need to know basis—”

My cybernetic rings again, interrupting him mid sentence. I reject it quickly.

“Who keeps calling you?”

I don’t want to rouse any concern by telling him the truth. “My doctor,” I bluntly lie. “He’s concerned about my mental health given the recent passing of my father.”

The Prime Minister raises his brows. “Go ahead and call him back, we’re already through here.” We shake hands. “I thank you for your choosing to assist Arcathia in her time of need.”

I nod my head. The reality of my decision starts to set in. I feel as if I made a deal with the devil. What will I tell Keith? I won’t lie to him. He deserves to know.

“Get some well deserved rest. I need you at peak performance tomorrow morning.” says the Prime Minister as he escorts me out. He reaches for the door but it swings open suddenly. I jump out of my skin as a two familiar glaring eyes center on me. Doctor Hsu. She glares more intensely, flaring her nostrils. The Prime Minister’s secret servicemen linger behind her in close proximity but are powerless to do anything.

“What are you thinking?” asks Doctor Hsu. “You abandon Keith at your own father’s funeral, then disappear into the city for hours? He’s worried sick!”

I lower my head with shame. The doctor scoffs disapprovingly.

“Ayden, I understand exactly what you’re going through. But you’re an emotional wreck right now, and you’re letting your anger get the best of you.”

“Now, now, Doctor. Ayden visited to notify me of his father’s passing and express his sorrow.”

“With all due respect, Mr. Prime Minister. Shut up. I know of your involvement to discreetly jumpstart a Gifted task force. I’ll have you know that it’s in direct violation of the Hero Accord. Once the Admiral Tanaka hears of this, the DSSO and USH will shut the program down before it can ever see the light of day.”

“The Hero Accord? W-Whats that?” I stammer.

“The Hero Accord is an USH enforced treaty prohibiting any entity that is not the DSSO from militarizing Gifted individuals. Which includes but is not limited to, other military affiliations, secret services, civil defence organizations and underground task forces.” replies Doctor Hsu sternly. She glares to the Prime Minister.

“Who’s it with, Victor? Private Sector? ABI? Is your little lap dog, York, involved?”

The Prime Minister gazes to the Doctor placidly. I can feel the tension rise between the two. Prime Minister Cain eventually curls his lips into a smile. It’s an odd, triumphant smile that lacks the charm of a political figure. It’s intimidating almost.

“I honestly have no idea what you’re rambling about,” he replies. “I’ll have my men see you out now. I’m quite busy at the moment.”

I feel one of the servicemen grip their hand on my shoulder.

“This is far from over, Victor!” growls Doctor Hsu. The servicemen escort the two of us through the front lawn to the public sidewalk. They lock the security gate behind us, then activate a hexagonal energy barrier for good measure.

“Doc, I’m really sorry...” I begin to apologize. She doesn’t reply. Instead she stares up into the night sky, taking deep angry breaths. She shakes her head slowly. Her open palm connects with the side of my face with lightning face speed. I feel the sting before I even hear the firm smack. I stagger backwards while grasping the side of my face.

“You’re a fucking moron!” Doctor Hsu exclaims, grabbing my coat collar and forcing my attention to her. “Who the hell do you think you are? One of the Saviors?”

I break free from her grip. “That bitch is going to pay for taking Petyr away from me! I’m not going to stand around and do nothing!” I exclaim. Our commotion draws the attention of a few bystanders strolling through Circle Park.

“Is this young man bothering you?” asks a good samaritan walking his dog.

“No, I’m scolding my son right now, please leave.”

The samaritan buys her lie, given our similar racial features, then proceeds down the sidewalk with his golden retriever.

“You’re not my mom,” I say, lowering my voice to a whisper.

“No I’m not, but I’ll knock some sense into you as if I were.”

“Why do you care what I do anyway? I want to do this. I need to do this!”

“You have zero combat experience!” she replies with gritted teeth.

“I used to take care of myself when I lived on the streets! I got into a lot of fights and I know how to use my powers effectively!”

I glance around to make sure no one was too close to hear.

“I was in a gang before I met Petyr,” I whisper. “A-And besides, I’m practically a category three Kinetic.”

Doctor Hsu scrunches up her face. “You fainted in my arms after witnessing the Pyrokinetic die…”

Her comment tears my confidence to shreds. During our silence, a copper colored luxury SUV with tinted windows pulls over. The rear passenger door opens, inviting me in.

“Now get your ass in the car, I’m taking you home,” orders Doctor Hsu. I reluctantly enter. Doctor Hsu punches in the coordinates to Keith’s address and initiated the autopilot feature. She rotates the driver seat around one hundred eighty degrees with a deep, troubled sigh. She buries her face into her palm, rubbing her temples aggressively.

“Do you think joining this task force is going to bring your father back?” she asks in a gentler tone. I remain quiet. She scoffs. “I know I can’t convince you to change your mind. You’re stubborn as you are confident.”

“Why are you still lecturing me? You said it yourself, the DSSO and USH will shut down the task force.”

“Because… there was this... look in his eyes. I know you saw it too. He’s plotting something. I don't know what, but I know it has something to do the accord. Maybe he found a loophole or something.”

We arrive at Keith’s home. The SUV pulls into the driveway before coming to a stop.

“Get inside,” barks Doctor Hsu. “Be sure to apologize to Keith for being such an idiot!”

I slam the car door behind me. Doctor Hsu watches me enter the house before speeding off.

“Ayden?” I hear Keith call out from the living room. He races to me and hugs me tightly. “I didn’t know where you were! I tried calling you but you didn’t answer so I called Doctor Hsu...”

I take a deep breath. “I’m so sorry I left you alone.”

“Where were you? You were gone for hours.”

“I need to tell you something.” I say. Keith narrows his eyes, confused. I don’t know where to start. Which words to use to gently break the news that I’ve chosen to risk my life in the pursuit of Lupo. I get lost in his eyes, and the words seem to get caught in my throat. I take another deep breath.

“The Prime Minister is forming a Gifted task force to hunt Lupo. He’s offered me a position on the team, and I’ve accepted his offer.”

Keith blinks a few times. His expression twists into a look of utter astonishment and disbelief.

“Why?”

“Because, I want to fight! I’ve already lost Petyr and my mother! I don’t want to lose you too!”

“Well, what about me? Huh? I don’t want to lose you either!” replies Keith. He wipes his face out of frustration.

“I know… I just—”

“You just what? You’re just going to sign up for a suicide squad behind my back? You could’ve talked to me about it! Give me at least a chance to smack some sense into you!”

“You wouldn’t be the first…” I comment, rubbing my cheek.

“What did Jennifer say?” he asks.

“She says the Hero Accord will put a stop to things, but she was also adamant the Prime Minister has a plan to bypass the law.”

“I hope for your sake, it falls through,” says Keith. “What were you thinking?”

“I’m angry, dammit! I wasn’t thinking! I just want that bitch to pay for taking away Petyr!”

“Let the DSSO handle it then! That’s their job! To keep the peace among the colonies!”

“I’m going to see this through! Even if it gets shut down, at least I can tell myself I tried!”

“Ayden, this isn’t you!” exclaims Keith.

“Clearly you don’t know me as well as you think you do then!”

Keith‘s go wide. My heart plummets into a pit of regret.

“Keith, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that,” I say remorsefully. Keith throws his hands into the air. He scoffs disgustedly.

“I guess I don’t. Goodnight, Ayden…” He storms off to the bedroom.

“Babe! Wait! Please!”

He slams the bedroom door shut, then locks it. I groan, wiping my face with my palm. I curl up on the living room couch, seeking comfort among the throw pillows. I’ve made my bed. Now I must lie in it.