Chapter Nine: Meeting the Leaders
Chapter Nine: Meeting the Leaders The warm, earthy air filled my lungs as we walked through the maze of corridors. Every turn revealed something new, something incredible. People waved as we passed, smiling warmly. Children ran by, laughing and carrying small toys, their joy echoing through the space. It was hard to reconcile the warmth of this place with the sterile, cold world I had come from. “We’re stopping by my parents’ place first,” the girl said, glancing back at me. “They’ll want to say hello.” I nodded, still trying to absorb everything I had seen. “You haven’t told me your name,” I said, realizing the oversight. She smiled. “Lena,” she said simply. “And you?” The question made me falter. For a moment, I wasn’t sure how to answer. “I… don’t really know,” I admitted, the uncertainty hanging in the air. Her smile faded slightly but only for a moment. “We’ll figure that out,” she said, her voice reassuring. We stopped outside a small home nestled into the side of the cavern wall...