A faint creak interrupted the silence as Einstein opened the door and peeked outside.
The carriage driver stood under a lantern, dust on his boots and cloak.
"Tomorrow morning. We ride back to Macedonia. Pella. Be ready," he said before turning and disappearing into the night.
Einstein closed the door slowly, stunned. "We're leaving? Just like that? After everything it took to get here?"
Eliza frowned as she stood. "Wait. How long have we even been here? Two, three days?"
Hawking, sprawled on the rug, yawned. "So that's it? Say goodbye to Aristotle, hop in the carriage, and go?"
Einstein nudged him. "Stay awake for a second." He unrolled a scroll and tapped it.
"It took ten days to reach Athens. We've spent nine more—some here, some at the palace. That makes nineteen. Add ten days back, and that's twenty-nine."
"We only have thirty-one total," Eliza pointed out.
"Exactly. Two days left before the prototype auto-activates."
Maria flopped onto a bed, groaning. "Only two more days? That's it?" She glanced at her dead phone. "Ugh. I miss TikTok."
Hawking chuckled from the floor. "Doesn't matter. When the countdown ends, we're pulled back—ready or not."
The room fell silent. Even Da Vinci had dozed off, his sketchbook still open.
Eliza smiled. "He's out."
One by one, they settled in for the night, thoughts buzzing beneath the quiet.
The Next Morning
They woke early, focused. Quick baths, packed bags, and straightened robes.
Before leaving, they visited Aristotle one last time. Einstein stepped forward.
"Thank you. Would it be alright to take… a scroll?"
Aristotle smiled and handed him a parchment tied with golden thread. "Let it guide your future."
They bowed and waved to the students. Neonidas waved his arms like a windmill.
They climbed into the carriage, taking a few photos and a farewell video as Athens faded behind them.
Ten Days Later, Back in Pella
The palace came into view.
They had made it. Two days to spare.
Alexander welcomed them like heroes. Even though they had failed the philosophy test, he was impressed by their courage and performance in the arena.
He handed out parting gifts:
* Einstein: a leather-bound astronomy book
* Eliza: a flame-shaped crystal pendant
* Maria: golden vine earrings
* Hawking: a cedar puzzle box
* Da Vinci: a fine writing set wrapped in embroidered cloth
That evening, Katerina visited.
She and Da Vinci felt different now. Still awkward, but there was something more between them.
"Why do you freeze every time she walks in?" Hawking teased.
Einstein smirked. "He's caligynephobic. He told me once that he's scared of pretty women."
Da Vinci blushed but later surprised them all.
As Katerina stood by the window, Vinci pulled out a small solar-powered flashlight.
"This is for you," he said. "Leave it in the sun to recharge."
She took it, wide-eyed. The others offered pens, pads, and notebooks ;small treasures from their world.
When it was time for her to leave, Vinci whispered, "Let's walk her home."
They all agreed.
Through marble halls and quiet streets, they walked with her to a small ivy-covered house.
At the door, Vinci gave her a soft hug. "Thank you. For everything."
She smiled and slipped inside.
The Final Night
As they walked back, something shimmered in the air.
Einstein froze and opened the bag.
The prototype glowed deep blue.
"It's starting. Five minutes."
They formed a circle and linked hands. The hum grew louder. The air buzzed.
"Three...
Two...
One.."
A flash of light exploded around them.
Then silence.
They blinked.
They were back in the lab. Everything was just as it had been. Not even the second hand on the clock had moved.
Maria looked around, stunned. "Are we… really back?"
Einstein checked the device. The glow was fading.
"We made it."
Da Vinci smiled, quiet and proud.
Hawking stretched. "Time travel, baby."
Eliza laughed, holding up her dead phone. "And we survived it."
The journey to Alexander had ended.
Next stop: Hypatia of Alexandria.