(The safehouse, evening — Anastasha deciding about her family)
The house is quieter tonight. Liliana's music hums faintly from another room, and Kelvin is tidying in the kitchen. Gabriel sits in his usual place, silent, unreadable. I sit at the edge of the couch, twisting the blanket in my lap until the fabric knots. My throat burns. The words feel impossible, but they claw their way out anyway.
Me (Anastasha): "…I can't go back, can I?"
Kelvin pauses in the doorway, drying his hands on a towel. His eyes soften. Liliana pokes her head in, raising a brow. Gabriel doesn't move. The silence crushes until Kelvin finally answers.
Kelvin:[gentle] "Not without tearing yourself apart."
My hands shake harder. I squeeze the blanket tight, whispering.
Me: "They'll hate me. They'll think I abandoned them."
Liliana:[softer than usual, but still sharp] "Or they'll live. People do that. Families… adjust. Even when it hurts."
I look up, startled by the edge in her tone. She glances away quickly, pretending to fuss with her phone. Kelvin sits across from me, leaning forward, voice low.
Kelvin: "You're not leaving them because you don't care. You're leaving because it's the only way to keep them safe. That's not abandonment. That's love."
The words make my chest ache. My vision blurs. Gabriel finally speaks, his voice quiet, heavy.
Gabriel: "Clinging to what's already gone will only destroy you. And them."
I flinch. The bluntness cuts, but part of me knows it's true. My whisper breaks, raw.
Me: "…So what do I do? Just walk away? Pretend they never mattered?"
Liliana snorts, tossing her phone aside. Her voice is sharp, but her eyes glint softer when they meet mine.
Liliana: "No. You carry them. That's what we all do. We carry the people we can't keep."
The room stills at that. Even Gabriel doesn't speak. My throat tightens until I can't hold back the tears. They spill hot and fast, blurring everything. Kelvin reaches for my hand, warm and steady.
Kelvin: "It'll hurt. For a long time. But you won't be alone in it."
I squeeze his hand, shaking. My voice cracks, but it comes out steady enough to feel real.
Me: "…Then I'll stay. With you. With Radiata."
The silence after feels different this time. Not crushing — just heavy with something final. Liliana exhales, flopping back against the cushions like she's been holding her breath.
Liliana: "Well, congrats. You're officially one of us. No take-backs."
Gabriel's gaze lingers on me. Dark. Unreadable. But when he speaks, it's quieter than I expect.
Gabriel: "Then it begins."
The words chill me even as I nod, wiping my face. For the first time, I know there's no going back. My family is behind me. My future — whatever it is — sits here, in this mismatched, impossible place, with these impossible people.
(Morning at the safehouse )
The light wakes me before the voices do. Harsh, pale sunlight cutting through thin curtains. For a second, I forget where I am. Then the voices reach me — laughter, bickering, the clatter of dishes. Not Naomi's voice. Not Mom's. Not Dad's. Different. New. Radiata.
I drag myself out of bed, pulling on the clothes Liliana tossed at me last night — sweatpants and an oversized hoodie that smells faintly of detergent and her perfume. The hallway feels shorter in the morning, less haunted, but my chest still aches with every step.
The kitchen is alive when I step in. Kelvin at the stove, flipping something in a pan. Liliana perched on the counter again, hair messy, eyes bright, waving a spoon like a conductor's baton. Gabriel at the table, newspaper folded neatly in front of him, coffee in hand. He doesn't look up when I enter, but I feel his awareness settle anyway. It prickles my skin.
Liliana:[grinning] "Look who decided to rejoin the land of the living. Morning, rookie. Sleep well, or did the ghosts keep you up?"
Me (Anastasha):[deadpan] "Mostly your voice echoing from last night."
Kelvin chokes back a laugh. Liliana clutches her chest dramatically, dropping the spoon.
Liliana: "Betrayal. On my own counter. She wounds me!"
I shake my head, sitting at the far end of the table. Kelvin glances back, smiling softly.
Kelvin: "There's food. Hope you like pancakes."
Me: "…Thanks."
The plate is warm when he sets it in front of me, stacked high. My stomach growls. Liliana notices instantly, smirking.
Liliana: "See, I told you. Food solves everything. Existential dread? Pancakes. Fear of destiny? Pancakes. Gabriel's mood? …Actually, no, not even pancakes can fix that."
I nearly choke on my bite. Gabriel turns a page of his newspaper without comment. Liliana leans closer, whispering loudly enough for him to hear.
Liliana: "See? Not even a twitch. He's like… allergic to joy."
Kelvin sighs, shaking his head, but I catch the hint of a smile on his face. The warmth of it settles something inside me. For the first time in weeks, I eat without feeling sick.
After breakfast, the shift comes. Liliana claps her hands, hopping off the counter.
Liliana: "Alright, rookie. Time for initiation. Don't worry, it's not as dramatic as it sounds. No blood oaths. Yet."
I freeze, fork halfway to my mouth.
Me: "…Initiation?"
Kelvin:[gentle but firm] "Training. You need to understand what's happening to you, and how to control it."
Gabriel folds his newspaper neatly, setting it aside. His gaze locks on me, sharp, steady.
Gabriel: "Otherwise, it will control you."
The words sink like stones in my stomach. I set the fork down slowly, wiping my hands on my hoodie. My voice is soft, wary.
Me: "…And if I can't?"
Gabriel's answer is instant, inevitable.
Gabriel: "Then you don't survive."
The room stills. Liliana rolls her eyes, breaking the tension with a grin.
Liliana: "And that's why he's everyone's favorite motivational speaker. Don't listen to him, rookie — training's not that bad. Unless you trip. Then it's hilarious."
Kelvin lays a hand on my shoulder, grounding. His voice is calm, steady.
Kelvin: "You'll be alright. We'll take it step by step."
I nod slowly, heart pounding. For the first time, the word feels less like a curse and more like a challenge.
Me: "…Okay. Show me."
(Training room )
The training room is nothing like I expected. Not some dark dojo or high-tech lab. Just a wide, open space with mats rolled out, shelves of mismatched gear, and a punching bag hanging lopsided in the corner. The kind of place that feels too ordinary for what they're asking me to do. My palms sweat anyway.
Liliana:[grinning, tossing me a pair of gloves] "Don't worry, rookie. Nobody dies on the first day. Usually."
I fumble the catch, nearly dropping them. Liliana cackles. Kelvin gives her a look, then turns to me with a calmer tone.
Kelvin: "It's not about fighting yet. Just focus on breathing. Finding your center."
I glance between them. My voice comes out small.
Me (Anastasha): "…What if I don't have a center?"
Gabriel:[from the corner, arms folded] "Then you'll break."
The words slam into me like a weight. I swallow hard, pulling the gloves on. Liliana rolls her eyes, sauntering over to me.
Liliana: "Ignore him. He thinks being terrifying is motivational. Here—" [she adjusts my stance, tugging my shoulders back] "—try not to look like you're about to faint. Confidence, rookie. Fake it 'til you make it."
I mimic her posture awkwardly. My knees feel wrong, my arms too stiff. Kelvin steps closer, guiding my hands gently.
Kelvin: "Good. Keep your breath steady. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Don't force it."
I try. The air stutters in my chest, uneven. Liliana taps my forehead with a finger.
Liliana: "Relax. You're not about to fight a dragon. …Yet."
I almost laugh. Almost. Then Gabriel's voice cuts through the moment, low and sharp.
Gabriel: "Again."
I adjust my stance, shaky. My legs wobble. Sweat beads down my back though we've barely started. Liliana circles me like a shark, smirking.
Liliana: "You look like you're about to audition for 'Bambi on Ice.' Loosen up."
Me:[snapping] "I'm trying!"
The words burst out sharper than I mean. Silence follows. Gabriel steps forward, his shadow falling over me. His gaze pins me in place.
Gabriel: "Trying isn't enough."
My throat tightens. I want to yell, to cry, to run. Instead I grip my fists tighter, holding my ground. My voice cracks but doesn't break.
Me: "…Then tell me how not to fail."
Something flickers in his eyes. He studies me for a long moment, then steps back, voice lower but still firm.
Gabriel: "Stand again. And breathe."
Kelvin's nod is quiet encouragement. Liliana mutters something about "Mr. Doom finally giving instructions," but for once I don't bite. I plant my feet, inhale slow, exhale steady. My chest aches, but the wobble eases just slightly.
Gabriel's gaze lingers. He doesn't praise. He doesn't smile. But he doesn't correct me either. Somehow, that feels heavier than words.
(Training room — Liliana sparring with Anastasha)
My arms ache already, and we've barely done anything. Sweat stings my eyes. I don't know what's worse — Gabriel's silence or Liliana's smirk as she stretches dramatically across from me.
Liliana:[grinning] "Alright, rookie. Time for the fun part. We're gonna spar."
Me (Anastasha):[panicked] "Spar? As in fight? With you?"
Liliana:[mock gasp] "Wow, the confidence. Don't worry, I'll go easy. Think of it as dance practice. Except if you trip, I get to laugh."
Kelvin steps between us quickly, his voice calm but firm.
Kelvin: "Liliana. Keep it light."
Liliana:[innocent smile] "Relax, Mom. I'm just testing her reflexes. Promise."
I swallow hard, fists trembling. My voice is shaky.
Me: "…What if I can't?"
Gabriel's voice cuts in from the sidelines, low and sharp.
Gabriel: "Then you learn by failing."
The weight of his words makes my stomach churn. Liliana bounces on her toes, motioning for me to come closer.
Liliana: "Okay, rookie, hit me. Don't think. Just swing."
I stare at her, horrified. She wiggles her fingers, taunting.
Liliana: "Come on. Punch. I promise I won't cry."
My fist shoots forward, clumsy, desperate. She sidesteps easily, tapping my shoulder with two fingers.
Liliana: "Too slow. Again."
I lunge again. She ducks, ruffling my hair on the way past. My cheeks burn. Kelvin's voice floats steady across the room.
Kelvin: "Breathe. Don't chase. Watch her movement first."
I grit my teeth, inhaling sharp. Liliana circles me, grin wide.
Liliana: "Not bad. But you telegraph everything. Rookie mistake."
I swing again, sharper this time. She blocks with her forearm, pushing me back. My legs wobble, but I don't fall. My chest heaves, breath ragged. She grins wider, eyes glinting with approval.
Liliana: "There it is. Finally some fire. Keep that up."
I force another punch. This time she doesn't dodge completely — she lets it graze her side before twisting my wrist lightly, sending me stumbling. I gasp, catching myself on shaky knees. She smirks, crouching to meet my eyes.
Liliana:[softly, almost serious] "See? You're not as fragile as you think."
Kelvin nods, pride flickering in his voice.
Kelvin: "Better. Much better."
I look up, sweating, trembling, but something steadies in my chest. I'm still standing. I didn't break. Gabriel watches silently from the corner, arms folded. His eyes linger on me, unreadable, but I can feel the weight of his judgment — and something else beneath it I can't name.
I whisper, half to myself, half to them:
Me: "…I can do this."
Liliana grins, clapping me on the shoulder.
Liliana: "Damn right you can. Rookie's leveling up already."
(After sparring — cooldown)
I collapse onto the mat, chest heaving, limbs heavy. Sweat sticks my hair to my face. My arms feel like they've been filled with lead. Liliana flops down beside me, barely winded, grinning like she just finished a dance routine instead of a sparring match.
Liliana:[teasing] "Not bad, rookie. You only almost died, like, three times. That's a new record."
Me (Anastasha):[gasping] "…Shut up."
She laughs, nudging my shoulder with hers. Kelvin kneels at my side, handing me a bottle of water. His smile is calm, reassuring.
Kelvin: "You did well. Better than you think."
I gulp the water greedily, wiping sweat from my forehead. My voice is small, shaky.
Me: "It doesn't feel like it."
Kelvin: "That's how the beginning always feels. Give it time."
Gabriel steps forward, his shadow falling over me. His expression doesn't change. His words are steady, final.
Gabriel: "She stood. That's enough for today."
Liliana salutes mockingly, lying flat on the mat.
Liliana: "Wow. High praise from Mr. Sunshine. Careful, rookie — he might actually be impressed."
Gabriel ignores her, his gaze still locked on me. I force myself not to look away. My breath steadies, just slightly. For the first time, I feel like I might belong here — if I can survive it.
(Later that evening — formal team introduction)
We gather in the living room. The lamp throws soft light over the mismatched furniture. I sit at the edge of the couch, still sore, still raw. Liliana sprawls on the armrest, Kelvin leans forward in a chair, and Gabriel stands by the window, watching without watching. Kelvin clears his throat gently.
Kelvin: "You've seen pieces of what we do. But you should understand who we are. What each of us brings."
Liliana grins, tossing her hair back.
Liliana: "Ooh, introductions. My favorite. Can I go first?"
Gabriel:[quietly, without looking at her] "You will anyway."
Liliana:[smirking] "Exactly. So. I'm Liliana. Resident scientist, medic, occasional chemist-slash-autopsy queen. Basically, if it's weird, bloody, or requires blowing something up safely — I'm your girl."
I blink. She grins wider at my expression.
Liliana: "Don't worry, I know my stuff. Degrees and everything. Just… less boring than Kelvin."
Kelvin:[sighing lightly] "Thank you, Liliana." [to me, gently] "I handle the technical side. Systems, data, surveillance. Anything electronic runs through me. I also… keep things organized when they threaten to fall apart."
Liliana snickers. He ignores her, eyes steady on me.
Kelvin: "If you need grounding, or just… someone to listen, I'm here."
Warmth flickers in my chest. I nod softly. My eyes drift to Gabriel. He hasn't spoken yet. He turns finally, his gaze sharp, cutting through the air.
Gabriel: "I keep us alive. And I lead."
The words are simple, blunt. But the weight in them makes the room feel smaller. My chest tightens. Liliana breaks the tension with a dramatic sigh, waving her arms.
Liliana: "Translation: he's the boss. Broody, scary, impossible, but the glue that holds us together. Don't let the trench coat fool you, rookie — we'd all be dead ten times over without him."
Gabriel doesn't respond. His silence is confirmation enough. I look between them — the playful scientist, the steady genius, the brooding leader. My chest aches with fear, but also something else. For the first time, I whisper the truth out loud:
Me (Anastasha): "…This is my family now, isn't it?"
Silence. Kelvin's smile is soft, patient. Liliana's grin softens too, just for a second. Gabriel's gaze lingers on me, unreadable, inevitable. And I know — the answer is yes