Your eyes fluttered open, met by familiar faces filled with relief. A comforting squeeze on your hand grounded you, and you turned to see Rafayel, concern softening his usual dramatic demeanor.

It felt strange to find the painter here, knowing you’d been with Xavier during the banquet mission. As if reading your thoughts, Xavier’s calm voice broke the silence. He stood just behind Zayne, your childhood friend and physician, who brushed a strand of hair from your face with a controlled, almost detached gesture that didn’t quite hide his underlying worry when he saw Xavier and Rafayel rush you to the hospital.

“You were drugged. Luckily, I was there to help,” Rafayel said, his voice unusually serious.

“I’m working to find the culprit,” Xavier added, his steady gaze meeting yours. “But it might take some time.”

Zayne’s voice cut in, his tone grave. “The drug is a modified Stimulus molecule. It induces unconsciousness, hallucinations, and memory loss. Someone intended to abduct you.”

But why? The question lingered in the air, heavy and unanswered.