Two years

In the midst of the charged atmosphere, Blair's proposition hung like a daring challenge. A wager – a seemingly audacious move in a situation where the stakes were life-altering. The gathered figures exchanged glances, disbelief etched across their features. Out of the myriad possibilities, Blair's simple yet unorthodox suggestion had taken center stage.

A wager with the very lord-makers who had orchestrated their abduction from the school – the gravity of the situation wasn't lost on anyone present. Klaus, Erwin, and Shaw exchanged incredulous glances, their skepticism mirroring the thoughts racing through their minds. This was the best Blair could come up with? The weight of their predicament felt heavier than ever.