Without Hope

The Ocean brothers sat scattered across the stone steps just outside the Guild quarter—Shylo quietly pacing, Johnny chewing at a cracked fingernail, Milo twirling a loose thread on his sleeve, Kenneth sitting with his jaw locked so hard it looked painful. Apollo stood apart, arms folded tightly, eyes lost somewhere on the horizon.

Then—she appeared.

Miss Laurant stepped into view, cloak flicking behind her. No flash of wind, no magical aura, no grand entrance.

Just her.

They jumped to their feet as one.

"Miss Laurant!" Milo said, eyes wide. "Did you find him? Is the Guild sending search teams—what's the plan?"

Apollo took one step forward, but something about her face made him freeze.

She didn't speak at first.

Didn't look anyone in the eye.

Then finally, softly:

"They... they won't help."

It landed like a rock dropped in a silent lake.

"What?" Shylo asked, too quiet.