Welcome To The Real World II

The rest of the mission wrapped up as cleanly as it could.

The priest wasted no time heading off to their local Istgah Faraja. Not long after, officers arrived, scooped up the unconscious kids, and hauled the last man standing off to rot in the dungeon.

Layla barely said a word the whole time.

Her face was pale, eyes distant. She wasn't... there—not really.

Malik tried talking to her, grounding her, but she barely reacted. Like the whole thing had drained something out of her.

Ignoring that for now, Malik returned to the priest, helping out here and there.

When it was all finally over, they made their way back to the orphanage, silent.

The moment they stepped inside, Huda rushed to greet them.

Her face was full of worry, but she forced a smile.

"Y-You're back! How did it go?"

Malik shrugged.

"Handled. The fuckers that kidnapped them are dealt with. The kids will be back after they're healed."