Chapter 26 - Preparations And Decisions

Standing in the corridor, I encountered Evan, who was standing next to Bullet, who had his massive arms crossed over his chest. I refrained from reacting to Evan, and it was clear that he was also attempting to. I believe it would be most appropriate to present ourselves as strangers to Bullet at this time. His report to Damon with any information that could potentially raise suspicion was the last thing we needed. The ride to the market was a silent journey.

Evan was situated in the seat behind me in the rear of the vehicle, and we frequently exchanged glances that suggested unspoken conversations. I observed the mansions that sped passed my vision as I gazed outside. We eventually proceeded down a bustling and somewhat deserted street when I felt my hand gently prodded by an object. As I turned, I realized that Evans' hand was attempting to offer me something. I obtained a small piece of creased paper that was shaped to resemble a cube. As I opened it, I sputtered aloud, only to find a brief list that read:
Two bunches of Wolfsbane
1 gram of Death Cap (an alternative, Galerina marginata, may be used; however, its preparation time will be extended by one week)
0.0017 oz of silver
1-cup of any type of alcohol
In a metal saucepan, combine the ingredients and heat until they reach a boil. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a period of 28 days.
I promptly folded the paper back up and addressed Evan's expectant gaze. There was an abrupt darkness of apprehension that enveloped my chest. Suddenly, the moment became very real due to the physical inventory of ingredients.

Do we truly intend to proceed with this?
What options did we have?

"Do you think it's possible to find these things at the market?" I spoke to Evan in a murmur as Bullet manipulated his phone.

"I doubt we'd find the silver, but the other stuff should be easy," he indicated.

"What about the silver?"

"I'm not so sure, I have to think."

Again, my thoughts returned to the day at The Stationary and the silver fences that encircled the hybrids.

"I believe I have a solution," I began, but Bullet's bold voice abruptly silenced me.

The car came to a stop, and my heart did as well. "What is happening in the back?" he inquired.

I muttered, "Nothing," and Evan appeared to be at a loss for words.

Bullet declared, "We are here," which alleviated my anxiety.

Pushing the paper into my pocket, I gazed out the window. At first glimpse, the market was visually appealing. This structure was constructed on a cobblestone road that appeared to extend indefinitely. Little wooden shops were established in a hybrid environment that included both interior and outdoor spaces. A multitude of individuals, including both humans and canines, traversed the streets. I could not help but contemplate the origins of humanity. Lots of them were males; they were not all dolls.
On the other hand, I was eager to avoid wasting any additional time in the vehicle. I addressed Evan and inquired, "Should we proceed?"

Bullet commanded, "Return to this location in two hours."

"Certainly," I replied, and Evan and I hastily exited the vehicle.

We waited until the van was no longer visible before we finally halted. I was unable to speak as Evan's arms enveloped me in an unexpected embrace. I leaned into his shoulders and inhaled his soothing aroma. Perhaps I could recall our childhood together. Despite the fact that I was slightly older than him, he was consistently more mature.
Before the memory could resume, he retreated.

"Are you feeling okay? When you were locked in that night, I so wanted to help you; but, I was unable to do so. I assure you that I made every effort to help-"

"There was nothing you can do," I assured," and I'm fine, really."

The healing bruises and wounds on my skin were scrutinized by his spectacles. "He injured you," he said.

"Evan Well, I am doing well."

"Evan's eyes were darkened by a raw fury that arose when he contemplated the actions he had committed against you." He had never been so hateful that I could recollect. As far as I could remember, Evan had consistently been a kind individual.

"That is the reason we are all here." We both desire the same thing.

The list was removed by me," Wolfsbane. We require two bunches."

"That's a plant." The color is purple; we could locate it at a floral store."

After that, we commenced our quest, keeping in mind that we had less than two hours remaining. I informed Evan of all that has transpired since I awoke in the mannequin lab. As well, he revised all that has transpired since the Underworlders Revolution.

"Eventually, we adapted to the conditions of living in the Akbur Hills. Once every few months, the wolf men deliver rice, flour, salt, and sugar, which we prepare ourselves. The remainder is planted, and we provide for one another. They arrive approximately every two months to acquire a new human girl for their hyrbids, a girl that the guards would recommend to the council. "

"And my dad, how's he holding up?" My fingertips brushed through a bouquet of flowers, and I swallowed the pit in my throat. The shopkeeper was in the rear, searching for Wolfsbane.

"He is doing well, Ana," I still struggled to adjust to the term "Ana." We endeavor to refrain from discussing you. He occasionally states, "If she is dead, she will be in a pleasant place, such as heaven."
That may have been preferable to the alternative, which was this.

"But, you informed him that I am alive right? The day you saw me in the Akbur Hills."

Evan did not respond. On the contrary, it appeared that he was quite anxious to stay away from the subject." Evan, you told him, right? I whirled around and coerced him to face me.

He let out an exhale, "I did not."

"However, you said-"

"I lied. In my opinion, the likelihood of your consent to the plan would be increased if you believed that he was aware of your existence."

"How could you lie to me!" I was furious "During this entire period, my father was unaware that I was still alive. He is likely to be devastated."

"But that's the thing, he's not!" Evan quickly expressed his contrition for spilling the information.

"What do you mean?"

"Long ago, he convinced himself that you had died. In all honesty, I was unable to confront him with the reality that you are a prisoner, and to the most dangerous man on Earth."

"He should still be aware of this."

"No, Ana, he shouldn't. No, not at this time; he is currently unwell. He cannot manage any news, particularly one of this magnitude. I figured that if everything goes well, we can tell him; but, for the time being, he has found solace in convincing himself that you died."