Chapter 1835

Melon jumped, startled by the sudden noise, and instinctively tossed the small round ball away.
His heart raced as he bolted towards the sink, scrubbing his hands frantically.
With the way you just threw it, that bomb might just go off any moment now, Moss said, his voice as calm as ever, not even bothering to glance up from his experiment.
Melon froze mid-scrub, his hands still dripping over the sink.
His mind whirled, running through possible scenarios.
For a few heartbeats, he stood paralyzed before turning to face Moss.
He narrowed his eyes, suspicion flickering across his face.
Nice try, Moss! If it were really going to explode, you wouldnt still be standing there.
Moss let out a low chuckle, barely lifting his head as he continued tinkering with his delicate instruments.
Melon stood there, watching intently.
Two minutes ticked by in silence, curiosity gnawing at him. Finally, unable to contain himself any longer, he asked, Moss, why are you making so many little explosives? Are you planning to blow this place up so that we can make a run for it? Moss stiffened, his hands freezing in mid-motion.
His eyes darted around the lab, scanning for unwanted ears.
Luckily, the two assistants Zayden had sent here had left to do some tasks earlier, oblivious to Melons question.
A pang of worry flashed across Moss face.
If Zayden caught wind of this, he wouldnt let him and Melon off easily.
Breathing out in relief, Moss shot Melon a cold, warning glance.
You talk too much.
Get back to work.
Without another word, Melon obeyed, turning to the smaller test bench set up just for him.
Over the past month, Moss had molded Melon into a competent little assistant.
For someone who had barely stepped foot in school, Melons intelligence was undeniable.
It amazed Moss how the kid, young as he was, found such complicated experiments not only easy but also addictively fun.
A quiet tension settled over the lab as the two worked.
Moss, now nearing the end of his experiment, looked up, his eyes naturally drawn to Melons small frame.
Since Zayden had brought them to this isolated island, Melon had become his only companion in captivity.
He couldnt bring himself to be hard on the kid-after all, they had been through too much together already.
He quietly noted that Melon had regained some of the weight he had lost during those grim days when Zayden had locked him up.
For a brief moment, Moss eyes softened, his thoughts wandering as he stared at the boys back.
But before he could delve deeper into his musings, Melon spun around, his small hands clutching a flask, his face animated with curiosity.
Moss! Melon called out, his voice tinged with excitement.
The book says this should turn into a pink potion. Why did mine come out green? The question snapped Moss out of his reverie.
He raised an eyebrow, glancing at the flask in Melons hands.
Did you get distracted thinking about your mom again and make a mistake during the process? Moss asked.
Melons eyes flared with indignation.
No! I followed everything exactly like the book said.
Then how did you get it wrong? Moss asked.
Melons face scrunched up in thought before he said, So, either the book is wrong, or you havent taught me something I need to know about the process.
Moss couldnt help but chuckle at the boys logic.
Melon was indeed a sharp kid.
Moss approached Melon.
He taught Melon what to do calmly.