NEW SAGE — CENTRE CITY

  A massive inferno rages, flames licking the sky. The fire throws warm orange light across the faces of those seated around it.

  Smoke curls lazily, carrying the sharp scent of charred wood and distant spices. Laughter hums low, mixed with murmurs and the crackle of burning embers.

  Uddin leans back, eyes glinting in the firelight. "How come you and Scarface are cool now?"

  Helma smirks, tilting her head. "He’s persistent. I gave him a chance. We’re just friends."

  Daisy tilts her head, hair catching the orange glow.

  Helma’s eyes soften, distant. "Uddin… I remember you. From the peach village. I was ten, running toward the beach. You were smaller, standing by the water with a flower. Your shirt said 'Uddin'."

  Uddin frowns, trying to recall. "I… don’t remember. My grandmother said she found me there. Named me Uddin because of the shirt. Took me from the village."

  Helma nods, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I could still see it like yesterday."

  Daisy watches quietly, lips curling. "Moon Black’s been different lately. She smiles more. The Nightshade battle… it changed her."

  Uddin agrees. "Lewa helped. Those final shots gave us a chance to escape."

  Momo, perched lazily on Migo’s shoulder, stretches and yawns. "Migo… I’m in the mood."

  Migo freezes. "The… mood?"

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  Momo’s grin turns sly. "You know… the man-woman stuff."

  Migo flushes. "I… I’m a virgin."

  Momo narrows her eyes. "Lying. You still crush on Elina, don’t you? She’s with someone now."

  Migo stammers, "Who—"

  Momo waves her hand dismissively. "Never mind. Just joking." She lies back, eyes tracing the stars above the fire.

  Moon Black leans in, voice soft. "Boys are complicated. They want obedience, not love."

  Lewa smirks. "No man wants to date a tiger like you, Moon Black."

  Moon Black frowns. "What does that even mean?"

  Lewa chuckles. "You’re terrifying.. you'll kill a man."

  Elina smiles softly. "Moon Black’s still beautiful. You’re outmatched, Lewa."

  Moon Black straightens, jaw firm. "I’m not trying to be more womanly. I want stronger. Tanya… she made me see that. Seven feet tall. A terror. I have to step up."

  "Tanya’s twenty-four. Ellen and I are twenty," Elina corrects.

  Jude blinks. "You’re twenty?"

  Elina nods. "Yeah."

  Jude smiles. "Thought you looked older."

  The fire crackles, shadows dancing across faces, stretching long into the night.

  Uddin nudges Daisy. "Bet you’d never guess we all used to fight over scraps of fish by the river."

  Daisy laughs softly. "Yeah, and I always lost. You were too quick for me."

  Helma leans close to him. "Maybe you just weren’t paying attention." Her lips curl, teasing.

  Uddin grins. "I wish moments like this never ends."

  Helma chuckles quietly, shaking her head. "Smooth talker… always was."

  The fire throws golden sparks into the air. Somewhere in the shadows, laughter bubbles up, soft and playful. The night stretches long and warm, a rare pause in the endless tension of the world outside.

  A CAMP SHELTERS IN CENTRE CITY.

  A guard bursts into the camp shelter, breathless. "My prince, the Scorpion boss is searching for you. He's offering a million cash reward for anyone who finds you."

  Prince Chille laughs. "Once Silas approves, Jager won't dare touch me. His allies are too formidable."

  The guard frowns. "Jager is powerful. I saw his terror in my training days."

  Chille waves it off. "Silas's protection will shield me."

  Daniel rushes in with a letter. "Silas replied."

  Chille's eyes light up. "Read it."

  Daniel opens it. "It is an honour to hear from the prince. I am grateful for the offer. Come meet me in the Holy Land.

  We'll sign the agreement as you hand over part of your territory. I guarantee full protection. Yours faithfully, Silas."

  Chille stands. "We leave."

  Daniel and three guards fall in behind him. They stride away, swift and purposeful.