The moon hung low over Velmora, silver and solemn. Chess and Elsa had returned to the Jefferson estate, quiet after the night's mischief. For once, the air between them wasn't sharp—it was strangely warm, even comfortable.
But that moment didn't last.
Because the past never knocks. It kicks the door open.
🌙 A Stranger at the Gate
It started with a ping—a restricted alert on the estate's perimeter.
Elsa frowned. "I didn't schedule any visits."
Chess's eyes narrowed. His fingers moved fast over his watch screen.
"That's not just anyone," he murmured. "That's a shadow ping."
"A what now?"
"Military-grade signature. Untraceable. Only a few people alive know how to trigger it."
She turned to him, suspicion sparking. "And you're saying...?"
"It's someone from my past. And if they're here, it's not for tea."
đź–¤ Enter: Ashara Vale
The doors of the estate opened with a low hiss.
She stepped in.
Wearing black leather, combat boots, and a look that could cut through titanium. Her dark, tightly braided hair swung over one shoulder. She didn't walk—she flowed like smoke with purpose.
"Still dramatic as ever, Chess," she said in a smooth, accented voice. "I thought you'd be in a hole in the Himalayas by now."
Elsa raised a brow. "Friend of yours?"
"More like the one who tried to kill me. Twice," Chess replied calmly.
Ashara smirked.
"Three times. You just didn't count the monastery."
Elsa blinked.
"Wait. What?"
"Long story," Chess muttered.
Ashara walked right up to him, eyes like storms. Then glanced at Elsa.
"She's cute. Does she know?"
"Know what?" Elsa asked coolly.
Ashara's smile widened—dangerous, unreadable.
"That he used to command a faction of assassins under the name Kirin Shadowfang."
Elsa's jaw tensed.
Chess didn't react. Just blinked, like Ashara had commented on the weather.
"Why are you here, Ash?"
"To warn you. Milo Varn's made contact with the Ravennate Order. They're unlocking the Gates."
A beat.
Elsa looked between them. "Is this another cult, or are we talking about real crazy now?"
"Real enough to break the sky open," Ashara said.
"And what do you want from me?" Chess asked.
Ashara leaned in.
"To remind you of who you are… and what you left behind."
🔥 Elsa Holds Her Own
Elsa stepped forward, voice cold.
"You show up, dump a bunch of cryptic garbage, and act like this is your playground. Who are you really?"
Ashara turned to her slowly, amused.
"I'm the one who trained your husband to disappear, to kill, and to survive hells you couldn't imagine."
Elsa didn't flinch.
"Well, good for you. But this isn't a war camp. It's my house. So either start explaining things that matter or get the hell out."
Ashara blinked, then… grinned.
"I like her."
"Not here for your approval," Elsa muttered.
Chess exhaled.
"Enough. You delivered the message. What aren't you telling me?"
Ashara's smile faded. Her voice turned low.
"Milo Varn is trying to awaken Aegros. If he succeeds… even you won't be able to hide anymore."
She turned on her heel.
"Velmora will burn. And the world with it."
And just like that—she was gone.
🌌 Aftershock
The silence that followed was loud.
Elsa looked at Chess.
"Kirin Shadowfang? The Ravennate Order? Aegros? You've got some explaining to do."
He looked at her. Face unreadable. Voice soft.
"I will. Just… not all at once."
She studied him for a long moment. Then nodded.
"Fine. But next time your ninja ex shows up, warn me."
"She's not an ex."
"She wants to be."
Chess chuckled.
"You jealous?"
"Not yet," she smirked. "But if I see you two sparring shirtless in a waterfall, I'm leaving."
He laughed. For real.
And Elsa smiled.
Just a little.