"You think it was my brother?" Zane asked, lounging on a velvet couch.
"No," Aragon said, his gaze distant as he stared out across the Lunaris skyline. "Ren's smarter than that. He'd have noticed the tracking chips."
"He's right," Amara added, heels echoing on the marble. "Whoever did it is already dead."
Zane sat up, frustrated. "While you two plot in the dark, I just want revenge."
"Zane," Aragon said calmly, "we all want to stop fallen magic. But to fight the Liberators… we must use their own weapons."
"You mean the Moonris Serum."
"And the diary. And the key."
Amara crossed her legs, glass of wine in hand. "Do you even know the history of your own people?"
"…Not exactly."
"Sixteen years ago," she began, "our two nations were allies. Trade flowed freely… until the explosion. The East side of the Fallen City was reduced to ash. That's when your kingdom became known as the 'Fallen City.' It used to be called the Lumar Kingdom… surrounded by the emerald sea."
Zane leaned forward. "What caused the explosion?"
"No one knows." Aragon exhaled smoke. "There are theories."
"Fallen magic started appearing after the explosion," Amara continued. "Children. Teenagers. Abilities sprouting like weeds."
Zane lit a cigar. "And Ren?"
"He's different," she replied coldly. "Your brother is the only one born with a fire mutation. That kind of anomaly doesn't happen by accident."
"You're saying he's connected to the explosion?"
"He might be the key to unlocking the diary."
Zane paused, breath caught in his throat.
"…If we can figure out the truth, we can dismantle fallen magic completely."
"And if we fail?" he asked.
"Then we use the Moonris Serum," Aragon said. "And take their power for ourselves."
The computer nearby beeped.
"They found the soldiers."
Aragon turned. "Zane. You're smart—but you're also our best fighter. Handle it. Bring backup if needed."
Zane stood tall. "Yes, sir."
Back on the Road…
"Damn, I wish this thing had a radio—wait, it does!" Ace cheered from the front of the truck.
"♪ California girls~ we're unforgettable—♪"
The tune died in his throat as a man stepped into the road.
"AHHHHH—!"
Ace slammed the brakes, the truck screeching to a stop. The man casually walked to the side, tapping on the window.
"…Uh. Hey there?" Ace asked, hesitantly lowering the glass.
"Sorry, mate. Any chance I could catch a ride to the main square?" the stranger asked in a friendly accent.
Ace stared.
Too friendly.
The two soldiers squirmed in the back. He tossed a blanket over them.
"Sure… hop in."
The stranger climbed in.
"So… what's your name?"
"Evander," the man said.
Ace froze.
Evander Zane.
His hand tensed on the wheel.
"…Where did you say you were headed again?"
"My apologies," Zane said with a smile. "I'm sure your friends in the back are hungry."
Ace turned, but it was too late.
Zane's eyes glowed a haunting violet. A blade pressed to Ace's neck as Zane wrapped him in a headlock.
"Wouldn't you agree?" he whispered.