The Amazon rainforest pulsed with life, its canopy a green labyrinth where the Shadow Lotus base—a camouflaged bunker beneath ancient kapok trees—hid, its steel glinting faintly through vines. Ruoxi crouched in a fern-choked gully, her breath heavy in the humid heat, her face scar a faint throb beneath her lightweight gear. The phoenix tattoo pulsed—heart-driven, balanced, the pact's vow—"choice, sacrifice, heart to bind"—alive after Japan's fire. Mei's hand steadied hers, the girl's phoenix tattoo radiant, her guardian spark a fierce flame. Einar flanked her, his tattoo stronger, his spark honed, a brother in purpose. Hana stood close, her lotus relic glowing faintly, her spark steady, a new ally from the shrine. The book's golden hum and Wei's phoenix claw relic rested in her pack, anchors for a legacy of keepers, driven by the pact's call to balance life.