Fierce flames

The circus tent was alive with dazzling lights, acrobatics, and bursts of fire that painted the sky. Music played loudly, blending with the laughter and cheers of the crowd. But beneath the bright colors and thrilling performances, something darker lingered.

Kai, Lila, and Ryu moved through the sea of spectators, their eyes scanning the area. Dressed in long coats and wide-brimmed hats, they did their best to blend in. Ryu had taken extra precautions, wearing a mask over his face to avoid recognition.

Kai's gut told him Mei was still alive, that she was somewhere close, hidden in the present timeline with them. His instincts had never failed him before.

As they settled into their seats, Ryu's phone buzzed. He checked the screen and turned to Kai. "It's Jin. I have to take this," he whispered before slipping away through the rows of seats.

Kai barely acknowledged him. His eyes were locked onto the stage, where a performer was taking her position in the spotlight. Long, wavy pale-red hair flowed behind her as she moved gracefully, her hands glowing with a familiar energy.

Ava.

Kai's breath hitched. Beside him, Lila tensed and whispered, "Did you know?"

"I knew she liked the circus," Kai muttered, his gaze fixed on Ava, "but I didn't know she'd be performing."

Ava moved across the stage, conjuring vibrant bursts of light, forming illusions that danced through the air. The crowd cheered in amazement.

"We have to be careful," Lila warned. "Make sure she doesn't see us together." She gripped the brim of her hat firmly, as if trying to disappear into its shadows.

Then, suddenly—

"Crap," Lila muttered under her breath.

Kai snapped his head toward her. "What?"

Lila subtly gestured toward a figure in the crowd. "Look who joined the party."

Kai followed her gaze and immediately stiffened. There, standing near the exit, was a tall, muscular man dressed in black, his cold expression set like stone.

Morgan.

The applause erupted across the tent as Ava finished her act. She gave a low bow before disappearing behind the curtains.

"We have to follow them," Kai said.

Lila nodded but hesitated. "Let's go separately. We don't want to draw attention."

Kai agreed and moved toward the right side of the tent, while Lila slipped through the left.

As she walked further, unease settled deep in her chest. "What is Morgan doing here?" she thought. "I have a bad feeling about this."

---

Car Park

Outside, under the dim glow of streetlights, a black car sat parked near the circus exit. Morgan leaned against it, arms crossed, waiting.

Footsteps echoed in the parking lot. Ava emerged from the side entrance, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Took you long enough, Ava," Morgan muttered, handing her a thick envelope.

Lila had reached the edge of the lot, ready to make a move, but before she could, Kai grabbed her wrist, pulling her back into the shadows.

"Not yet," he whispered.

Lila clenched her fists, trying to steady herself.

Ava tucked the envelope into her coat, then looked at Morgan. "And what are your incredibly important plans?" she asked, her tone laced with amusement.

Morgan tilted his head slightly before answering. "I'm going to get rid of that cop tonight."

Lila's breath hitched.

Ava chuckled, crossing her arms. "Took you long enough... Are you scared of her?" She leaned in slightly, voice dropping lower. "That this time, given the chance... she'll kill you?"

Kai knew exactly who Ava was talking about but only remained silent and watched them.

Morgan's jaw tightened. "Not all of us have time to waste," he muttered. "I've been busting my ass handling the nitroglycerin imports, covering it up, making sure everything runs smoothly. Some of us are actually contributing to this mission."

Ava smirked darkly. "Is that so?"

She leaned closer to him and wisphered , " you are not so important as you think...Morgan ".

Morgan barely had time to react.

In an instant, flames erupted around them, consuming the air with intense heat. Morgan's eyes widened, first in shock—then in pain.

His body stiffened, blood pooling in his mouth as the fire licked at his skin.

Kai and Lila remained frozen in their hiding spot, watching in horror.

Ava let the fire die down, leaving Morgan's charred body slumped against the car. She casually straightened her coat, brushing off invisible dust.

"Ta-ta, Morgan," she said with a smirk, turning on her heel. "Better luck next life."

Lila instinctively moved forward, but Kai grabbed her arm again.

"Find Ryu," he ordered. "I'll catch up with Miss Flames."

"What?!" Lila held him back. "You can't be serious—"

Kai's grip tightened. "It won't be long before the cops show up. Should I remind you of the market incident? You could be a suspect."

Lila's eyes widened. He was right. If they were caught near Morgan's body, questions would be asked—questions they didn't want to answer.

Kai stood up, stepping away from the shadows. "Get out of here. I'll deal with Ava."

Lila hesitated for only a second before turning and running toward the other side of the lot. She took one last glance at Morgan's burnt corpse before disappearing into the dark.

As Kai prepared to move, a sudden noise made him stop.

Crash!

A wooden box tipped over, spilling colorful circus toys across the pavement.

A sharp, terrified scream followed.

Kai's eyes darted toward the sound. A teenage girl stood frozen, staring at Morgan's lifeless, charred body. Her hands trembled, her mouth open in shock.

Then, before she could even let out another sound—

Kai vanished into the darkness, tailing Ava.

---