Jealousy?

Liora sat by the riverbank with Edmund and Edward, enjoying iced tea while watching a boat drift lazily on the water. Aboard were Seraphina, Alex, and Tyson, who were fishing.

The two men quietly sipped their wine, expressions more serious than the idyllic scenery suggested.

"Three years, Ed. That's all we have left." Edmund's gaze drifted to the boat, where Seraphina was trying to catch fish while Alex and Tyson struggled to catch the rod in her hand. "Time is slipping away faster than we can grasp. I can't help but wonder… how much longer until the people lose hope? Will they even trust our leadership in this darkest time?"

Edward said slowly. "People become resilient when they have something to fight for. But this time, the stakes feel... impossible."

Edward's fingers tightened around his glass as he stared at the horizon. "Still, I can't help but worry about the youth. They bear more weight than we realize. Tyson, Alex, and Seraphina are growing up too quickly, and for what? A bloodbath? It's not a future; it's a curse."

Edmund nodded gravely. "They don't realize just how much they're being prepared. None of them do. But they will be ready when the time comes. I trust you will ensure that."

Edward smirked slightly, though worry remained on his face. "So, are you stepping down as president?"

Edmund chuckled, taking another sip. "Yes, my friend. It's time for the old guard to make way for the new generation. I've earned my retirement and I plan to enjoy that fully."

"Sounds boring to me," Edward said, reclining and swirling his wine. "I don't want to die on Earth."

Edmund paused, "The past still haunts you, doesn't it?"

Edward's gaze deepened, his voice growing softer. "They're nightmares, Carver. Things I can't shake off. Friends I couldn't save."

Edmund placed a hand on his shoulder. "We can't save everyone, Ed. The tournament requires sacrifices. This life itself does, too. It's how this world keeps running, and all we can do is keep moving forward and doing what we do best."

"That's a politician's answer," Edward said with a chuckle. 

"And that's who I am," Edmund replied, laughing. 

"They talk a lot but still manage to say nothing at all," Liora added with a playful smile.

Her remark provoked hearty laughter from both men.

"As always, you're right, my wife," Edmund said, raising his glass to her. "But speaking of politics, I'm prepared to step down with the election approaching. Before I leave, I must ensure the right person takes over. For the good of everyone."

Liora's gaze softened as she looked at the boat. "I hope she's ready," she said, her tone brimming with pride and apprehension.

"She will be," Edmund assured her. "I'll ensure that. And for that, Ed, I need your help."

Edward raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Don't tell me you want me to be the face of your campaign."

Edmund chuckled. "No, my friend, it's someone else's turn." His eyes drifted toward the three youngsters in the river, now swimming to shore while they made their way toward the farmhouse.

"I'm going to change!" Alex shouted as the trio vanished into the house. Seraphina waved cheerfully at her parents before she followed.

Edmund smiled lightly as he watched them leave. "This next chapter belongs to them. We need to ensure they're prepared to write it."

---

Tyson pulled a fresh shirt over his head, feeling the cool fabric against his skin. He noticed his phone screen blinking on the desk, indicating a message. Curious, he tapped it open and saw Nancy's text:

"I saw you on the news today; you looked handsome."

A faint smile appeared on his face as he read her message. He sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through the words again.

His fingers hovered above the screen before he tapped the call icon.

The screen flickered, and Nancy appeared on the video call, enveloped by the warm ambiance of her family kitchen.

She wore a brightly patterned apron, her hands deep in the rhythm of kneading dough against the countertop. The air was filled with the steady thud of her hands. A streak of flour brushed her cheek, giving her an unintended touch of charm.

When she looked up and saw Tyson, she smiled. "Hey there!" 

"Hey, Nancy," Tyson said, casually leaning back in his chair. He glanced at her cheek, dusted with flour. "Looks like you've been busy. You've got a little... something right there."

He pointed vaguely at his face.

Nancy tilted her head in confusion and glanced at the reflective glass of a nearby cabinet.

She laughed softly and brushed her cheek with the back of her wrist. "I guess I got a little carried away. We're baking bread today—Mom's teaching me her recipe."

"Seems like a messy operation," Tyson joked,

"Messy but worth it," she said, raising her dough-covered hands with a playful smile. "So, how's the trip out of town going?"

"Awesome," Tyson said, clearly excited. "Do you want to hear about it?"

"Yeah, I'd love to," she said, glancing over her shoulder to ensure her mom wasn't looking at them. "Tell me everything."

 "You see, the farmhouse is big. It's the biggest one I've ever seen," he paused with a smile, "Though it's my first time seeing one, never mind. The president and his wife are kind of cool, and yes… I met a girl. Her name is Seraphina. Oh man, she is beautiful."

Nancy's hands stilled briefly before resuming their work, but her movements were now slightly more forceful. Her smile wavered. "Beautiful, huh?"

"Yeah," Tyson continued, unaware of the subtle change in her tone. "She's beautiful. Like, really beautiful. Her smile is amazing, I tell you, Nancy. She's like a graceful member of a noble family. It's—"

Thwack!

Nancy slammed the dough with a loud thud and then forcefully kneaded it. The unexpected sound caused Tyson to pause mid-sentence to see what happened. 

"You alright?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Fine," Nancy replied, her tone sharp. "Just working on dough. It's... being stubborn today."

Oblivious to the brewing storm in her expression, Tyson continued. "Anyway, I was saying—her personality is just as amazing as her looks. She's so—"

"Shut up," Nancy snapped, her hands pressing into the dough with even greater force. "I don't want to hear about Seraphina."

Tyson blinked, surprised. "What? Why? Did I say something wrong?"

Nancy's cheeks flushed with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. She was about to respond when her mom walked in, drawn by the sound she made earlier. 

"Why are you beating that dough like it owes you money?" her mom asked, stopping as she noticed the video call. Her eyes darted between Nancy's flustered expression and Tyson on the screen.

"Hi, Mrs. Winters!" Tyson said, awkwardly waving.

Nancy's mom smiled knowingly, shaking her head slightly as she spoke to her daughter. "You may want to ease up on that dough, sweetie. It's not the dough's fault."

Nancy groaned, pushing a strand of hair back from her face and murmuring, "It's okay, Mom. I'm just... concentrating."

Her mom dismissed the excuse and leaned closer to the screen. "It's great to see you, Tyson. How's the trip going?"

"It's been wonderful, Mrs. Winters," Tyson said, his smile sincere. "I was just telling Nancy about the farmhouse and some of the folks I've met here."

Nancy's mom shot her a knowing, "I bet you were."

Nancy bit her lip, heat rising to her cheeks as she focused on the dough, resolute in not allowing either of them to notice her fluster.

Nancy's mom wiped her hands on a dish towel, "Well, Tyson, you've been having an exciting time. I'd love to meet you when you get back from your trip; you should come over for dinner."

Nancy froze mid-knead, her hands still pressing into the dough. "Mom!" she hissed quietly.

Tyson chuckled while scratching the back of his head. "That sounds great, Mrs. Winters. I would love to. Thanks for the invitation."

"Wonderful!" her mom said cheerfully, ignoring Nancy's mortified expression. "I'll let you two get back to your chat. Don't let her scare you off with that dough beating." With a wink, she left the kitchen, her footsteps fading down the hall.

The silence between Tyson and Nancy lingered for a moment, interrupted only by the sound of dough being kneaded. Nancy's face was a deep shade of pink, and her lips were pressed into a thin line.

Tyson leaned closer to the screen, grinning. "So... dinner at your place, huh? Should I bring you anything? Maybe some flowers?"

"I don't like flowers." Nancy's hands stilled, and she shot him a glare.

"Aw, come on, Nancy. I thought you'd be pleased I'm coming over," he teased, his grin growing wider.

Nancy groaned, tearing off her apron with an exasperated huff. "I hate you... —don't talk to me right now!"

Before Tyson could reply, she swiftly tapped to disconnect the call, leaving him shocked at the blank screen.

In the kitchen, Nancy rested against the counter, her cheeks still flushed as she quietly complained, "Why must he be so… so Tyson?"

Her mom glanced back into the kitchen, her eyebrow raised in curiosity. "What happened now?"

"Oh, it's nothing!" Nancy said with a quick smile, placing the dough into a bowl. 

Her mom chuckled, shaking her head. "Young love," she murmured, leaving Nancy in the kitchen.