Return to the Capital

Location: Eastern Tavara – Military Transport En Route to the Capital

The military jet cut through the skies above Tavara, its dark matte exterior reflecting the rising sun as it approached the capital. Inside the cabin, Victor Kane sat in deep silence, eyes fixed on the clouds beyond the window. His mind churned with memories—of Nora, of her awakening, of the empire he'd once been forced to abandon.

Beside him sat Lieutenant Zora, quiet but attentive.

"She's changed," Zora said finally.

Victor didn't look at her. "She had to."

Zora hesitated before adding, "You've changed too. You're not just a commander anymore. You're a storm coming for Tavara."

Victor gave a half-smile. "And I plan to strike lightning where it hurts most."

---

Location: Kane Estate – War Room

Nora stood before a digital board, analyzing patterns of unrest across the capital. Protests had risen in various districts—carefully timed, meticulously fueled by enemy forces behind the scenes.

Peter circled several hotspots on the map. "There's coordination here. They're not random riots."

Nora nodded. "Someone's agitating the population. And it's not just political. It's spiritual. They want to break Tavara's heart before they seize its crown."

Lena walked in with a tablet. "You should see this. Surveillance picked up a cloaked figure entering the Ravenport Cathedral ruins… the same one the Warden lineage used to guard."

Nora's expression hardened. "Then they're coming for the relics."

Peter looked alarmed. "Do we have defenses in place?"

Nora turned, eyes glowing faintly gold. "Not yet. But they won't find me unprepared."

---

Location: Tavara Capital – Grand Central

Victor stepped off the aircraft in a black coat and leather gloves, his presence immediately noticed. A convoy of discreet military-grade SUVs awaited him. Loyal men—former ghosts from his private army—greeted him with silent nods.

The capital buzzed in chaos. News of the riots, mysterious disappearances, and whispers of an ancient flame returning had stirred every level of society.

Victor's phone rang.

Lena's voice came through, clear and calm. "She wants to see you."

Victor's jaw clenched slightly. "I know."

He ended the call and climbed into the lead vehicle, his convoy roaring down the road toward the Kane Estate.

---

Location: Kane Estate – Nora's Inner Garden

Nora stood beneath the old sakura tree. Petals drifted gently around her as the sun broke through the clouds.

The sound of approaching footsteps pulled her from her thoughts.

She turned.

And there he was.

Victor.

Older. Stronger. Fiercer. Yet in his eyes, she still saw the boy who once held her hand beneath a starry sky and whispered dreams of changing the world.

He stepped closer. No words yet. Just silence thick with meaning.

"I thought I lost you," she said.

"You never did," he answered.

Then: "But I almost lost myself."

Nora reached for his hand, and for a heartbeat, the golden flame within her flickered softly, as if recognizing something sacred.

"I'm not the same girl anymore," she whispered.

Victor smiled. "Then let me meet the woman you've become."