The sun was slowly setting as Miria, Alix and Kira walked side by side on their way home. The atmosphere was strangely heavy. Kira trailed a few steps behind, silent, looking elsewhere.
Miria deliberately slows down until she is at his level.
—Hey, Kira…
Kira jumped.
- Yes ?
Miria gave him a gentle smile.
— You know… I can see how much you hate Morena with all your heart. But for Eiden… it's different. There are ups and downs, and I would like to understand why.
Kira opened her mouth to respond… but a cheerful voice cut them off.
— Hey! Guess what!
Alix came trotting in, a big smile on her lips.
— Asher invites us to the mall!
Kira huffed lightly, then forced a smile.
— We'll talk about it later, Miria... I promise.
Miria nodded gently, even though worry remained in her eyes.
And the group headed towards the shopping center.
Morena was alone, sitting on her throne, her gaze blank. Miria's words still echoed in his mind.
A sharp crack sounded. The glass she was holding cracked...then shattered into shards in her hand.
A soft voice broke the silence:
— Morena… my darling.
She turned around quickly.
— Leana?
(An amused smile.)
—What are you doing here? It's been a long time.
Léana approached slowly.
— Yes… too long. But I saw that you were not in your usual state.
Morena gritted her teeth.
— Let's say that a certain nobody at all thinks he can replace me.
Léana tilted her head.
—And that's what puts you in this state?
(She smiles.)
"Why not make her pay…like you did with Kira?"
Morena hesitated.
—The problem is, I might get caught.
Léana smiles, half amused, half mysterious.
—Who said it would be you who would act?
Morena widened her eyes.
—What idea do you have in mind...?
Later — On the way home
After the mall, the group walked leisurely home. The sky was starting to darken.
The sound of footsteps sounded behind them.
Then several hooded figures emerged from the shadows.
Without a word, they attacked.
— Down! Eiden shouted.
One of the men jumped on Alix. She dodged, spun, and kicked him hard in the ribs, sending him crashing into a wall.
Asher raised his hand in a sharp movement: an invisible wave pushed back two attackers who were thrown to the ground.
Kira spun around, dodging an attack, then delivered a precise elbow strike to the face.
Miria tried to intervene, but the enemies were fast, their movements fluid, almost inhuman.
— They are super fast! Alix said.