The trial of Aquarius had left the circle shaken. Though he admitted to wearing the mask, his words of innocence lingered in the air. Some believed him, others condemned him. But Cancer and Scorpio knew one truth: the lanterns had been moved, and the betrayer still hid among them.
Leo's golden aura blazed as he spoke. "Enough of riddles! Aquarius wore the mask, and that is betrayal. Cast him out before more shadows come."
Aries stepped forward, fire sparking in his eyes. "You condemn too quickly, Leo. The mask is proof of secrecy, not of guilt. The true betrayer hides deeper."
Virgo's voice was sharp, precise. "The lanterns were dragged, not carried. That requires strength. Who among us has such power?"
Capricorn added, his tone firm. "Duty demands we follow the evidence. If Aquarius is innocent, then someone else guided the phantoms. Someone strong, someone deliberate."
Cancer's heart tightened. "Then the betrayer is not only hidden—it is someone we least expect."
Sagittarius strummed his guitar, his melody uneasy. "Betrayal is not always in shadows. Sometimes it hides in laughter, in trust. Perhaps the one we suspect least is the one who lit the path."
Aquarius lifted his gaze, his voice trembling. "Then find them. For if you condemn me wrongly, the true betrayer will strike again."
Libra raised her arms, her voice calm but strained. "Balance! Do not fracture further. If suspicion consumes us, the circle will collapse. Cancer, Scorpio—your love must guide us. Hunt the truth, but do not let anger blind you."
That night, Cancer and Scorpio searched the pier once more. Scorpio's sharp eyes caught faint footprints in the ash—larger, heavier than Aquarius'.
"Look," he said, pointing. "These prints are not his. They belong to someone stronger."
Cancer's voice trembled. "Then Aquarius was not alone. Someone else moved the lanterns."
Scorpio's grip tightened on her hand. "The hidden hand is real. And when we find it, the circle will see that love does not falter in betrayal."
The stars shimmered faintly, as if listening. The circle was fractured, suspicion spreading like cracks in stone. But at its heart, Cancer and Scorpio stood together—fragile, yet unyielding, determined to uncover the hidden hand and prove that love could withstand even deception.