Mazi sat stiffly on a metallic bench in one of the Clinic's genetics labs, his large brown eyes fixed on the tablet on the counter in front of him. One of his long, curly hair strands had fallen loose from his tied-back hair, hanging in front of his face as the long night wore on. His strong jaw and wide mouth were set in frustration, his exhaustion apparent as he lost track of time.

The room buzzed faintly with the hum of A.I. driven medical equipment, its walls lined with consoles streaming holographic data. Shelves held sterile instruments and glowing vials. The air reeked of antiseptic, and the harsh lighting made the space feel cold and unwelcoming.

Mazi had spent most of the evening analyzing Jahui and Yoshua's blood tests, but nothing made sense. Esa, where are you? He thought, frustration creeping in. Esa had a way of seeing patterns others overlooked. Mazi's mind was racing from one thought to another.

Mazi had chosen this lab for them to rest because it was the farthest room from the relentless hum and acrid smell of the consciousness drive, which mapped Jahui's nervous system. The noise and stench were constant, inescapable reminders of the grim process unfolding. Mazi could see how much it unsettled Kaya.

Kaya dozed in the only moderately comfortable chair on the entire floor, her olive skin appeared to glow faintly in the soft light. Long auburn waves cascaded over her face, the strands loose and untamed. Beside her, baby Kiran lay nestled in a specialized incubator, crafted explicitly for halfbreed infants. The clear, reinforced shell encased him, its advanced Atlantean design ensuring consistent warmth and stability. A monitor attached to the incubator displayed vital signs critical for halfbreed care.

Through a small access tube, Kaya gently held Kiran's tiny hand, their bond palpable in the quiet room. The sight drew a soft, fleeting smile from Mazi. He noticed Kiran's arms, the delicate, growing lines of feathers beginning to form along his skin. He couldn't help but wonder: Will they eventually become wings?

Over the past day, they had learned just how fragile baby Kiran's condition truly was. Severely malnourished, his tiny body was struggling. Dr. Dubay's team had worked tirelessly to stabilize him, and had connected him to an Ashaelix drip. The medicine delivered a precise blend of life-sustaining nutrients and restorative compounds directly into his bloodstream, designed to address the unique vulnerabilities of halfbreed children.

Mazi had asked Zeru to fetch a blanket for Kaya, but the request left Zeru perplexed. Accustomed to working in the sterile, patient-free research floor, Zeru was not familiar with attending to the needs of living patients.

That had been nearly an hour ago. Mazi began to wonder if Zeru had vanished to the upper floors for good and whether he would need to enlist one of the human staff to track down the android.

Mazi had also tried to take Kaya to Ibris' apartment. Kaya, however, refused to leave the Clinic, unwilling to leave Kiran. He was the only living patient there, which made Kaya uneasy. Ibris had insisted on keeping Kiran there for his safety, ensuring that only Dr. Dubay and a select few medical professionals had access to him. So, they stayed at the Clinic.

It had been over a day since Ibris left with Yoshua for Bayhan City, and there had been no word from them since...

Before leaving, Ibris left Mazi a keycard, encoded with Ibris' biological signature. "Keep this close," Ibris said, lowering his voice to keep it out of earshot of Yoshua and Kaya, as he pressed the card into Mazi's hand. "It grants access to my apartment, the  transports in my garage, the back entrance of the Clinic, and... the bunker. Don't lose it—it's your lifeline if things go south."

Suddently, the android Zeru slid the lab door open with a loud hiss, jolting Mazi from his racing thoughts. "Mazi," Zeru announced, his voice loud and mechanical.

"Shhh," Mazi whispered, "keep it down, Zeru, you'll wake them."

Kaya shifted in her chair, her eyes still closed. Her ears twitched slightly; Mazi wondered if she was truly asleep.

"My apologies," the robot said, lowering its volume. "Here are blankets." It extended its robotic arm.

Mazi took the items and shook his head. "Took you long enough to find these," he said.

"The staff on the upper floors are very kind," Zeru said. "They showed me these blankets and engaged in extensive conversation about my research floor."

Mazi brought a hand to his forehead in disbelief. "I'm not sure Ibris would appreciate you doing that." He said, barely managing to stifle a gasp.

"Oh," Zeru paused, computing his thoughts. "I do not have any confidentiality programming for the upper floor staff and patients. I will need to revise this with the doctors."

Mazi shook his head in frustration again, anxious about the trouble he'd face with Ibris when he finds out about Zeru's excursion.

"I also learned that humans should sleep at night," Zeru said, robotically. "You've been awake nearly all night. It's almost daybreak."

Not that I can feel or tell from down here, Mazi thought, yawning as he considered how deep underground this part of the Clinic was.

"So I brought you breakfast," Zeru continued, setting two hospital food trays down on the counter next to Mazi with his other robotic arm. "The staff showed me to the cafeteria. I had no idea we had such a place in this building." He buzzed, almost as if pleased.

Mazi examined the trays, removing the covers. Inside were bland, grayish lumps—one a protein-packed paste, the other a pale, overcooked vegetable medley.

"You may want to eat them while they're still warm," Zeru added, examining the mush.

"Hm," Mazi muttered, feeling nauseous at the sight of the food. "Thanks," he said, sarcastically.

"And I've received additional analysis regarding Yoshua's blood tests," Zeru added.

At the mention of Yoshua's name, Kaya's eyes fluttered open, her olive skin soft and glowing in the dim light. Baby Kiran began to fidget as she gently released his hand.

"What did he say?" Kaya asked, sitting up instantly, her hair cascading around her shoulders with a quiet grace.

Mazi shook his head, disapproving. "Sorry, he woke you."

"What about uncle Yoshua's results?" Kaya asked again.

"Zeru has them," Mazi muttered, sighing deeply. "You should go back to sleep, we can review them in a few hours."

Mazi's thoughts drifted to the hours Ibris had spent convincing Yoshua to take blood tests. Yoshua resisted at first, his voice both defiant and weary. "I've made my peace with it. I do not want any testing," Yoshua insisted.

Ibris, however, refused to let it go. "Well, what was the prognosis?" He pressed.

Yoshua's answer was vague and unsettling. "I don't remember... something about my blood, and something about not living past the next year."

Mazi recalled the look on Kaya and Ibris' faces when those words hit them. "What kind of prognosis is that?" Ibris snapped, his anger barely contained, fists clenched tightly. It was clear how deeply he cared for Yoshua. There was no peace to be made it—not for Ibris, nor for Kaya.

Eventually, Yoshua gave in to their relentless pleas.

Dr. Dubay conducted thorough scans of Yoshua's body, meticulously documenting every detail, along with several blood draws. The initial results came back quickly, but the results baffled both her and her staff. "We've never seen anything like it," she admitted, before sending the results to other halfbreed specialists across the continent for further analysis.

Today, the final reports had finally arrived. Mazi blinked, the sounds of the lab and the presence of Zeru pulling him back to the present.

"No, I want to know about uncle's results now," Kaya said, getting up from her chair and approaching Zeru.

Zeru retrieved the tablet from his belt and opened the data. "The analysis is still inconclusive," Zeru stated simply.

"What?" Mazi replied, stepping forward. "Let me take a look." He took the tablet from Zeru, noting that three specialists had reviewed Yoshua's results. Next to each of their names were unsettling observations: "Very rare behavior of antibodies in blood. Red blood cells do not appear human or halfbreed," one had written. Another noted, "Body's immune response may be attacking blood cells. All blood cells are abnormally shaped," while a third speculated some form of rare halfbreed leukemia.

"This doesn't make any sense," Mazi muttered, thinking out loud. "Is Dr. Dubay here?"

"She should be soon," Zeru answered, matter-of-factly.

"Good," Mazi said, deep in thought.

"So what does that mean?" Kaya asked, her voice trembling with fear.

"It means that no practicing doctor in Atlantis understands what's going on with your uncle," Mazi replied. He paused, recalling similar cases he had encountered while training as a medic in the aftermath of the civil war. He and Esa had decided to focus on caring for halfbreeds in particular, a decision that had led them to some grim realities. This kind of thing wasn't uncommon—Atlantean doctors rarely knew how to treat halfbreeds. Most halfbreed specialists were either elderly now or dead.

"Maybe our tribe's healer could help?" Kaya asked, her mind racing. "She gave uncle medicine on occasion for colds and injuries."

Mazi smiled weakly. "I'm not sure that's going to work—"

Dr. Dubay walked in, well-rested and focused on the medical tablet in hand. "Good morning, everyone," she said, brightly. "I see Zeru arrived before me and, unfortunately, caused you some stress," the doctor remarked, taking. in Kaya's troubled expression and the tablet in Mazi's hands.

"Mazi is correct—no practicing doctor in Atlantis fully understands these results, but Kaya's suggestion regarding the healer is a promising one," Dr. Dubay added.

Mazi's thick brows furrowed in confusion, taken aback. 

"When the war was at its peak, no medical professional wanted to touch halfbreed care. My father was one of the few doctors who still provided it." She paused for a moment. "And, well, he paid with his life."

"Oh," Mazi said, solemnly.

"If he were alive today, he would do it all over again," she added, smiling proudly.

Mazi finally understood why Dr. Dubay had chosen to work at the Clinic.

"During the war, my father trained halfbreed healers in medical care," Dr. Dubay continued. "They practiced methods our science couldn't understand. Their techniques are still common in Alemuria and Kemp. Dad always felt they had wisdom that Atlantis had lost."

"Halfbreed healers?" Mazi asked, intrigued. He had encountered healers in Kemp as a child, though his memories of them were faint. He had no idea such healers existed in Atlantis, let alone ones specifically for halfbreeds. He was shocked to think that a serious medical professional like Dr. Dubay would consider them legitimate.

"Yes, we have a few in the Underworld. They offer solutions when we hit dead ends," Dr. Dubay said, typing quickly into her tablet. "Ibris contacts one in particular from time to time. He hasn't responded to my messages or calls today, but I think this might be one of those situations."

Mazi nervously glanced at his tablet; still no word from Ibris.

Dr. Dubay paused, her fingers hovering over the screen. "I'm going to send her Yoshua's test results." She examined the unappetizing hospital food and added, "Maybe the two of you should go out, grab some breakfast, and get some air."

Kaya looked at the trays, the smell twisting in her stomach. Her wolf senses were overwhelmed, disgusted by the scent and sight of the food, and she quickly turned away. "I don't want to go. Kiran is here, and I want to know what's going on with Uncle Yoshua," Kaya insisted.

"It's going to take some time to hear back... Kiran is safe here," Dr. Dubay replied, calmly. "Taking a break won't harm either of them."

Kaya nodded weakly.

"Could you arrange a taxi transport?" Mazi asked. "I need to stop by Ibris' apartment as well."

Dr. Dubay nodded in agreement.

A few minutes later, Mazi and Kaya were on their way to Ibris' apartment. The green, self-driving taxi hummed quietly through the heart of the Underworld. Kaya sat pressed against the window in awe, as every turn revealed something new—a neon flashing billboard, a massive holographic ad projecting from a towering building, and lights flickering and changing on every corner. The constant buzz of traffic, people, and androids in the streets never seemed to slow. Her wolf instincts stirred uneasily, overwhelmed by the noise and artificial smells. There was no room for silence here, no place for the quiet solace of nature. Her heightened senses felt stifled, suffocated by the city's relentless, unnatural energy.

She glanced over at Mazi, who was quietly focused on his tablet. "So many people this early," she said aloud. 

Mazi fingers flicking across the screen as he adjusted their route. "This place doesn't sleep, Kaya. People work around the clock here." He glanced out the window. "I'm not sure they have any real circadian rhythm, given they never get sunlight."

"No sunlight," Kaya murmured to herself, immediately noticing the worn, tired faces outside the transport. A wave of longing for her quiet, uneventful life in the Northern Mountains washed over her. She missed the slow pace of her small town, her tribe, her cottage, and most of all, her mother.

"None," Mazi emphasized, gravely.

"That is terrible," she said.

Mazi nodded in agreement.

"How do people live here?" she asked, incredulously, taking in the concrete jungle—its oppressive grayness, the flashing lights, the absence of any natural beauty. "I don't see a single tree or bird... or any nature."

"You get used to it," Mazi said softly. "Most people here don't know anything different."

But Kaya was not sure she could ever get used to it. The city felt suffocating.

"How much longer do you think until we reach Ibris' place?" Kaya asked, impatiently.

Mazi looked down at his tablet again. "Almost there."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of constant motion, the transport slowed and came to a gentle stop.

Kaya peered out of the window. In contrast to the grime and dust of the streets they'd just passed, the entrance to the building in front of them gleamed with a pristine cleanliness. The pavement was freshly swept, and the wide glass doors reflected the soft light of the street lamps. The building itself rose high into the dark sky above, its dark exterior smooth as obsidian, with neon accents tracing the contours of its upper floors.

The taxi A.I. in the transport spoke up, its voice crisp and impersonal. "Arrival at destination: Stratos Tower, Sector Epsilon. Payment due."

Mazi tapped a few buttons on his tablet, and the A.I.'s voice responded, acknowledging the payment.

"Good night and be well, travelers."

Mazi stepped out first, then offered Kaya a hand.  Mazi closed the transport door with a slight frown as the vehicle smoothly accelerated away. "Well, we're here," he said, glancing up at the towering building.

Kaya squinted at the lights. "It's very tall."

"Yeah, and we're going to the very top," Mazi added.

The two of them stepped into the entrance and onto a small elevator, its transparent walls shimmering with subtle, glowing circuits. The space was compact yet efficient, the elevator smoothly ascended to the penthouse level. Stepping off, they made their way down a narrow hall toward Ibris' door. Mazi swiped the key card, and the door slid open with a soft hiss.

Kaya was surprised to find the apartment surprisingly small and modest in design, with minimalist furnishings. The large windows, however, lining the far walls offered a breathtaking view of the Underworld. The space was bathed in artificial neon light.  As they entered, the apartment's A.I. activated, its voice smooth and polite.

"Hello. Please state your name," it requested. So it knows we're not Ibris, Mazi thought. The top-of-the-line technology read biosignals, despite the biolinked key cards used for security.

"Mazi Khenet," Mazi replied, offering his full name with a casual ease. He turned to Kaya. "Your full name?"

Kaya hesitated for a moment before responding, "Kaya Kahkati Imenti" and the AI processed both their names, confirming they were permitted on the premises. It then inquired if they required assistance from Seraphine.

"Who is Seraphine?" Kaya asked, glancing at Mazi.

He shrugged and shook his head, mouthing I don't know.

A moment later, a humanoid android emerged from a nearby closet, its appearance neat and precise, dressed in a modest uniform. She had a sleek, polished look, her movements fluid and graceful as she stepped forward. Her voice was feminine, yet mechanical. "May I offer assistance?" She asked.

Mazi raised an eyebrow. "Can you make us breakfast?"

The android paused as she processed the question. "I'm afraid there is no edible food here, just some ambrosia." she replied.

Kaya glanced at Mazi, smirking like a child. "Ambrosia?"

"Typical Ibris." Mazi mouthed back to her.

"Alright, well can you recommend—" Mazi began to ask about a place to have breakfast, just as sunlight suddenly pierced through the tall windows, flooding the apartment with a warm, golden glow.

Kaya grabbed Mazi's hand, interrupting him mid-sentence. She led him to the window, where the sunlight bathed his face. The dark interior of Ibris's apartment seemed to come alive in the glow, and both Mazi and Kaya stood frozen, hand in hand, staring in stunned silence.

"I thought you said no one gets sunlight in the Underworld?" Kaya asked, incredulously.

"Yeah, they don't usually," Mazi replied, equally stunned, at a loss for words. He blushed as he realized his hand was still in Kaya's, but neither of them moved.

For a few moments, they stood there, allowing the sunlight to bathe them in its warmth. Kaya closed her eyes, savoring the sensation. Finally, an audible rumble from her stomach broke the silence. Kaya, embarrassed, released Mazi's hand and turned away.

"So... any recommendations on where we can get breakfast, Seraphine?" Mazi asked, fighting back a chuckle.

Kaya flushed.

"Yes, there's BaoByte nearby," Seraphine recommended. "It has nanosoup dumplings, rice noodle bowls, and synth nutrient bowls. Ibris rather likes it for early morning meals."

"Sounds good," Mazi said, then hesitated, carefully weighing his next words. He didn't want to scare Kaya, but it was something that had to be addressed. "Seraphine," Mazi began, his voice low, "Did Ibris leave us a package?" He asked, mysteriously.

"Ah, yes," Seraphine replied, matter-of-factly. Without missing a beat, she turned and walked toward a cupboard embedded in the wall. She punched in a sequence of numbers on its panel, and the entire unit slid open, revealing a hidden compartment filled with an assortment of weapons.

There were several swords with curved, razor-sharp blades and dark leather-wrapped handles, their hilts designed for balance and protection. Alongside them lay jagged knives and sleek, deadly-looking guns, all exuding an air of lethal precision. Some weapons appeared more like works of art than tools of war. Kaya took a step back in surprise and, perhaps, in aversion. Seraphine reached in, effortlessly pulling out a large automatic laser rifle and handing it to Mazi.

"Here you go."

Mazi took the weapon, weighing it in his hands for a moment. "That might be a bit much for breakfast, don't you think, Seraphine?" He said, amused by the sheer size of the gun.

"I see," she replied, thinking for a moment. Then, taking the gun back, she asked, "Which would you prefer?"

"How about that one?" Mazi gestured toward a compact laser pistol tucked neatly on a middle shelf, one that could easily be concealed beneath clothing.

"Oh, of course." Seraphine retrieved the smaller gun and handed it over.

Mazi strapped it onto his belt and pulled his tunic over it. "One more for Kaya, Seraphine." He added, and Seraphine placed a similar laser gun in Kaya's hands.

Kaya examined the cold metal piece. "I thought we were just going for breakfast," she said, examining the weapon. The memory of what guns could do was still fresh in her mind, and the sight of one made her uneasy.

"You don't go anywhere in the Underworld without a weapon," Mazi replied, pursing his lips. 

" I don't really know how to use one of these," Kaya added, softly.

Just then, the apartment's A.I. came to life again with a soft chime.

"There is a guest at the front door," it announced.

Mazi glanced at Kaya, who raised an eyebrow. "Were you expecting someone?" She asked.

Mazi shook his head, frowning slightly. "No."

The A.I. continued, its voice smooth as ever. "Her name is Lira Shaqar."

The door panel hummed, and a holo-image of the woman appeared, standing outside. Mazi noticed the woman was a cat halfbreed, with long black hair cascading down her back, her ears poking out from the strands. Her feline features were sharp but distressed. He had never seen her before.

Mazi scratched his head, an annoyed sigh escaping him. "Probably one of Ibris' girlfriends," he muttered. Turning back to the A.I., he said, "Notify her that Ibris isn't here and send her away."

The A.I. acknowledged the command and turned off with a soft beep.

Mazi nodded at Kaya. It was time to leave. According to his tablet, the restaurant was just two blocks away.

With that, they left the apartment and stepped out into the brisk morning air of the Underworld. Kaya was still reeling from the brightness of the sunlight and the strange atmosphere of Ibris' apartment. Her senses sharpened as she took in the overwhelming smells of the city. The scents of burning metal, the acrid tang of synthetic oils, and the faint odor of sweat and food filled the air, mingling with the pungent stench of countless bodies living in close quarters. She felt overwhelmed again.

Mazi, noticing Kaya's disorientation, attempted to distract her by explaining how her gun worked, while she tried to block out the grim surroundings of the city. One block over, a gaunt man leaned against a wall, begging for credits in a hoarse voice. Kaya quickly looked away, but the image lingered. Further down, a halfbreed woman swayed, dazed, while a leering, slurring man reached out to touch her. She recoiled, weakly trying to push him away and tell him to leave her alone.

Kaya nervously stepped closer to Mazi and held his hand again, feeling safe against his warmth. He gently smiled at her and continued speaking about the compact gun.

Turning left, they walked through a cluttered alleyway, where neon signs blinked overhead, casting multicolored glows on the cracked concrete. BaoByte was tucked away in a corner, a compact restaurant hidden behind a faded holographic sign. The space was cramped, and the faint hum of technology blended with the chatter and clatter from within.

Inside, the atmosphere was chaotic—a dozen humans and halfbreeds packed into the cramped space, their voices clashing in a noisy din. A lone android darted between them, its metallic limbs struggling to keep up as it served steaming plates and clattering dishes. The exposed metal walls and low ceiling added to the confined feel, with battered tables filling the room and a small bar next to an open kitchen, where a single human chef worked furiously over sizzling pans. The air was thick with the smell of grease and spices.

Mazi and Kaya approached the counter where the android met them, its frame twitching as if struggling to keep its balance. Its face was frozen in a half-smile, and its eyes pulsed in and out of focus, clearly malfunctioning.

"We'd like a seat," Mazi requested.

The android blinked, its voice a distorted version of polite. "Please... seat... " It gestured vaguely toward a row of stools next to the open kitchen. "Seat yourself at the bar."

Mazi led Kaya to the bar. From their seats, they could watch the lone human chef in the small kitchen, working tirelessly to prepare the food with practiced precision. The clink of utensils and the hiss of kitchen appliances filled the air as the chef chopped, cooked, and assembled ingredients into bowls before the malfunctioning android whisked them away to diners.

Mazi tapped the table, and a pair of holographic menus appeared in front of them, glowing softly with an array of options. The digital display shifted rapidly, offering a large selection of food.

Kaya stared at the menu, examining the various options, struggling to make sense of the unfamiliar terms and choices.

Mazi, noticing her hesitation, placed a hand on her forearm. "Want me to order for you?"

Kaya nodded, relieved.

Mazi tapped the menu a few times. "Two fish synth nutrient breakfast bowls. That should work."

The holograms flickered as the order was confirmed, and a few minutes later, the android delivered two steaming bowls. The utilitarian bowls contained a thick, gray paste with chunks of pink fish, the heat rising in visible waves. The scent of artificial seasoning mixed with the sharp tang of synthetic nutrients.

As Mazi lifted a piece of fish to his mouth, he noticed the cat halfbreed woman standing by the restaurant door, reflected in the kitchen appliances, the same one he had seen in the hologram at Ibris' apartment. Two large men flanked her—one with a curved, gleaming sword, the other carrying a bulky, military-grade laser gun. Mazi scanned the room and noticed that everyone in the restaurant was carrying on as usual. He glanced at Kaya. "Something's not right," he murmured. "Don't make any hasty movements."

"I can sense them," she said. Kaya's wolf instincts had already detected the presence of three dangerous individuals. Her senses were sharp, her body tense. Her ears pricked, and the faintest shift in the air set off her awareness.

Then, the chaos unfolded.

The two men surged forward. The one with the sword leaped over tables, knocking food aside with swift, practiced strikes. His movements were fluid, almost acrobatic, as he closed in on Mazi. The other man, brute-force in motion, simply shoved tables aside, clearing the path with savage efficiency. Meanwhile, the patrons in the restaurant screamed, scrambling in all directions, desperately trying to flee the chaos.

In an instant, Mazi grabbed Kaya, his hand firm as he shoved her toward the far end of the counter. "Hide," he ordered, his voice sharp and commanding. Her heart raced, her senses heightened—her body moving with the fluid speed of a wolf. She ducked behind the counter. Next to her, the chef was screaming, his hands trembling as he spilled hot broth everywhere.

Mazi faced the oncoming men, his movements fluid as laser shots rang out, narrowly missing him. He dodged and weaved with precision. When the swordsman lunged, Mazi sidestepped, his reflexes sharp. He drew his gun and fired at the swordsman, hitting him in the shoulder. Without hesitation, Mazi pivoted to the gunman, narrowly avoiding the gunman's laser shot. Mazi then shot the swordsman again, this time hitting his leg and sending him crashing to the floor.

But Mazi's focus slipped. The gunman seized the opportunity, shooting him in the leg. He approached Mazi, yanking him up by his curly hair, and pointed the gun at his head. "Where is the girl?" He demanded with a growl.

Kaya, still hidden behind the counter, could hear her heart pounding in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears, louder and faster than the last. Her breath caught in her throat as the gunman repeated his demand.

Her wolf instincts flared, a surge of primal rage and fear flooding her senses. Slowly, she peered around the edge of the counter, and locked onto the gun pointed at Mazi's head. Panic gripped her, pulling her back to that day in her cottage—the mercenary's gun at Yoshua's head, her mother stepping out of the bathroom to face their attackers alone. Not again, she vowed, then lunged from behind the counter.

Her senses sharpened. Kaya quickly reached for the small laser gun tucked into her dress. With unexpected precision, she aimed at the gunman's hand, her pulse racing, and fired. His gun flew from his grasp, skidding under a nearby table. The man was in shock as Kaya immediately fired again, this time hitting him squarely in the face.

Mazi froze, shock overtaking him as the gunman fell, his grip loosening. For a brief moment, the room was silent.

Kaya's breaths quickened in horror as the realization struck—she had killed the man.

Taking advantage of Kaya and Mazi's hesitation, Lira moved with the speed and grace of a predator. Her feline agility allowed her to approach Mazi from behind in an instant, quickly applying pressure to key points that caused him to black out and collapse to the ground. In a smooth, fluid motion, she performed two flips, landing with precision behind Kaya.

With one swift movement, Lira disarmed Kaya and restrained her arms behind her back. As Kaya struggled, Lira, with the same effortless grace, pressed a series of pressure points on Kaya's neck.

"I got you," Lira said, her twisted smile gleaming with malicious satisfaction.

And the world around Kaya faded to black.