Cassius's shadow blade hovered inches above Elektra's throat, his expression one of cold determination. The voice that had called out, though, carried an authority that could not be ignored.

"Stop!”

Cassius froze, his eyes flicking towards the source of the voice. Sabir turned as well, straining to see through the chaos of the battlefield.

A young girl stepped forward, her presence commanding despite her small stature. She was very short, her hair cascading down to her knees, decorated with vines and small flowers. Her sun dress fluttered gently as she moved, a stark contrast to the violence around her. Brown hair framed her face, and her big eyes were filled with a mix of determination and calm.

"That's enough, Cassius," she said firmly, her voice steady and unwavering.

Vines sprouted from the ground, thick and sinewy, wrapping themselves around Cassius's shadow blade. The shadows quivered under the green tendrils' grip, unable to push further. Cassius's glare softened immediately, his respect for the girl evident.

"Lady Maize," he said, his tone almost reverent. "The Voltaire brat attacked first, unprovoked."

Maize stepped closer, her eyes flicking to Elektra, who was struggling to breathe, her body battered and bloody. "There's been enough bloodshed today," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Elektra’s eyes, filled with pain and a flicker of relief, met Maize's. Despite her injuries, a spark of defiance remained in her gaze. "Come to gloat, Maize?" she managed to choke out, her voice weak but laced with venom.

Maize ignored the taunt, her focus remaining on Cassius. "How could you behave like this, after how my family has treated you since the government made you stray?" Her voice was stern, filled with a mix of sadness and reprimand. "Let her go. This isn't the way to solve our problems."

Cassius hesitated, the shadow blade still hovering menacingly. The disappointment in Maize's eyes cut deeper than any weapon. Finally, with a frustrated sigh, Cassius dissipated the deadly shadow. The vines receded, releasing their grip as he stepped back, his expression troubled and remorseful.

Sabir watched, a sense of relief washing over him. The immediate danger had passed, but he knew this encounter had only opened new questions. Who was this girl?

Maize knelt beside Elektra, her hands glowing faintly as she gently touched the wounds. The plants around her seemed to respond, their leaves and stems growing stronger and more vibrant. "You're going to be okay," she whispered, though it was unclear whether the words were meant for Elektra or herself.

With a snap of her fingers, the forest seemed to come alive. Dozens of figures in green robes emerged from the foliage, their movements synchronized and silent. They approached with an air of authority and purpose, their presence filling the open area.

Maize stood and gestured to one of the robed figures. "Take her to my room and call for the family doctor," she instructed, her voice calm yet commanding. "She'll need to be checked up. And tell her that when she's recovered, I'll be needing some answers on why she's here unannounced."

The figure nodded, gently lifting Elektra and carrying her away with the others. Maize watched them go, a mixture of concern and resolve in her eyes.

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Once Elektra was out of sight, Maize turned her attention to Sabir, her gaze sharp with curiosity. She tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear, clearing her eyes of any obstruction as she studied him intently.

"You're bleeding," Maize said, her tone softening as she approached. Her eyes, large and piercing, seemed to look right through him, making Sabir shift uneasily. It felt as though she was delving into his very thoughts, uncovering secrets he hadn't even shared.

Sabir instinctively touched his forehead, feeling the sticky warmth of blood. He had almost forgotten about his own injuries in the chaos. "It's nothing," he mumbled, trying to downplay it.

Maize didn't respond immediately. Instead, she reached out, her fingertips brushing against his skin. A gentle warmth spread from her touch, soothing and healing the wound. The plants around them seemed to hum with energy, their leaves rustling softly.

Cassius, who had been watching the exchange quietly, stepped forward. "Lady Maize, we appreciate your help," he said, his tone respectful. "But we need to understand what's happening here. Why is Elektra here, and why did she attack us?”

Maize sighed, glancing back in the direction Elektra had been taken. "Elektra has always been unpredictable," she said. "But I didn't expect this. The Gaian family will get to the bottom of it.”

"You're not from around here, are you?" Maize asked, her eyes never leaving his. Curiosity shimmered in her gaze, a silent question that Sabir wasn't sure he could answer.

"No, I'm not," Sabir replied, trying to hold her gaze but finding it difficult.

Maize called out to Cassius while still maintaining eye contact with Sabir. “Who is he? Why is he with you?”

Cassius stammered, "Uh, well, you see, um, I've taken on an assistant. Yes, a trainee. He's a trainee."

"That's not possible. He's a dud," Maize said.

Both Sabir and Cassius’ eyes widened in shock. "How did you know?"

"Dud" was a term used derogatorily for someone without esper powers. They are often discriminated against and looked down upon.

"I can sense it," Maize replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "You’re different in nature from everyone else. It's the first time I've met a dud. They're just as helpless as I thought they'd be."

Maize nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "There's more to you than meets the eye," she whispered, almost to herself.

"So, who is this boy really, Cassius? He can't be your sibling. You look somewhat similar, but those eyes and your face shapes differ," Maize said, peering into Sabir's golden eyes.

"He was a lead in my investigation on the Triads. He's...from The Limbo," Cassius said hesitantly.

"You've been breaking all kinds of rules, Cassius. Are you telling me you broke the law and smuggled this guy into Havana? Your obsession with The Triads clouds your judgment," Maize said, rubbing her temples in exasperation.

"Well, technically, he was here legally but—"

"No buts," Maize interrupted, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. "Based on your lack of professionalism, I'll see to it that this boy gets home safely myself. This could be... interesting.”

Turning back to Sabir with a spark of excitement, she added, "For now, we should get you back home. There's so much to talk about."

She then turned to Cassius with a wry smile. "Cassius, let my mother know I'll be out for a while. And don't forget to fill her in on everything that’s happened. I’m sure she’ll appreciate knowing a Voltaire encroached on our territory. Anyway See ya!"

"But—" Cassius began to argue, but roots grew near where Sabir was kneeling, helping him to his feet. Maize took his hand and started walking away through the trees. Her giggles echoed through the forest, leaving Cassius confused and unsure of what to do.

With that, Maize gently pulled Sabir along. As they moved deeper into the forest, the air seemed to grow warmer, the plants around them thriving in the presence of his mysterious benefactor.

“Great, I'm running errands now and my office is ransacked" Cassius screamed, whilst pulling his hair out of frustration. On that day Cassius vowed he would never have children.