Rachel’s ears twitched toward the sound of the crowd gathering, heavy boots crunching snow as the flakes of snow melted against her hot skin. Black and Scarlet walked behind her, the vamp girl silently flipping through the intel Astra had delivered to them.

In the distance, Nia bounced ahead of Nam, Alexa, Aella, and Grace with her bunny squad; the little girl had been freed from Grace’s rope once settling down a bit.

Nia’s giggles mixing with the occasional mumbles of excitement that passed between various companies with the radio buzzing about the ‘flux’ speech. Not everyone was getting on board with the media word for the changed people—the other proposed names were demis, ascendants, evols, reforms, and lumina. It would be interesting to see what stuck.

The chilly air bit at Rachel's cheeks, but she hardly noticed; her pulse rising with each murmur from the soldiers and changed people.

This is it. Another spotlight, another test…another ring with competition. This will have a much bigger audience, though.

Scarlet spoke up, drawing Rachel’s eye as she shifted to watch the girl jog forward to walk beside her. “Should I really be looking into this? Like…right now,” Scarlet asked, flicking the papers with her long, black nails. “It feels like Astra’s trying to screw us over…or not give us all the information. I don’t trust it.”

Rachel returned her gaze to the road as the snow began to thicken, the street lined with soldiers and changed people, all of them whispering about Omen, Fable, and a few other organizations recruiting. The wind stirred, sending snowflakes swirling around them like they were the center of the universe.

“Let Astra play Astra games,” she said, voice low and steady. “If she wants to—oh, now she’s turned into a tank driver. If he’s leading us into a trap, we’ll just spring it in his face. Do what you think is right, Scarlet. I’d love to have another enemy to put my attention on. Doesn’t it feel too quiet so far?”

Scarlet’s lips curled into a strained smirk, her crimson eyes gleaming with a new spark. “Says the woman who beat a girl half to death, recruited her, and then met with a few criminals on the most wanted list? Sure. You got it, Boss. I’ll find out what’s real and what’s bullshit.”

Shadows swallowed her, making Rachel internally sigh as Black listened to a rat who had run up her body to whisper into her ear.

I think you’re adding Astra to that most wanted list when he shouldn’t be, Scarlet. Still, it’s good to see her with more confidence after Elizabeth’s Legend Quest. Now’s a good time to sink her fangs into something. She’ll get even more dangerous as she grows more comfortable in her skin. It’s better to let her roam than fester with all that energy.

And what’s Maria up to? Hmm… Cursing out magical engineers who she heals and they go right back to work on the airship, only to be carried back to her an hour later, sporting new burns. I suppose it’s trial and error at this point. She’s upgrading her Feats through it, which is big, and possibly getting us EXP. Good to get the Mexican crew in our debt, as well.

Up ahead, the stage came into view through the white blanket that had been cast over them. It towered over the snowy field the military had set up a podium on, and Rachel could already see the crowd swelling—thousands.

Rachel’s focus narrowed as her gaze shifted to Black. The rat woman moved silently beside her, scanning the area with quick, sharp eyes.

“You’ve been quiet. Anything you want to share?”

Black’s lips barely twitched into a smile, her tail flicking left and right, muscles tense. “Gray’s lurking nearby,” she said, nodding toward a dark alley ahead. “He’s waiting for a report.”

“Mmm.” Rachel’s ears darted in that direction, paying close attention to the muscle twitches. “Good to know another voice I should keep track of. Give him my best, would you? I’ll keep Green company in the meantime. Oh, welcome, Red. A bit late, aren’t you?”

The Fable of Little Red Riding Hood appeared in a blur of rose petals, her red cloak fluttering as she fell into step beside them, catching a few eyes. “You think showing up with Omen is a good idea, Black? Took me long enough to track you down. This might fire up Green even more, and I don’t know if that’s what you want.”

Rachel’s laugh was soft but sharp. “She’s been restless, huh? Maybe that’s exactly what she needs. I can hear her tension. Let me help her burn off some steam. It’ll keep things interesting. I’ll make her forget all about you,” she added with a thumbs up that had the brown-haired girl shoot a questioning look from under her hood.

Red huffed, though her lips twitched. “You’re making our lives easier, you know that? Thanks, by the way. You’re more of a fairy tale nightmare turned semi-heroine.”

Giving the private military woman a creased, downward eye, she snorted. “I don’t know if that’s a burn or a compliment. Anyway, just doing my part. Go ahead and tell Gray all about me. Have fun, and remember… Omen’s always got a spot open for a wolf and a rat,” she snickered, waving them off with one hand before returning it to her pocket.

Black nodded, her tail swishing as she split off, but not before adding, “Be careful, Rachel. I’ve heard the rats talking—factions are sending people to observe, and they may act if things get tense or an opportunity opens up. The USSR could provide that opportunity. You’d probably like that, though.”

Rachel’s grin widened. “I like keeping things fun.”

As Black and Red disappeared into the snowstorm, Rachel evened out her pace, now alone. Weaving through the crowd, she started drawing attention, people pointing her out. A path opened up for her as she moved through the throng, and Nia’s voice in her mind brightened her smile.

“Oh, Major, Major! White can convert Coral and Aurelia’s energy into the Normal White Moon, and it’s like…super potent! Like, uh…a lot of percent for one percent of the thing—uh, one, two, three, four—”

Do you really have to count on your fingers? Basically, the Normal Moon buns have a few extra options compared to the Event since it’s closer to our level. Rachel teased, spotting Barbara off to the side of the stage in a roped off area. That’s a good surprise.

“Don’t make fun of my finger counting! Uh, 10% for every 1% of the Event Moon. Humph. See. I can count. Why are there so many people here? I can’t see anything! I’m jumping onto the roof. Aella can carry everyone up here—oh, Alexa can fly!”

Rachel paused at the rope, where soldiers were stationed, blocking off the area, and didn’t need to wait for the Legend to notice her. The men opened up a way for her, showing how far her reputation had spread.

What was your first guess, her wings?

“Oh, shut up, fatass! Nobody likes a smart hare.”

Mmm. Debatable, Little Bun. Convert Coral’s to pump me up to max on White Lunar Energy. Catching a few men and women’s eyes in passing, she felt a surge of power as her lunar aura brightened with the power flowing into her from her outfit. How long until Big Nia is ready to stretch her ears?

“An hour or two, I don’t know… I don’t check,” she grumbled, likely not wanting to transform and feeling like she was a burden. “Why? I can keep Nike company if I’m too floppy eared for you.”

Nice defensive tone there, young bun. Just chill and have fun with Alexa. I’d get the popcorn.

“Glitter?”

No.

“Awww… Okay. I’ll go get popcorn.”

Not actually expecting the girl to jump down from her perch to jog over and get popcorn from a nearby store, Rachel shook her head while approaching Barbara.

You have money.

“Cash money, sucka-sucka! Sir, yes, sir!”

We need to discuss your media consumption later…

The stage was only a few steps away now, the bright lights illuminating the swirling flakes like stars above her across the field. The world was watching, waiting for her to make the next move. But that didn’t bother her; it felt no different than speaking to anyone else.

The sharp scent of cold steel and adrenaline lingered in the air as Rachel approached Barbara. Her ears were tuned to the pulse of the growing crowd, the biting cold barely touching most who were present due to Resistances or willpower.

Barbara stood tall, her auburn braid catching the stray snowflakes, eyes as sharp as ever behind that disciplined Marine calm. A man, bundled tightly in a thick wool coat, stood at her side—Montana’s Senator—John Daines, his breath curling visibly into the frigid air.

As Rachel stepped closer, the senator extended a hand, his gloved fingers trembling slightly, more from the chill than the nerves. His eyes, however, were locked with a sharp gratitude, reflecting in his hoarse voice.

“Miss Park,” he said, shaking her hand with a firm grip, “I want to personally thank you for coming to the defense of our state. You’ve already done more than I could’ve asked from what little I’ve been briefed on with all the information you’ve provided.”

Hey, Dad, just meeting a state senator. Life really has changed. Sure, I’ve met the President of the United States and a four-star general, but it’s hard to believe I’m shaking hands and working at such a high level now. These Legends and Myths, though…

Rachel’s gaze remained on the senator while still sizing up her competition from the other PMCs, state, and nations representatives that had offered their support.

“Of course,” she replied, her tone professional but clipped. “Montana isn’t the only one at risk here. We need to rally together, right?”

The senator coughed, rubbing his gloved hands together, teeth barely concealed beneath his thick scarf and showing how long he’d been out in the cold. “Well,” he began, shifting his weight as he motioned toward the podium. “We’re introducing all the PMCs and military forces who have been redirected to Montana’s defense today to ease the hearts of the nation. You’ll each have a chance to speak to the public…”

Rachel’s lips twitched into a faint smile, shaking her head slightly. “We don’t have time for speeches, Senator. At least, I don’t. I’ve got a better idea.”

Barbara stuffed her hands in her pockets and raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What’s running through that mind of yours?”

“Something that’ll grab more attention and get things moving. A showcase, a battle, something with action to show the people what we’re capable of,” Rachel suggested, shrugging as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

The senator glanced nervously toward the growing audience, the warm bodies huddled close for warmth, and the excitement already brewing. His hesitation was evident as he spoke, “That could go either way, Miss Park. If it comes across like you’re not taking the situation seriously…”

“It won’t,” Rachel cut in, her eyes gleaming under the soft, falling snow with her brightened aura. “It’s exactly what they need. If the others can keep up, that is. It’ll hit all the news channels with our short exchange of words.”

A low chuckle slipped from Barbara’s lips, and she scratched the back of her neck, glancing between the senator and Rachel. “It’s always a fight with you. Getting the crowd riled up to quell fears?”

Rachel gave a slight nod, watching the senator weigh the decision. “Think about it. A little fun, a chance to show what we’re made of. And don’t worry, I won’t be as brutal as you’ve heard,” she added with a challenging smirk directed at her competition. “I’ll start, and anyone who thinks they can keep up can follow.”

Barbara’s grin stretched wider. “Could work…or it could blow up in our faces. Look how the funeral went.”

Rachel shrugged nonchalantly. “And didn’t I turn that around? All they have to do is not fail to impress. They’ve heard talk about reports and things we’ve done but haven’t seen a lot of footage to witness it themselves.”

The senator, rubbing his chin through his thick scarf, finally nodded. “I’ve seen a lot of dangerous things in the past month, Miss Park, and I’ve got to admit, what I’ve heard about you… Well, let’s just say I’d like to see for myself what all the fuss is about, so the citizens of Billings and my state should, as well. But remember, this isn’t just for the ‘flux’ crowd. We need to show the whole country that Montana—and the rest of the nation—is in good hands.”

“Oh, it will be,” Rachel assured him, glancing over the field where the snow was now thickening and the people were growing restless. “Let’s not waste time, though. Bring on the showcase.”

“Let’s make it one on one or it could get too chaotic,” Barbara noted, glancing back to the others. “Who wants to go first?”

Rachel’s tail flicked with anticipation as a woman who could have been her sister stepped forward, her large ears as straight as hers. Her silvery-blue hair shimmered with the flakes of snow sticking to it and her emerald green eyes gleamed with a challenging smirk—Green.

“I’ve heard some interesting things about you, Rachel. You seem to have grown rather close to Black and Red. A real ‘go-getter,’ they say.” Her testing grin widened. “I’d like to return the favor. Just the two of us. Let’s see if Omen has the credit to attempt to poach our talent…twice.”

The senator stepped back, glancing between them as the tension bubbling in the air and chuckles passed between the other PMC members about the bold move. The snow almost crackled with electricity as a grin tugged at the corners of her mouth, locking eyes with Green.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“You sure you can handle that, bun? What is it, the tortoise and the hare fable? Interesting. The others can fill in after if you can’t keep up. I’ve got a tight schedule, and so do you, I’m guessing. A lot of vultures are flying around.”

Barbara shot Rachel an amused glance. “Figured you’d go that route.” She looked to the senator, who sighed, his breath a frosty cloud before him.

“I’ll allow it. Let’s see what you two can do. But remember—this isn’t just for show. You’re setting the tone for the rest of the flux.”

John Daines adjusted his thick coat and stepped up to the microphone, his voice booming across the snowy field and pulling all eyes.

“My fellow Americans… I am Senator John Daines, addressing you here from my great state of Montana, at the heart of Billings. And let me be clear—while we don’t have the perfect word for what’s happening to our world yet, for lack of a better moniker, I will use ‘flux’ to describe the changed people among us, as has become popular among trending media.

“As such, may I also address the flux who have answered the call to defend our great nation, which includes the citizens of other nations who have offered their arms. It is a perilous time when we must pull together as a collective… Thank you all for being here today.

“We are at war.” he stated, pausing to look across the crowd. “This is a sobering time. We’re standing at the frontlines of defense, not just for Montana, but for the entire nation. The Crystal in Billings is the largest and most deadly reported to-date.

“The US military is here on the frontline, our brave sons and daughters who have dedicated themselves to be the shield to keep you safe… This is an unprecedented time. You have seen the senate and congressional reports. You have seen the presidential addresses.

“And today, I’m proud to introduce representatives from the organizations that have come to support our soldiers, leading the charge with them, side by side, to keep us safe.”

Rachel crossed her arms, eyes narrowing as she glanced at the translucent barrier flickering around the stage, another PMC’s handiwork from Atlanta. She hadn’t heard much about them, except for their success in dealing with the Crystal attacks—giant blue beetles rampaging through the southern states. Impressive, but nothing out of her league.

The senator continued, “Today, I introduce to you Ms. Green, representing the Private Military Company, Fable. They’ve been instrumental in countering threats from the Washington Vampire, the New Mexico shadow beast, and others.”

He glanced toward Green, who stepped forward with a sagacious smile, yet Rachel could hear the thumping heart of a hare waiting to be unleashed within her.

“Green has been at the forefront of these efforts across the US, and we’re all eager to see what she—and her company—can do to support our soldiers and keep us safe with her and her company’s supernatural powers. Ms. Green.”

Rachel’s eyes glinted under the harsh light as the senator stepped back, leaving the floor open for Green to make her move. The woman was all serene smiles but she could tell by the side-long stare she got from her burning eyes that she wasn’t actually a fan of hers.

Better make a double batch, Nia. Green is a bit more riled up than I thought. What did Black and Red tell her in their report?

“Oooh! Okay. I’m making a bunch of popcorn for everyone. I found these big, big bowels, and I found some aprons—I didn’t eat all of them, I swear—I’m wearing one! I put down a bald head paper with the one on it and the two zeros… It’s kind of weird but I think there are three zeroes on it but that’s even better! I’m a good bunny. Humph.”

Rachel’s ears tilted to the side while internally trying to picture what bill she’d used and laughed silently upon realizing what she meant. There’s three zeroes around three ones on it, and one that looks kind of like a rectangle?

“Yeah! I know my paper. Alexa kept saying I got the two five ones wrong but the circles! She didn’t count the circles!”

She filed that away with the plan to backtrack and put down more than a one dollar bill. Nia was right, though, there were multiple circles on it that would confuse a five-year-old’s brain.

Nice job, Captain Bun. Enjoy the show.

Her ears straightened when catching the soft hum of the Mexican airship’s blades. The sound cut through the cold air, and Maria’s cursing followed, not yet off the ship as it took off. She glanced up at Green, who gave her a slight, knowing nod.

So she heard it too. Huh. I guess having another big-eared person around that isn’t Nia could have its disadvantages. I’ll have to keep that in-mind for future conversations. It also means she probably heard Red complaining about not wanting to talk to her without Black present. The question is…how much does she divert from the path I took as a fable? How many fables are there about hares?

Watching Green step up, Rachel could sense the shift in the air—finally, someone from a military company was going to address all the Legends and Myths that have gathered, or so they thought.

How many do I know? The hares and the frogs. The tortoise and the hare is a popular one, which seems the most likely… And the hare, the hound, and the goatherd. Red and Black took on multiple aspects of their fables, so… We’ll see.

Green’s voice was strong, steady. “It is a chilly night here in Montana, and I know a lot of soldiers and curious onlookers are here to see what the PMCs have to say. Many of us have seen the devastation wrought by criminals and terrorists across the world.” She paused, letting the words settle. “The uncertainty has been crippling, I know, but stability is here.”

The word stability hung in the air, and Rachel could hear the weight of it from the relaxing muscles and whispers. Her gaze shifted to the soldiers standing at attention, their boots crunching in the snow, though the area was warming rapidly with the light dome overshadowing the zone from the dark-haired man from Atlanta—one of the PMCs leaders.

“The US military is primed and ready to face any threat that comes our way,” Green continued, “This is more than just a show of power—it’s a testament to the speed and efficiency with which we’ve mobilized to protect Billings. What we’re witnessing here, the preparations for the Crystal threat… It’s nothing short of extraordinary.”

Rachel almost smiled at the typical PMC pitch, the polished assurance that always came before the chaos.

Right…extraordinary. Her ears flicked as she caught the murmurs of doubt running through the normal soldiers listening. Even after a month, the public isn’t sure about us. The ‘flux’ as the media has so cutely coined us shows that. We’re something unknown, something to be feared. But…that changes as we become more known, more public.

Green’s tone softened, her eyes scanning the crowd. “PMCs like Fable are here to provide specialized support. But let me be clear—we are not here to overshadow the brave men and women who’ve pledged their lives to defend our homeland. We are being sent as aids to the military, not to replace them.”

Rachel’s tail twitched again as the whispers in the crowd grew louder. It was the same tone she heard from the residents around Miami—uncertainty. Her name was being passed around a few circles, given her earlier showcase of brutality and what most would probably see as erratic behavior in the café, not having the context.

Green went on. “We understand your hesitation. The introduction of supernatural powers into society is unsettling. The Crystals are another point of uncertainty. Aliens attacking from different dimensions and terrorists granted unbelievable abilities. It’s all a terrifying thing, but we are your friends, not your enemies. We are here to show you we are on your side.”

Rachel felt a smirk tug at her mouth. Friends, huh? Well, I wouldn’t go that far. We all have our own motives, but you can’t go ahead and tell the truth or else the conspiracy theorists will get more fuel. The lizard people really do control the government! No, it’s the furries, say the other side.

Green’s voice dropped, almost conspiratorial, as if she were sharing a secret. “We’ve all seen the destruction Crystals have brought to our world, and we know the scale of the one we’re facing here is…staggering. But we’re here to put your hearts and minds at ease. We’re not just here to fight; we’re here to win.”

Rachel shifted her stance, feeling the pulse of the crowd change—no longer just fear, but something more. It was the feeling that came right before a storm hit. Green had been laying the groundwork, she realized, making her chest shake with silent mirth as she finished.

“With that being said,” Green’s eyes landed on her, a spark of challenge in them, “I’d like to introduce Rachel Park, CEO of Omen, who will…expand on what I mean.”

Hands still stuffed in her gym pockets, wearing a tank top of all things in the middle of a snow storm, she effortlessly hopped up onto the platform. Her fluid movements drew the crowd, many of which were trying to gauge if they should start their own PMCs, no doubt, or take their talents to other places. Her long ears leaned forward in amusement as she took the stand.

Before the crowd could settle, she tilted her head to the side, a grin spreading across her face. “I hear the chatter,” she began, her voice carrying over the whispers. “Two bunny girls. Hot. But let’s get one thing straight. We’re hares. So, it’s best to get that detail right because we’re not little pets to coo over but feisty things that will bite your ear off!”

The murmurs turned into light chuckles, the tension breaking just a bit.

Rachel paused, glancing at Green with a teasing glint in her eclipse eyes. “Ms. Green here made some good points. We can bring stability. Security.” She shrugged casually, looking out over the gathered soldiers and the watching media. “But you don’t want to hear a pretty hare girl talk. All you’ve had lately is talk. So, how would you all like to see a friendly match? Omen versus Fable? Me versus Ms. Green? Hare on hare violence?! Oh-no!” she giggled.

She heard the sharp intake of breath from the crowd, the surprise evident on a few faces but many had likely heard their previous conversation with their enhanced feats. It was something else when happening in the moment, though.

Got ‘em.

Up on the roof, Rachel could already hear Nia munching on freshly popped popcorn. Alexa and Aella’s hushed whispers reached her sharp ears, while Grace was already elbow-deep in one of the bowls, grinning like a fiend. The little buns even had three deep tubs.

Rachel stifled a chuckle. Coral always managed to make herself comfortable, no matter the situation, so I guess it tracks with the others.

Rachel slipped a hand out of her pocket to place it on her cocked hip, her stance relaxed, but her tone sharpened as she addressed the crowd again. “Words are cheap, right? So I’ll keep this short. Whatever’s coming through that Crystal?” She paused, her eyes gleaming with a dangerous edge. “I’ll win. That’s right. Me. That’s how confident I am and with a track record to prove it. Simple as that.”

A ripple moved through the throng, the kind that came before a fight—the kind that Rachel thrived on. “But, as I said, words are cheap. Why not give you a sample? A taste of what the US, Omen, and Fable are all about? Something you can look back on, rewind, and share?”

She glanced sideways at Green, her heartbeat rising. “You want stability? Power? Fine. Let’s show them. A friendly sparring match between me and Green here. Give her a chance to get her payback.”

Green raised an eyebrow, her emerald eyes narrowing in challenge, and a flash of lime light brought a large tortoise shell shield into her hand. Rachel’s voice dropped to a playful whisper, loud enough for the crowd to hear as she held up her arm for a pulse of light to call her spiked hammer to hand.

“The immovable object versus the unstoppable force, is it? Oh, and did I mention she’s been dying to get me back for trying to poach Little Red Riding Hood and the Pied Piper from her.” She winked at the audience, earning a few scattered laughs. “Yeah, I’m like that. No shame here, and I’d do it again.”

“Oh, would you now?” she asked, using her free hand to brush back her silvery-blue hair as a path opened up for them in front of the stage, the cameras shifting positions with zeal. “That’s some attitude you have, Rachel.”

“You have no idea,” she snickered, spinning the giant hammer effortlessly in the air before resting it on her shoulder and leaning back into the microphone. “That’s right! There’s a bit of history here, folks. Doesn’t that make the stakes a little higher? Maybe if I win you join Omen yourself, maybe bring your boyfriend Gray?”

The tension between them was palpable now, the energy buzzing in the air. Rachel didn’t break eye contact, her smirk daring Green to take the bait.

Green’s lips twitched into a thin smile, but Rachel could see the fire in her eyes. She wasn’t backing down. Good.

“You’re good at jokes, Rachel, I’ll give you that,” Green laughed, loosening her muscles as her shield brightened by the second. “Boyfriend. He’d be rolling on the floor for that one.”

“Funny. I hear choking from the alley. What’s that about? No. Don’t answer that! Let the crowd speculate.” Rachel shrugged nonchalantly, addressing the crowd again and flashing her teeth. “We’re all recruiting the best, right? No need in holding back. As a side note, I just found myself a little cowgirl from a dairy farm, so don’t think anyone’s too humble for me, even a slow turtle like you!”

“Turtle?! Wow. And who was talking about getting things right…because those are fighting words, Ms. Bun!”

“Oooh! I like it. Place your bets,” Rachel said with a wink, jumping into the center of the now empty ring as a light platform appeared under them, courtesy of the Atlanta lady. She brought them up as more Legends and Myths got in on the show, projecting magical displays for others to view. “And the stage is set, folks… Things are about to get a little rowdy. I’ll take all of Fable for a prize. Thoughts?”

Green set her ground, ready to charge. “Winner takes all. Why don’t you start us off, Senator?”

I love a confident fighter!

Tail stiff, she heard the senator stumble forward to the microphone, clearing his voice.

“I didn’t expect a fight with weapons, ladies…but I like your enthusiasm to show the people what you’re made of so they can put their faith in these operations. Raise your weapons… I never thought I’d say this, but… Fight!”

* — * — *

Fiona fluttered nervously at the window, her wings stationary as they finally began their descent toward the London airport. The massive World Tree stretched out above the city like an ancient giant, its thick branches interwoven with yellow, glowing orbs the size of buildings. They pulsed softly, casting a warm, almost ethereal light on the city below, giving the skyline an otherworldly aura. It was beautiful but ominous—like stars caught between worlds, hanging in a twilight limbo.

She wanted to take it all in, to marvel at the sight, but the gnawing worry in her stomach was pulling her mind back home. Mom, Dad, Nora…please be safe. This has to be quick. I have to get back.

The jet’s tires hit the tarmac, jolting Fiona out of her thoughts. As soon as the private plane came to a halt, she floated out of her seat, wings beating slightly with an anxious rhythm. “We’re here…finally. Umm. What’s with all the flashing lights and police cars?!”

Anthony, already gathering their things, gave her a sidelong glance. “Just stay calm, Fi. It’s not like they’re going to arrest us. We’re still technically a U.S.-based company and foreign Myths and Legends, even if…well, you know.” He smirked, stretching. “Besides, there’s bound to be some roadblocks, given that the Scarlet Hand is here. I’m sure Merlin will be in contact.”

As they stepped outside, Cahira let out a low whistle, her red tank top clinging to her shapely frame. “Ahoy, lads and lassies. Looks like we’ve got some company,” she drawled, waving casually at the agents waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

The UK’s equivalent of the FBI—MI5, or whatever they called themselves now—stood in a semi-circle around the plane, looking none too pleased.

“Guess they don’t like unannounced guests.” Anthony chuckled, sliding his hands into his pockets. His tone was light, but there was an edge to it. He wasn’t entirely surprised. He could have shared his expectations with them, though.

Fiona hovered closer to him. “W-What do we do?” she squeaked, glancing around. “We didn’t…do anything wrong, right? We have passports and everything.”

“Wrong?” Selvaria groaned from her position, sprawled out on the floor, her water-depleted form looking even more like a teenager. “I’m dead… I’ve got no water… Just leave me here. It’s been a good run, peeps.”

“You’re not dead, Selv,” Anthony chuckled, bending down to give her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Though you might be if we don’t get you some water soon. I figured something like this would happen.” He turned to the agents, who were now approaching with cautious but firm strides. “Best to keep things professional,” he muttered under his breath. “Just follow my—”

Cahira grinned, throwing her arms wide and shocking one of the men in black with a hug. “Ahoy, mates! Come to welcome us, have ya?” Her voice was all charm. “Come to escort us to the nearest pub, huh? Drinks on me?”

The lead agent, a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes, stepped forward to pry the pirate off her flustered man. “We’ve been expecting you, representatives of Omen.”

Her gaze flicked briefly to Fiona, who shrank back a little under the scrutiny. “I trust you have proper documentation for your arrival? We have a few more protocols and documentation that needs done before you’ll be allowed to step into the public.”

Fiona tried to swallow her panic, her wings fluttering erratically as she hovered closer to Anthony. “D-Documentation? I mean, we don’t look like we used to, but that was fine for the—Anthony?!”

Anthony sighed. “We’ve got everything in order. No need to worry. Take us in, and I assume someone will be by to smooth things over soon enough.” His calm demeanor didn’t waver as he pulled out a small folder, handing it to the agent. “This is everything we have and a letter faxed by Cabinet leader, Arthur.”

As they conversed, Fiona’s eyes drifted up again to the enormous tree that loomed over them, Anthony handling the paperwork. The yellow orbs hanging from the branches glowed softly, their light shimmering like distant stars. For a moment, she felt like she heard a lonely, wistful song humming from it.

I want to explore…but I have to get home. I need to protect Nora, Mom, and Dad. Please, be okay.