The wind whispers through the trees.
Bihoo stares at the flickering firelight, but his mind is lost on something else—the jade on Nisa's waist. It wasn't ordinary. It had a crest he hadn't seen in years.
> "No one should carry that crest… unless they are from the lost clan."
He doesn't approach her—but his eyes follow her every move, curiosity turning into fascination.
Early Morning – Training Grounds
Commander Varik assigns stealth training. Pairs are chosen randomly.
> "Nisa. Bihoo. You're together."
Both freeze.
> Nisa: "Tch. Just my luck."
> Bihoo: smirking "You're not that bad to be around."
> Nisa: "Don't get used to it."
As they move silently through the forest, Nisa hops over roots with perfect balance. Bihoo notices how swift she is—not just trained, but born for it.
Suddenly—
A faint arrow zips past them and lands in the tree beside Nisa's head.
> Bihoo: "Get down!"
They fall into cover.
> Nisa: "You think this is part of the exercise?"
Bihoo shakes his head. "No. That arrow was poisoned."
A masked figure appears.
> "Return the jade, girl. Or your lives end here."
Bihoo's eyes widen. "So it's true… she's the one they're after."
But Nisa pulls a blade out and steps in front of Bihoo.
> Nisa: "You'll have to go through me."
They fight back-to-back. Their rhythm perfect—swords clashing, breath synced.
When it's over, the figure vanishes into smoke—but not before whispering:
> "The jade doesn't belong to you, daughter of silence…
Later—
As they return, Bihoo looks at Nisa seriously.
> Bihoo: "That jade… it's dangerous."
> Nisa: quietly "I never chose it. It chose me."
To be continued…