Afternoon – After the Soul Introduction
The courtyard slowly calmed. Families were gathered, chatting with their children, reviewing old memories, laughing, sharing small fights, and making plans.
Except for Nisa.
She sat alone on a bench beneath the elderwood tree, spinning the jade at her waist.
No one from her family had arrived. No message. No name. Only silence.
Mira's Sister: "Let's Cook"
Trying to lift the mood, Mira's sister clapped her hands.
"Alright, enough quiet brooding. Let's eat. Nisa—didn't you say you were a good cook?"
Nisa looked up, caught off guard.
"I… cook because I had to."
Lara: "Well, now you cook because we're starving."
Kevin added with a grin, "Better make something that shuts me up, Nisa."
One by one, everyone called out what they wanted:
Lara: "Spicy tofu with cloud rice."
Mira: "Moonlight soup—mom's recipe."
Teaha: "Anything with mushrooms. I'm starving."
Kevin: "Hot dumplings and maybe dessert."
Bihoo: "Just cook. I'll eat whatever."
Nisa gave a half-smile.
And went to work.
Kitchen – Early Evening
Steam rose. The kitchen danced with colors and smells. Nisa moved quickly but gracefully—tasting, chopping, stirring, almost glowing in her focus.
Bihoo stood by to help, watching more than he worked.
"Why do you act like cooking is war?" he asked.
She stirred. "Because when no one is home, the kitchen is the battlefield."
His hand paused over the knife. He didn't speak. Just nodded.
Dining Hall – Nightfall
The long table was filled: students, parents, siblings, commanders. Bowls clinked, spoons stirred, and laughter bubbled up.
For the first time in days—no trials, no wars, no powers.
Just a meal.
And at the center of it all… was Nisa.
Teaha raised a spoon. "Who knew the quietest one would cook like this?"
Kevin choked on his third bowl. "I'm marrying whoever made this soup."
Lara: "Not if Mira poisons you first."
Everyone laughed. Even Nisa.
Under the Stars – Alone
Later, as the others slept or relaxed, Nisa returned to the bench under the stars.
She held her jade. The wind brushed her hair.
And then… it pulsed.
A soft glow. A warmth.
Then—
A voice.
A whisper—gentle, but unfamiliar:
> "Daughter…"
Nisa's eyes widened.
Her breath caught.
And in the far edge of the forest… something moved.
To be continued...