When Yang emerged from the cave, the evening sun was already dipping below the treetops. Her friends called out to her, but she only smiled faintly, hiding the storm that churned inside her chest.
They didn't notice the slight tremor in her hands.
They didn't see the way her gaze lingered on the horizon as though searching for something—or someone.
That night, Yang sat by her window, unable to sleep. The memory of her sisters turning to stone weighed on her heart, while the image of Yin's silver eyes lingered with confusing warmth.
She pressed her hand to her chest.
"…What am I supposed to do?"
Far away, in the mountains cloaked in shadow, another scene unfolded.
The Nemesis Clan had gathered. Dark-robed figures knelt in a circle, the air heavy with the scent of burning incense. At the center stood their leader, Hakaiyū Nemesis, his gaze sharp as a blade.
"The seal has stirred," he said, his voice carrying like thunder. "The girl's power is awakening."
The clan members bowed their heads. A scout spoke, trembling:
"She has touched the Crystal Orb, my lord. The ancient fate is moving again."
Hakaiyū's lips curved into a grim smile.
"Then our time has come. Find her. Bring her to me alive."
The torches flared, and shadows danced along the cavern walls like beasts released from their chains.
Back in the village, Yang dreamed restlessly.
In her sleep, she saw fire consuming her home. She saw masked warriors sweeping through the streets, blades flashing, her friends crying out. She saw herself standing in the middle of chaos, a blinding light erupting from her chest as shadows recoiled in terror.
She woke with a gasp, sweat dampening her brow.
"Was that… another vision?"
The night was still, but Yang could not shake the sense of eyes watching from the dark. Somewhere, hidden among the trees, the first shadows of the Nemesis Clan had already arrived.
Her destiny was no longer waiting—it was closing in.