You Wouldn't Want That Secret Getting Out, Would You?

The meeting point sat deep inside Frostwind Forest a small pocket map known as the Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms, centuries-old trees in full bloom scattered across it, petals drifting steadily down over grass still damp from morning.

Alexis stood beneath one of them, armor fitted and practical, a slim blade resting easy in one hand.

The scene around her looked almost staged for effect soft pink petals settling against a backdrop of distant snow-capped ridgelines, the whole tableau carrying the kind of quiet drama that belonged on a recruitment poster rather than a casual meetup.

The moment Kael came into view, something sharpened behind her eyes.

One hand stayed tucked behind her back, where a small device sat ready in her palm.