A cloaked figure walks through the streets of an empty market. The stalls sit empty, with only a shopkeeper sitting blankly next to them. Moving down, they stop at a stall with food and grab some fruit, revealing their four arms. Carrying their package, they walk through an alleyway toward a dilapidated abandoned hut.

  Inside, the roof sits in tatters, barely staying together as parts of it fall from above. They sit down and place the bag down before knocking on a nearby wall. After tapping rhythmically, the wall slides open and Glyn emerges, sitting across the figure and pulling a table out of the wall.

  They place the fruit on the table and the pair eat as Glyn stares ahead.

  “No pursuers?” He asks.

  “None.” The figure says.

  “Good. I doubt Morgan remembers my face, but with that Sebastian guy around, we can’t be too careful.”

  “He’s a dangerous one, I can say that.”

  “So, how’s the island?”

  “Bad. There’s not much food. But the people don’t seem to be aware of it. This fruit is all I could find.”

  “And it tastes terrible.”

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  “Sorry.”

  “Not your fault, Anluan.”

  Anluan nods. “What is your plan? You sent off the Fae a few days ago, and my magic alone isn’t enough to fight off the enemy.”

  “Don’t worry, the plan should be coming through those doors soon enough,” Glyn says.

  The door slides open and Xia Bai enters. She sits down at the table and looks at the fruit laid out across it.

  “If I’d known it was going to be this pathetic, I would’ve brought my food.” She says.

  “Either way, thank you for coming.”

  “Are you kidding? You laid a path for me to find you. What are you even thinking?”

  “That you’re the one who can get me into that fortress.”

  “What!?” The two yell out in unison.

  “I need to get in there. I know Demons are likely crawling all over the place. But with my curse, I’m easier to hide than most.” He smiles. “For once, I’m glad about this thing.”

  “That’s insane. And why should I even help you?”

  “One. I know you want to help, even if just to get back at Morgan and Sebastian. Two. I know you seem to have a thing for Miller. Helping save his sister will give you a major advantage in any potential clash of romantic interests. And finally, third. I can help you kill that thing wearing Isaac.”

  Xia Bai pauses. “Fine. You have a deal. But only for the last point.”

  “Whatever. As long as we’re actually going to work together.” Glyn smiles. “Now everyone, let’s do this.”

  The two sigh. “This is going to be an insane plan.” Xia Bai says.

  Anluan nods. “Well, it's better than working for Morgan.” He takes off his cloak, revealing his bug-like face as he eats a fruit. “And this way I can avenge my hive.”

  “Now you're talking. Now everyone, let’s start with the outer walls. I wish I had a map.”

  “Oh, Glyn. If you want to factor time into this plan of yours. We only have the week before that Great One of theirs wakes up. So, we better get a move on.”

  “You're right. We have to stop Morgan here and now!” Glyn declares.