Bze sat in the dark, his bde whispering against the whetstone. The house was silent—too silent.

  Hospitality this rich? It reeked of a lie. Militia warriors didn't get silk sheets and hot meals. Not anymore.

  A shadow moved in the doorway.

  Bze rose without a sound, slipping into the corner.

  Tommy if that was even his name stepped inside, a hatchet in hand. He moved toward Sophie's bed.

  In an instant, the trap was sprung.

  Ace's bde fshed, severing Tommy's arm.

  Eve's kick shattered his leg.

  Ice's Spartan blow crushed him against the wall.

  Bze stepped forward, looking down on him.

  "You're good," Bze said evenly. "But we're better."

  Tommy's tongue flicked like a serpent.

  Bze didn't hesitate—his bde came down, splitting the man's skull.

  Sophie sat up, startled. "You were right, Ice. He was after me."

  Bze nodded. "Good read. And this pce? It's more than a trap—it's an armory."

  Sophie gnced toward a side room. "And a library. We might find something useful."

  "Good thinking," Bze said. "Ice, Ace—you're with me. We'll check the armory for gear and supplies. Sophie, Eve—search the library."

  Minutes ter, Bze's voice rang out: "Militia! Take only what serves the cause."

  Ace returned wearing bck-and-gold leather armor, a matching sword in his hand. "Who knew this creep had style?"

  Eve smirked. "Takes one to know one."

  Ice came next, armored, a massive metal chain with a spearhead at the end in his hands. Sophie followed, holding a single book.

  "It's about a man who changes the world," she said.

  "Good," Bze told her. "Read it. Brief us ter."

  Then—a sound. Footsteps.

  The room stilled.

  Bze gestured, and they moved upstairs. At the end of the hall, they found a tall, snake-like man. Bze raised his bde.

  "Wait," the creature hissed. "I have information."

  Bze paused. "Talk."

  "Bell Hell is rising in Perfect City—because of you two."

  He pointed at Sophie.

  "And Thomas."

  Sophie's breath caught. "You know about Edwin?"

  "I know about all of you. Why you're alive. It's destiny. We've been watching—and admiring. My favorite character? Thomas."

  Sophie's voice trembled. "He's alive?"

  "Alive and thriving. Eden is free. Lord of Violence is dead. Some call him a savior."

  Ace frowned. "How are you still alive?"

  "My heart's in my chest. I can regrow a head—it just takes time."

  Bze's voice was steady. "Continue."

  "Thomas is becoming the one. No one saw it coming."

  Sophie whispered, almost to herself, "Thomas… are you the one we've been waiting for?"

  "Come," the demon said. "He's close."

  They followed, Bze warning, "If this is a trap, I'll kill you."

  "I already tried," the demon said. "Failed."

  Ace asked, "Why try at all?"

  "Prestige. Fame. Killing Sophie would've made me a legend. But I failed—and now, I want to see how this myth unfolds."

  They reached a tall neighboring house. Inside, the demon led them upstairs, then out onto the roof.

  Sophie shoved him aside. "Thomas!"

  He turned, shocked. "Sophie?"

  She ran into his arms, holding him tight.

  He hugged her back, whispering so only she could hear:

  "You look beautiful."