Scene 1 – The Invitation
The Crimson Coast never slept.
It watched.
From the glass walls of her quarters, Elaris saw lightning tear the sky open — white veins across black clouds. The ocean below answered with rage, waves smashing against the palace like warnings no one listened to.
Her wristband pulsed once.
Coordinates.Midnight.Restricted sector.
And one final line:
COME ALONE.
She exhaled slowly.
Elaris (thought):They always say that. As if I ever truly walk alone.
Scene 2 – The Shadow She Didn't Expect
The door slid open behind her.
Kael.
No mask. No armor. Just shadows and intent.
Kael:"You're leaving."
Not a question.
Elaris didn't turn.
Elaris:"You shouldn't be here."
Kael stepped closer, close enough to feel the storm between them.
Kael:"Funny. That's exactly what I was about to say."
Silence stretched — dangerous, electric.
Kael:"The rose wasn't from my people."
Her fingers curled.
Elaris:"I know."
Kael's jaw tightened.
Kael:"Then whoever sent it wants you exposed… or dead."
Elaris finally faced him.
Elaris (steady):"Both are acceptable risks."
For a moment, something raw crossed his face — anger, fear, something unspoken.
Kael (low):"One day, your courage is going to cost you everything."
Elaris stepped past him.
Elaris:"Or buy it back."
Scene 3 – Crossing the Line
She reached the door.
Kael's hand closed around her wrist firm, not stopping her… grounding her.
Kael:"If you don't return"
Elaris met his eyes.
Elaris:"Then remember me as the woman who never bent."
His grip loosened.
Kael (quiet):"That's the problem. I already do."
She left.
Scene 4 – Storm Path
The restricted sector was dark — no music, no masks, no lies dressed as luxury. Just steel corridors and humming power lines beneath the Crimson Coast.
Water leaked from the ceiling. Thunder roared above.
At the far end waited a figure — cloaked, unmoving.
The voice that came was older. Calm. Certain.
Unknown:"You survived the masquerade. Impressive."
Elaris stopped a few steps away.
Elaris:"You sent the rose."
Unknown:"Blood called for it."
A holo-screen ignited between them.
Her brother's face appeared again.
Alive.
Watching.
Her breath caught — just for a second.
The figure smiled.
Unknown:"Welcome to the real game, Elaris Veyra."
Final Scene – The Circuit Tightens
Far above, Kael stood at the glass railing, watching the storm swallow the sector she'd entered.
His comm blinked — encrypted warning signals spiking across the grid.
Kael (to himself):"Run fast, little ghost."
Lightning struck the sea.
Somewhere below, a trap closed.
End Hook:
The storm had chosen its center. And Elaris had stepped straight into it.