Seoul's neon-lit skyline faded into the misty hills where the Star Ember lab hid beneath an ancient Buddhist temple, its stone pagodas cloaking a modern fortress of steel and blood. Ruoxi crouched in a pine thicket, her breath clouding in the autumn chill, her side scar a faint echo beneath her tactical gear. The phoenix tattoo pulsed—heart-driven, balanced, the pact's vow—"choice, sacrifice, heart to bind"—alive after Dubai's fire. Mei's small hand gripped hers, the girl's phoenix tattoo sparking stronger now, her training honing a fierce spark. The book's golden hum and Lan's feather rested in her pack, anchors against the hunters' final ritual, guided by Sister Wei's cryptic promise.