The dunes gave way to a Hausa camp under midnight skies, fires crackling with the scent of spiced meat and leather, the clock striking 11:00 PM on October 23, 2085.
Tobi's new courage domain thrummed, a warmth that steadied his steps amid tents fluttering like sails.
Yusuf introduced Zara, a stargazer with eyes like polished onyx, her Hausa robes embroidered with star patterns that shimmered softly.
"Visions bind me to Zarina," she said, voice a melody soft as night wind, her touch on Tobi's arm sending sparks like embers. "I see you, slayer war of souls, but love light the path."
Tobi's heart stirred, his cool smirk hiding the sorrow of Ife's loss. "Visions? Show me."
A cult ambush struck, envy assassins with nano-blades.
Battle raged: Tobi's threads bound lesser souls, stealing domains in flashes of light. Zara's visions guided strikes, her hand in his a anchor amid chaos. "For us," she whispered, romance blooming in the fray.
But a blade grazed her, her blood hot on his skin, tragedy striking like thunder. "No!" Tobi's cold rage ended the fight, but her wound lingered, a shadow on their budding love.