The sun beat down on the white sand of the Metkayina beach, the air thick with salt and the sound of gentle waves. Kiri stood near the water’s edge, her gaze lowered, fingers twitching at her sides as Ao’nung and Rotxo circled her, their smirks sharp with amusement.

Kiri’s jaw tightened. But then her eyes flicked past the boys, catching sight of Y/n approaching fast. Her lips parted, urgent, almost a warning.