Ikaris heart pounded in her chest as she rushed through the misty streets of the Air Nation. Days had passed, and Amaterasu had not returned. It wasn't like her to vanish without a trace. Even if she was reckless, she was strong—too strong to fall so easily. But the rumors about the demon lady spirit that guarded the dungeon echoed in her mind, twisting her gut with unease.
She bit her lip. No… Amaterasu couldn't be defeated that easily. Right?
Ikari shook her head, trying to dispel the creeping dread. If anyone could help, it was Yameri. But what would he think of her asking for help? She clenched her fists. Ever since she learned of his marriage to Tsuki, something inside her had cracked. She wanted to be happy for him, but the image of him smiling beside Tsuki—sharing soft words, holding her hand—haunted her like a specter. Did he ever think of her? Even once?
She exhaled sharply. This isn't about me. This is about Amaterasu.
With renewed determination, she sprinted towards the inn where Yameri and Tsuki were staying.
Meanwhile, inside the inn…
Yameri sat by the open window, gazing at the misty peaks of the mountains. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying a strange unease with it. Something was off.
Tsuki, clad in a light silk robe, poured tea with practiced grace. "You're distracted," she said, watching him carefully.
Yameri gave her a half-smile. "Just thinking."
Tsuki arched a brow. "About?"
Before he could answer, a loud bang echoed through the inn as the door swung open.
"Yameri!" Ikari stood at the entrance, her face pale, chest heaving. "I need your help."
Tsuki's eyes narrowed slightly at the intrusion, but Yameri was already on his feet. "Ikari? What happened?"
"It's Amaterasu," she gasped. "She's missing. She went into the dungeon… and she hasn't returned."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Tsuki sighed, setting down her tea. "Of course she did," she muttered.
Yameri's gaze darkened. "Which dungeon?"
"The one where the demon lady spirit is sealed," Ikari replied, her voice wavering slightly. "She went alone. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen."
Yameri ran a hand through his hair. "That idiot…"
He turned to Tsuki, who was watching him with an unreadable expression. "I have to go."
Tsuki studied him for a moment before exhaling. "I know." She stood up, straightening her robe. "I'm coming with you."
Yameri hesitated. "Tsuki—"
"Don't even try," she interrupted, folding her arms. "I'm not letting you run off into danger without me."
Ikari swallowed hard. The way they looked at each other—it was different. Unspoken trust. An unbreakable bond. It stung.
Focus. Amaterasu is in danger.
She pushed down her feelings and nodded. "Then let's move quickly. We don't know what's waiting for us in that dungeon."
As the three of them rushed toward the forbidden dungeon, a chilling wind swept through the mountains.
Far below, in the dark depths of the dungeon, Amaterasu stirred.
Her body ached, her vision blurred, but she could feel it—a presence. Ancient. Malicious. Waiting.
And as she lay on the cold stone floor, a voice whispered in the darkness.
"You have come to me… at last."