The celebration at the Ember Citadel continued late into the night, with laughter, music, and the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats and spices wafting through the air. Victor stood at the edge of the festivities, a drink in his hand, his thoughts elsewhere. The encounter with the soot-covered girl and the mysterious seeds gnawed at him, lingering like an unspoken question demanding answers.
While the crowd cheered for his cooking, praising him for turning local volcanic ingredients into an unforgettable feast, Victor couldn't shake the unease growing in his chest. Something was off. He had long learned to trust his instincts, and tonight, they screamed for attention.
