Prinna City — Akira's Residence
Zanu sat comfortably on the sofa, a small blade pressed lightly against Chloe's fragile throat.
Akira froze at the doorway.
"Don't say a word," Zanu said calmly. "Or this girl dies. If you understand my language, take a seat."
Akira's face drained of color. Tears welled up as she slowly sat down.
"Please," she begged. "Let's not involve children in this. Name your price. How much do you want? Ben must have sent you… I won custody of this child fair and square."
Zanu scoffed. "I'm Zanu. Daughter of Ali and the late Maria. You know exactly who we are — the palace, the bloodline — so let's skip the pleasantries. Tell me which of those boys was Alex."
Akira swallowed hard, her mind racing.
Zanu leaned closer. "You care more about an outsider than your own flesh and blood?" She pressed the blade closer. A thin line of blood appeared as Chloe cried loudly. "Oh please. Shut up."
"Please!" Akira cried. "Don't hurt him. The boy in the black T-shirt is Alex. The one in blue is Damien."
Zanu stood. "What awaits Alex is none of your concern, old woman."
She shoved Chloe toward Akira and walked out.
Later That Night — Sumdem City Streets
The wind howled as Damien wandered through the cold streets, calling out.
"Alex! Where did that fool run off to?"
He collided with a smaller figure.
"What the hell—" He stopped. "Zanu?"
"What are you doing here?" Zanu snapped. "Where's Alex?"
Damien rolled his eyes. "You expect an answer after what your father did? Banished me. Killed my parents."
"They broke sacred laws," Zanu replied sharply. "You were meant to die too."
Damien scoffed. "And now you need Alex, so you come crawling."
"Please," Zanu whispered. "Without Alex, my father will die."
"I thought royals don't beg," Damien sneered. "Don't worry. We'll attend his funeral."
Zanu grabbed his hand. "I thought you were my friend."
Damien groaned. "I'm already looking for Alex. He's furious. When we find him, you'll meet him. Until then, go home."
She followed him anyway.
"Problematic girl," he muttered.
Hours Later — Abandoned Warehouse
Zanu froze.
"Damien… look."
A woman was tied to a chair inside.
"Aunty Zebrew's daughter," Zanu whispered. "Why is she here?"
She tried to rush in. Damien pulled her back.
Inside, Alex walked toward Humaira with a bottle of fuel.
"Oh shit," Damien muttered, grabbing the bottle. "Are you insane? You want to burn her alive?"
"Yes!" Alex shouted. "She carries Zebrew's blood."
"This isn't you," Damien pleaded. "Mauja wouldn't want this."
Alex snapped.
"Don't say her name! You don't understand. Your parents weren't even there for you. You're not a true descendant. Anytime I'm with you, I get into trouble. Now I see why your parents left you."
He shoved Damien to the floor.
Damien stared at him in disbelief — then snapped.
"Is that how you feel?" He grabbed Alex's collar. "You think I don't understand a mother's love? My parents raised me for five years. You lost yours at birth. So don't talk to me like I'm nothing!"
They crashed to the floor.
While they fought, Zanu quietly untied Humaira.
"Aunty, go. Through the back door."
Humaira fled.
Zanu returned just as Alex realized.
"Where is she?" he roared.
"She escaped," Zanu shouted. "Enough!"
Alex turned on her. "Who the hell are you?"
"I'm Zanu," she said. "Maria's daughter. Orahime needs you. I can show you where Zebrew is."
Alex laughed darkly. So you people are actually real? "Tell me where she is — or I kill you."
Zanu bowed. "Please."
Alex turned away. "Leave." Before I change my mind
Zanu helped Damien to a nearby clinic.