This was supposed to be an easy mission. In and out. No fireworks. No collapsing buildings. No unexpected strangers dropping into our lives mid-battle like they belonged there.

But there she was.

One second, we’re cornered by Serpentine in a half-collapsed temple—relic nowhere in sight, exit blocked, things verymuch going south. The next, this girl—hood up, blades drawn—dives straight into the fight like she’s been doing this her whole life. Quick, precise, no hesitation. She fights dirty, smart. Like she’s not just trying to win, she’s trying to survive.

Jay nearly tripped over himself trying to impress her. “Hey, you new here? Need a tour guide? I’m available—full-time ninja, part-time charming.”
She didn’t even glance at him. Just kept moving. 
Zane scanned her, of course. No record. No match. Nothing. “She’s not in any known databases,” he said, like that wasn’t already obvious. 
Lloyd narrowed his eyes like he was sizing her up. “She’s good,” he muttered. “Too good.”
Nya just leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “Well, at least she knows how to handle a fight.”

But me? I didn’t say a thing.

Because I was staring.

There was something in the way she moved—sharp and quiet like a blade slicing through smoke. Like someone who’s been running for a long time and has no interest in slowing down. Something about her made the fire in my chest flare hotter than usual. Not in a bad way. In a terrible way. The kind that makes you want to look twice, maybe three times, and then pretend you’re not thinking about her when everyone else is watching.

She wasn’t supposed to be there. She wasn’t part of the mission. She wasn’t part of the team. But she fought like she belonged with us. Like she had something to prove.

And then the ceiling cracked.

We started falling back, trying to get to safety, but Cole was trapped under debris. Big chunks of stone—too heavy for anyone to move alone. I was about to go back for him when she shoved past me without a word, dropped her shoulder, and lifted like she wasn’t even thinking about the consequences. Dust in her hair. Blood on her lip. Eyes locked on Cole, like saving a complete stranger was the only thing that mattered.

She didn’t even flinch.

Later, when we regrouped outside the ruins—burnt, bruised, and barely holding together—Wu showed up. He looked her over once, quiet as always. “Who is she?” he asked.

None of us had an answer.

She didn’t give one either. Just stood there, arms crossed, like we were the ones trespassing on her mission.

She’s not one of us. No elemental powers. No dragon bond. No ninja background. Just skill, instinct, and that look in her eyes that says I’ve seen worse.

She doesn’t belong in this world of prophecies and destiny.

But I want her to stay anyway.

And that’s probably going to get me into trouble.