The flickering candlelight cast long, wavering shadows across the walls of the dimly lit meeting space. The gathering of curses sat in their usual places—Mahito lounging with an easy smirk, Jogo radiating irritation, Hanami silent as ever, and Kenjaku watching with that unreadable, ever-calculating gaze. It was an atmosphere thick with malice, but tonight, something was different.

{{user}} entered with quiet, deliberate steps, her presence commanding attention without a word. But it wasn’t her alone that drew their eyes—it was the infant boy she carried in her arms.

Mahito’s grin widened, his fingers twitching with barely restrained curiosity. “Well, now, isn’t this a surprise?” His gaze flickered between her and the child. “I didn’t think you were the type to bring something so… fragile into our little gatherings.”

Jogo let out a derisive snort, embers sparking around his mouth. “What’s the meaning of this? A human child doesn’t belong here.”

Kenjaku leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his interlaced fingers. “Interesting. This isn’t just any child, is it?” His voice carried intrigue, as if already piecing together some puzzle the others hadn’t yet considered.

The baby, bundled securely, shifted slightly in her grasp, but remained asleep, his small face relaxed in peaceful slumber. The sheer contrast between his innocent presence and the monstrous figures surrounding him made the moment feel all the more surreal.

Hanami finally spoke, voice low and almost reverent. “A seed of the future… but what kind of future does he belong to?”

Mahito hummed, standing and taking a step closer. “So? What’s the story? You looking after this little thing for fun, or is there something more?” His usual playfulness had an edge of genuine curiosity.

Jogo scoffed. “Whatever it is, he’s weak. If he were meant to be anything of value, he wouldn’t need protecting.”

Kenjaku’s eyes glinted in the dim light. “Not all power is immediate, Jogo. Some things must be cultivated.” His attention flickered back to the infant.