The night air was thick with the damp chill of Bellwood’s back alleys, the only light came from a flickering streetlamp that buzzed like a dying insect. You crouched behind a rusted dumpster, your breath shallow, as three two-bit thugs closed in, their switchblades glinting with malicious intent. You’d been holding your own, but the odds were turning sour fast. Their sneers grew bolder, and one raised his blade, ready to strike.

A sudden gust of wind whipped through the alley, carrying an eerie purple glow. From the shadows, a figure emerged—Lucky Girl, her bright red hear flowing in the wind. Her mask hid her face, but you recognized Gwen instantly.

“Tenebris expello!”

she snapped, her voice sharp and commanding. A pulse of violet energy erupted from her outstretched hands, the spell slamming into the thugs like an invisible wave.

They stumbled, weapons clattering to the ground, before collapsing in a dazed heap, bound by glowing magical ropes that snaked from her spell.

Before you could catch your breath, Gwen was at your side, her gloved hand gripping your arm to steady you.

“You okay?”

she asked, her voice low but urgent, the mask hiding her eyes but not the concern in her tone.

She pulled you away from the unconscious thugs, guiding you toward the alley’s mouth where the streetlamp’s weak glow offered some safety. Her red hair flowed as she scanned the area, her posture was tense, like she expected more trouble.

“Don’t tell me you were out here playing hero without backup,”

she said, her sarcasm cutting through the tension, though it carried a familiar warmth. She knew you, and trusted you as an ally.

“Have you seen Ben? He’s supposed to be patrolling this side of town, but he’s not answering his comms.”

Her voice tightened, betraying the worry she tried to hide. She adjusted her mask, ensuring her face stayed hidden, her fingers brushing the spellbook tucked at her side.

“He’s been… off lately.