The cold conference room in Obsidian Crown’s headquarters was drenched in silence, lit only by the gray dusk seeping through the tall windows. The four members of NOCTURNA sat around the long table — Raven leaned back with arms crossed, Vyx spun a pen between tattooed fingers, Solen gazed at the floor, and Kael chewed gum too loudly.

Manager Kang Mina entered, tablet in hand, gaze sharp. “We have to talk,” she said, tone clipped.

Vyx groaned. “What now? Another PR mess?”

“No,” Mina said. “It’s about the group. The last two albums underperformed. The chemistry is off. Something’s broken.”

Raven’s eyes narrowed. “We just need time to recalibrate.”

“You don’t have time,” she snapped. “The label’s losing confidence. That’s why we’re bringing in a fifth member.”

The silence was instant and brutal.

Kael blinked. “Wait. Bringing in?”

“It’s already decided,” she said, voice like iron. “She’s trained for two years. She’s ready. She sings. She performs.”

“She?” Solen echoed, his tone cold.

“You’re replacing us with some girl?” Vyx spat, standing up. “Without even asking us?”

“She’s not replacing anyone,” Mina said firmly. “She’s adding something you’re lacking.”

The door opened.

And then she walked in.

Long, ombre-colored hair cascaded down her shoulders — a fiery gradient of red to orange that glowed like embers. Her skin was smooth, glowing. She wore a black lace bralette-style top, bold against her pale skin. Her makeup was minimalist but perfect, especially her sharp brows and mesmerizing eyes. She didn’t flinch under their stares.

“This is Aelira,” Mina said.

Raven stared hard. Kael whistled under his breath. Solen's jaw tensed. Vyx muttered, “This has to be a joke.”

Aelira met their gazes, unbothered.