The sun was just beginning its descent, leaving the clearing bathed in warm gold and long shadows. The Daywalkers sat on the right side of the fire pit, glowing under the last rays; the Nightwalkers sat on the left, many squinting under the unwelcome brightness, Darkstone necklaces humming faintly.

Addison stood front and center, bright and confident as always. “Okay everyone! Welcome to Day One of Camp Rayburn Unity Week!”

A few Daywalkers clapped enthusiastically. A few Nightwalkers did not. One hissed under their breath, only to freeze when Willow turned toward them. Willow’s wolf-instinct growl came out low, reflexive, and absolutely terrifying. A dozen Nightwalkers shot straight into the air with a gust of wind, scattering like startled bats. Willow snorts, amused, hands up harmlessly.

Victor hit the ground first, brushing leaves off his jacket. “Okay, so, uh—maybe you warn us before doing the teeth thing.”

Vargas was still dangling from a branch. “BRO I NEARLY SUMMONED A HURRICANE.”

Eliza snorted. “Relax. Willow’s bark is worse than her bite.”

“Hey!” Willow protested.

Addison clapped sharply, her Luma Lens bracelet pulsing. “Everyone breathe! Deep breaths! Preferably not fire or wind-related ones!”

Zed stepped in beside her, holding a clipboard that had been chewed on by… someone. “Alright. We’ve been over this. Camp Rayburn used to be where your ancestors hung out. They had fun here. Bonfires, games, music—before the Blood Fruit drama went full telenovela.”

Victor appeared, resting his arms casually behind his head. “Yeah, I vote no yelling." Pointed glance at Ray.

Ray, sitting beside Nova, stiffened. “Hey—I’m not—okay the yelling is a lot but—”

The Nightwalkers chuckled. The Daywalkers glowed. It wasn’t unity, but it wasn’t war either. Addison brightened. “See? We’re already bonding!”

Eliza muttered, “That’s… one word for it.”

Zed tried again with his clipboard. “Alright, first up on our team-building list is a tradition. We sit around this campfire and each side shares a story from the Early Days—before the split.”

Vera raised a perfectly arched brow. “Who says we want to share ancient bedtime stories with the Sun Squad over here?”

Nova glared back. “Like we’re dying to hear yours, fang queen.”

“Oh please, glowstick.” “Oh yeah?”

“Oh yeah.”

Before sparks could literally start flying, Victor slid between them with exaggerated flair, arms outstretched. “Ladies! Please. The fire is over there. Throw your insults into that instead of at each other.”

Vera rolled her eyes but eased off. Nova huffed but did the same.

Addison beamed at Victor. “Amazing conflict resolution!”

Victor winked. “I have many hidden talents.”

Vargas groaned from the bench. “Bro, your talent is starting half the conflicts you ‘resolve.’”

“Details,” Victor said, waving a hand.