The words hung between them like a blade, sharp and threatening, yet strangely... familiar. Ash's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. The faintest flicker of recognition sparked in his storm-grey eyes, but it was gone before Nia could decipher it. He stepped closer, his presence looming over her like a dark cloud, and she stood her ground, meeting his gaze with an unwavering defiance.
“Your empire is built on lies," Nia continued, her voice steady despite the fluttering of her pulse. “I'm here to burn it down."
Ash remained silent for a moment, studying her, as if trying to place her, to untangle the memory that hovered just out of reach. His gaze dropped to her wrist, where the faint outline of a crescent moon mark peeked from beneath her sleeve.
“Who are you?" he asked again, hi
