Everything has a beginning.

SOMEWHERE IN BEIJING, CHINA

Two men sat in a quiet restaurant booth, their voices low and measured. The clink of cutlery and soft hum of background chatter faded as the front door creaked open. A woman with tanned skin stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room before locking onto them.

The man in black offered a knowing smile.

"So?" he asked smoothly. "Did what you found match what he told us?"

The woman approached, her expression tense.

"Yes," she said, her voice low. "But... she never mentioned any of this before."

The man’s smile twisted into something colder. He let out a soft chuckle.

"Of course she didn’t. Did you really think she ever trusted you?"

He turned toward the other man at the table, the sun catching on the white-tipped braid draped over his shoulder.

"Shall I continue?"

A slow nod.

"Go ahead."

A CONVERSATION

[REDACTED]:

"So... you're really coming today, sis?"

Ravenna:

"Yes, just like I promised. And I’m bringing them with me too."

[REDACTED]:

"Awesome! I’ll start cooking something special then. Can’t wait to see you!"

Ravenna:

"Me too. I’m really happy I could make it."

[REDACTED]:

"Hihi, alright then! Love you!"

Ravenna:

"Love you too, [REDACTED]."

MEMORIES.