The creature chained to that room was bound in more ways than one. But in Candado's eyes, she was nothing more than a frightened star. According to the information he had obtained from Anen, her appearance partly matched the description he had given. And I say "partly" because, when you ask a child for a physical description, in 60% of cases, they tend to exaggerate, either a little or a lot.

  For example, when Candado was five years old, he once claimed to have seen Karl Marx on the street handing out gifts, when in reality, it was just an old man dressed as Santa Claus. Or that time he swore he had seen a meteorite, when in fact, they were just fireworks.

  The girl’s appearance was similar to what Anen had described. She was massive, though not in physical terms, but due to the augmentations attached to her body—tools designed for defense. Two enormous stone horns protruded from her temples, seemingly used for both movement and protection. A ruby was embedded in her chest, fused with her body. Her skin was green, her hair white, and her eyes lacked irises—a distinctive trait of the Luceros. Her ears were small yet pointed. Her arms and legs were composed of white minerals mixed with others of blue, yellow, and red hues. She was naked and appeared to be between fifteen and eighteen years old. Scars ran across her torso, neck, and waist.

  When she saw Candado, the young woman growled.

  "It’s a beautiful, radiant life," Bruno said.

  "Step back, please."

  Candado took a step forward.

  The girl growled again and lunged at them violently, forcing Nelson to raise his weapon. Candado, however, ordered him to lower it immediately.

  "If you want to hunt a deer, you can run, reveal your location, hug it, and kindly ask it to let you kill it with your sweet words. You can do that. But if you want me to do my job, the last thing you should do is raise a damn weapon."

  His tone made it clear he was mocking the old man.

  Candado began walking slowly toward the creature, though the chains prevented her from getting too close.

  "Regwit’fre. (Are you okay?)"

  The young woman reacted immediately.

  "Ouro’gi Grifta’kle da' Kiro. (You speak my language? Are you a Kiro?)"

  Candado scratched the back of his neck.

  "No, I’m not a Kiro. Anen sent me to find you, Amjasta."

  The young woman lowered her massive arms until her legs touched the ground, then started walking toward him. The difference in height between them was striking.

  "Is she okay?"

  "I see you speak my language."

  "A Kiro must learn from the land if he wishes to fulfill his duty."

  "Yeah, I get it."

  Candado took out his phone and dialed a number.

  "Sara, I found the Lucero."

  "That… that was fast. Faster than I expected."

  "That’s just how I am. See you soon."

  He hung up and looked at Amjasta.

  "Alright, I see there's a door behind you."

  The young woman glanced over her shoulder.

  "I hadn't noticed."

  "Mind if I go through?"

  "Free me first."

  Candado shrugged, grabbed the metal collar around her neck, and burned it to ashes within minutes.

  "Done. You’re free. Now, wait here."

  "If staying with you guarantees that I'll see Anen, then I will."

  "Good. For now, wait here… and don’t kill anyone."

  Candado turned his back on her and headed for the door.

  "It’s not that I mean it in a bad way," Amjasta said, "but you turned your back on me, despite the fact that I tried to kill you."

  Candado stopped.

  "It’s not that I mean it in a bad way, but you would never beat me in a fight."

  Without another word, he opened the door.

  "Oh, by Isidro…"

  "What is it?" Nelson asked, approaching.

  Candado swallowed hard.

  "This wasn’t a laboratory."

  Nelson frowned.

  "What makes you say that?"

  Candado stepped forward slowly, scanning the room.

  "This was Auschwitz."

  Inside, several cells held children reduced to skin and bones, on the brink of death from malnutrition.

  "What a foul stench…" Nelson muttered, covering his nose with a handkerchief.

  Candado, on the other hand, didn’t react to the smell.

  "We need to call the Semáforos."

  He pulled out his phone and dialed.

  "Emergency call. How can we assist you?"

  "Red request, immediately. Track my location."

  "Proceeding."

  Candado hung up and approached the children.

  "Wait. What are you doing?"

  "I’ll give them some of my power so they can regain vitamins. Their bodies are on the verge of collapse from malnutrition."

  "You can do that?" Nelson asked, incredulous.

  "Only I can do it," Candado replied.

  He placed his hand on one child’s head, and immediately, a purple energy began to emanate from his skin. He repeated the process several more times while Nelson watched in awe.

  "How did you know you could do this?"

  "It was an accident," Candado murmured, still focused. "While taking care of Yara, a month after she was born, she got seriously ill. Neither doctors nor veterinarians could figure out what was causing it. Then, I wished I could give her my strength… and it just happened. Later, I tested it on other animals and people and discovered that it works like adrenaline—it’s temporary."

  His face darkened, making Nelson swallow his questions.

  Time passed, and finally, the Semáforos arrived at the scene. Krauser, along with twenty young men between eighteen and twenty years old, entered the building. Before they arrived, Candado had hidden Amjasta. He didn’t want anyone to see her, least of all Krauser.

  The fact that Krauser was there meant one thing: there would be corpses. He was the only one who remained unfazed when dealing with the dead. In fact, he and a small group were already beginning to move the bodies.

  "Six victims," he reported. "That’s little compared to what they usually do."

  "I was too late," Candado admitted. "The structure was relatively new, but they damaged it on purpose to make it look old. From what I could tell, this was built a month ago. I was too confident."

  "It’s disgusting. I’m surprised that old man managed to cork twenty-four of them."

  "There must be more in the province," Candado said. "What have Joaquín and Rozkiewicz done?"

  "As soon as they found out, they issued an order for minors to leave the patrols. Only those over twenty can patrol now."

  "Smart."

  "You think so? I think it’s nonsense. Being a Semáforo means risking your life. Sending that message for them to go home seems hypocritical to me."

  Candado leaned against a tree, shoving his hands into his pockets.

  "Tell me, Krauser… are you ready to carry a pile of corpses? Because most of the Semáforos in the province are under twenty."

  Krauser didn’t answer.

  "Joaquín ranks fourth among Argentina’s most competent presidents. Those below him have proven that the position is nothing more than a game without responsibilities. If he made the decisions you believe are right, society would see us as a paramilitary agency… not as a simple childish utopia where people have fun and waste time."

  Krauser sighed.

  "You leave me speechless. By the way, who are the others?"

  "Ramiro Rodríguez, from Buenos Aires, in third place. Almidón Mateo, from Jujuy, in second. And Mariana del Valle, from Tierra del Fuego. I’ve never seen a smarter woman at eleven years old."

  "I see… I hope Hammya didn’t hear you say that," Krauser remarked with a smirk. Then he glanced at the cabin. "Why would the agents come here? What were they looking for?"

  "Something we don’t know yet."

  Krauser ran a hand down his face, frustrated.

  "There’s nothing worse than having two assignments and work at the guild."

  "Yeah, it’s rough."

  Krauser opened his left eye and fixed his gaze on Candado.

  "Don’t take this lightly."

  "I’m not."

  Candado was about to leave, but Krauser stopped him.

  "Candado, twenty-six people died. Mostly agents. Many of the survivors have gunshot wounds… the same bullets that old man had."

  "So?"

  "Keep one thing in mind: that old man was looking for something. Maybe he found it… or maybe he didn’t. But it means he needed you."

  Candado turned to look at him.

  "Just say it, Krauser."

  "I feel like you’re hiding something from me."

  Candado held his gaze for a few seconds before responding.

  "Don’t bother me."

  Krauser sighed.

  "You’re not going to deny it or confirm it… I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt."

  Candado turned his back on him and continued on his way. But he knew Krauser was sharper than he let on.

  "Gaucho, what do we do?" Nelson asked.

  "That’s what I’m wondering. Did you get what you wanted?"

  "Yeah. I sent Bruno and Perón with the team."

  "Then what is it you really want?"

  The man smiled.

  "I have ambition, you know? I want to rebuild the C.I.C.E.T.A. laboratories."

  "Big ambition," Candado remarked dully.

  "I think Argentina needs its own technology. Something equal to or better than what countries like China, Russia, the United States, India, or Japan have."

  "That would be incredible… good luck with that."

  "By the way, where’s that little girl?"

  "Mauricio hid her. She’s fine. From here on, I’m handling this alone."

  "Alright." Nelson extended his fist. "Take care, gaucho."

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  "Sure." Candado bumped fists with him.

  With his hands still in his pockets, Candado walked toward the most secluded tree in the area.

  "Mauricio, it’s me."

  A hand emerged from within the trunk.

  "Hurry up."

  Candado grabbed it and, in the blink of an eye, found himself in a valley surreal to human eyes. Thousands upon thousands of flowers covered the ground in all directions.

  "Candado, I’m sorry… Father found out about what happened."

  "Let me guess… he wants to talk to me."

  "That’s right."

  "Oh no, poor me."

  "Please, stop joking around."

  The duo ventured into a forest of colossal trees, towering over a hundred meters high and fifty meters wide, enclosing the entire area.

  "No matter how many times I come here, the peace of this place never ceases to amaze me."

  "You could stay and live here."

  "Absolutely not."

  Mauricio sighed.

  "Alright…"

  They walked until they reached a village hidden among the massive roots of the trees. Many houses were made from living roots or even carved into the trunks. The inhabitants, mostly teenagers with a few adults, greeted Candado with familiarity. Strangely, there were no elders in the village.

  "Wow, nice house," Candado remarked mockingly, pointing at a tree with a door embedded in it.

  "Don't start."

  Mauricio knocked on the door.

  "Dad, it's me."

  The door opened, revealing a beautiful garden with a pedestal in the center. Resting on the stone was a facón wrapped in roots and spikes.

  "Come in," Mauricio invited.

  Candado entered, eyeing the pedestal with interest.

  "Wow, looks like Pombero is a big fan of the sword-in-the-stone idea."

  "Don't touch that."

  Candado tapped the base of the rock.

  "Concrete… Now that I think about it, Horacio said someone stole a bag of cement. Don't tell me…"

  "Dad, he's here."

  Behind the pedestal stood a cabin with no walls, only bordered by curtains made of dried leaves. Suddenly, from behind the curtains, a naked woman emerged.

  "Soledad, what the…?"

  "Candado, how have you been?" she said, completely ignoring Mauricio and opening her arms to hug him.

  "Don't touch me!" Candado stepped back, his expression filled with absolute disgust. "I think I have a pretty good idea of what you were doing in there."

  "Huh? I was just taking a bath."

  "That's all you care about?" Mauricio asked, bewildered.

  "It's her house. I'm not in a position to tell her to get dressed, but I can tell her not to touch me."

  "Candado…"

  Soledad took a step toward him.

  "I swear, if you take another step, I'll rip your breasts off."

  "Sol, your brother needs you."

  "Raúl? Damn… Alright, see you later, Candado."

  Soledad was about to leave, but at the last second, just as Candado turned to enter the cabin, she planted a kiss on his cheek.

  Candado spun around, eyes blazing with fury.

  "Oh, now you’ve done it, plank!" He drew his facón.

  Soledad kissed his forehead.

  "You gotta be kidding me!"

  He let out a roar of rage and lunged after her, but Mauricio grabbed him by the arms.

  "Come back here! Now it's my turn to give you kisses! Come back! COME BACK!"

  "Candado, calm down! There’s no reason—" The boy pulled so hard he nearly hurt Mauricio. "Jesus, it’s not that big of a deal! It was just a kiss."

  "Being ignored is worse than a kiss!"

  "Seriously? You're not a baby."

  Candado huffed, took a deep breath, and finally relaxed.

  "I’ll find her later and make her pay. What a disgusting, insufferable woman," he muttered, rubbing his cheek and forehead with his handkerchief.

  Mauricio patted his back and guided him inside the cabin. The makeshift fireplace inside was so poorly built that Candado frowned.

  "By Isidro… Your father does this on purpose, doesn’t he?"

  "Huh? Why do you say that?"

  "Look at that… It’s not symmetrical. How hard is it to place one more rock to the right?"

  "You came here to talk to him, not to stare at the fire."

  "Forget it. I’ll fix it myself."

  Mauricio grabbed his arm and dragged him into the next room, separated only by a wall of fur. On the other side, a naked woman was kneeling on a carpet of corn and salt, looking at him with a sly smile.

  "Looks like you were having quite a bit of fun out there with Soledad… wink, wink."

  "You know…"

  "What?"

  "I was starting to feel a little guilty about the situation you're in."

  "And?"

  "Now I have two words for you."

  "Which ones?"

  "Fuck...you."

  Diana smirked mockingly.

  "When my punishment is over, I’ll come for your head."

  Suddenly, a figure appeared behind them. Both Mauricio and Diana immediately bowed their heads.

  "Father, I brought Candado," Mauricio announced in a trembling voice.

  "You may leave."

  Mauricio, frightened, lowered his head and left the house without protest.

  Candado raised an eyebrow, removed his beret, and crossed his arms.

  "Well, what would a mythological entity like you want with me?"

  "You’re quite impertinent, Candado," the figure replied.

  Before him materialized a small being, similar in appearance to a goblin. He was stocky, with large and intimidating pointed ears, and a long black beard that nearly reached the ground. His hands and feet were large and covered in thick hair. He wore a brown poncho and a straw hat, and in his hand, he held a staff identical to Mauricio’s—except at the tip, where a spherical stone was carved with the figures of the sun and the moon.

  "Can I ask something?" Candado said indifferently.

  "Go ahead."

  "Good… does Diana really have to be here dressed like that?"

  "She is being punished for not listening."

  Diana smirked again.

  "That doesn’t change the fact that she shouldn’t be here. I still need to talk to you."

  The Pombero sat on a rock in front of them.

  Candado sighed and let himself drop onto another.

  "I didn’t say you could sit," the Pombero warned.

  "Too late."

  The Pombero smiled faintly but quickly regained his serious expression.

  "Tell me, where is the other one?"

  "Lucera?"

  "Whatever name you wish to call her, yes."

  "I don’t know, I haven’t seen her."

  "Candado, you can’t lie to me."

  "I haven’t."

  The Pombero extended his staff.

  "Your hand."

  Candado grabbed it firmly and looked the Pombero in the eyes. Diana shifted uncomfortably. That staff was made from one of the branches of the oldest tree on Earth, the very tree where, it was said, all plant life had originated. It was believed that this tree had the power to detect when someone was lying.

  To Candado, however, that was absurd. Nature was the biggest liar of all. Chameleons used their skin to blend in, deceiving their predators. If nature were honest, that chameleon would serve itself on a silver platter. And if that tree was so sacred, then who was the genius who decided to rip off a branch just to make a lousy staff? To Candado, it was the same as taking the femur of a living man to use it as a cane.

  But whatever. The point was, that stick supposedly worked as a lie detector.

  "Tell me, have you seen the envoy?"

  Candado held the Pombero’s gaze.

  "No, I haven’t seen her."

  "Candado, do you know where the envoy is?"

  "No, I don’t."

  The Pombero looked at his staff, closed his eyes, then opened them again, fixing his gaze on Candado.

  "Candado, have you ever met the envoy?"

  Candado’s left eyebrow twitched momentarily. A tense silence followed.

  "Candado… have you ever met the envoy?"

  Sensing he had him cornered, the Pombero decided to press further.

  "Candado…"

  "I heard you the first time," Candado cut him off sharply.

  Both Diana and the Pombero were taken aback.

  "Then speak."

  "No, I don’t know her."

  The Pombero frowned and glanced at his staff.

  "I see."

  Candado withdrew his hand without waiting for permission.

  "I didn’t say you could do that," the Pombero reproached.

  "I didn’t ask for permission either."

  The Pombero sighed and placed his hairy hand on Candado’s head.

  "Don’t make me angry. You don’t know what I can do."

  Candado smirked mockingly, but in his eyes, there was a dark, almost malevolent gleam.

  "What you can do to me doesn’t interest me. I still hate you. I will never forgive you for what you tried to do to my sister and my mother. You’re a bearded piece of scum. Got that, chew toy?"

  The Pombero narrowed his eyes.

  "I can drive you insane. Your tongue will feel heavy, and thinking will become painful."

  Offended, Candado pressed his forehead against the Pombero’s. Diana flinched at the defiant act.

  "Look how I tremble, dwarf. You’re pretty brave for threatening your friend’s friend."

  "And what am I?" Diana interjected.

  "A psychotic exhibitionist."

  "That hurts, you know?"

  "I’m talking to you, Candado—"

  "By the way, you filthy little goblin, get your dirty hands off my head before I break yours," Candado snapped, prying the Pombero’s fingers from his hair.

  "I see you’re just asking to be beaten into stupidity."

  Candado grinned and started whistling, provoking the Pombero even further. His anger boiled over as he gripped his staff tightly. Suddenly, loud knocks echoed against the wooden wall of the house. Both the Pombero and Candado turned quickly.

  "Oh, Karaí…"

  Karaí Octubre was a stocky dwarf-goblin, identical to the Pombero, but with a long, white beard. He carried a wacha in one hand and had a whip strapped to his waist. His light brown poncho had red borders, and his presence was imposing.

  "A fight is the first thing I walk into." The Pombero and Karaí began speaking in Guaraní.

  "No, that’s not true! He provoked me."

  "I forgot you spoke my language."

  Karaí ran his hands over his face and sighed.

  "I heard Candado was coming to see you. Good thing I came, or this place would have burned to the ground again."

  Then he turned to Diana.

  "Dear, are you all right?"

  "Yes."

  "She is being punished for hiding the chosen one’s whereabouts from me."

  Karaí sighed again and looked at Diana seriously.

  "Diana, put some clothes on."

  "Sorry, I only take orders from my father."

  "Diana, do as he says."

  "Fine."

  Diana stood up, bruises covering her knees and legs, and walked toward Candado.

  "Stay out of my personal space."

  Diana kept a playful smile on her face as she approached and planted a kiss on Candado’s cheek. The vein in his neck began to pulse violently as his hand reached for his facón.

  "Get lost before I slit your throat," he said, struggling to keep his rage in check.

  Diana let out a laugh and left the room. The Pombero, having witnessed the scene, smirked.

  "I see you have trouble with women."

  "No, not with women—just with Diana," Candado clarified, fixing his hair before putting his beret back on. "Now, myths, if you’ll excuse me, I’m leaving as well."

  "Candado, we’re not done."

  Candado stopped at the entrance, turned around, and looked at the Pombero with disdain.

  "Look, in—"

  "Shh, shh, shh," Karaí interrupted, placing a hand on Candado’s arm.

  "Pombero," Candado corrected coldly. "I’ve answered all your questions, and I haven’t lied about a single one."

  "Very well, but you’d better be careful."

  Candado whistled and, without another word, started walking toward the exit. Karaí, looking concerned, ran a hand down his face.

  "Just go, please," Karaí pleaded, watching him as he left.

  Candado stepped out of the house and found Mauricio leaning against a tree.

  "Candado."

  "So, you told him I was here."

  "Friend, every time my father is with you, it ends in a fight."

  "He looks for me, and he finds me."

  "Candado..."

  "Just because I respect Karaí doesn’t mean I have to put up with him."

  "Friend, the last thing I want is a fight between you and my father," Mauricio said, troubled.

  "Not to mention the things he tried to do in the past to my mother and sister. I don’t like the way he treats you."

  "Me? Diana is the one being punished."

  "Screw her."

  "I see."

  Candado sighed, frustrated.

  "Anyway, is she okay?"

  "Of course. I took her to Sara."

  "Good."

  "Should I do the same with the other one?"

  "No, no, no. You’re already involved in this, and your father will start keeping an eye on you. I’ll handle it."

  "What? But it’s my responsibility."

  "Mauricio, I won’t let you get dragged into this any more than you already are—especially with these people."

  "I’m not afraid of the agents."

  "It’s not about being afraid or not. We’ve already lost too many kids because of them. I don’t want your face ending up on those walls."

  "…"

  "Mauricio."

  "I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try to honor your request."

  "Thank you. Now take me to them."

  Mauricio placed his hand on Candado’s shoulder and led him through a different forest than before.

  "Great, thanks." Candado looked around, searching for something else to say.

  "Don’t worry, they’re here."

  "I see. See you, Mauricio."

  "Take care."

  With those words, Mauricio vanished.

  Candado started walking, moving forward without a clear direction. He walked, walked, and walked until, finally, he found a wooden cabin.

  "That must be it," he thought to himself.

  He approached the cabin, but just as he was about to take the next step, he felt a threat behind him. Without thinking, he slid to the left and drew his facón.

  "Well, well, looks like we have an intruder." A female voice emerged from the underbrush.

  Candado’s gaze sharpened as he assessed the situation.

  "Not going to answer, huh? Guess that means I’m right."

  The figure finally stepped forward—a young woman with long, red hair, completely naked.

  "Lucero, I see you're a Lucero," Candado observed without flinching.

  The young woman shuddered slightly at his words.

  "I see, you’ve come for me and my sisters."

  Candado sheathed his facón, raising his hands in a gesture of peace.

  "I’m not here to fight," he clarified, his tone calm. "I only came to speak with Sara. I know Anen and Amjasta."

  The girl didn’t seem convinced and lunged at Candado, forcing him to step back.

  "I told you, I don’t want to fight…" he muttered, already feeling the tension in the air.

  But the young woman didn’t stop. She raised her left hand and launched a burst of fire, forcing Candado to retreat once more.

  "You’re going to start a fire, stop it!" he shouted, watching as the girl's fists ignited into flames.

  "Leave, if you don’t want to fight." The warning was clear, yet she continued advancing.

  Candado felt his patience wearing thin. This was the third time he told her he didn’t want to fight, and each time, she only seemed more determined to challenge him. Then, he began to tremble—but not from fear. It was a contained fury, a rage he was struggling to keep in check.

  "You don’t understand," he exhaled, trying to remain calm. "I have a pact, and I intend to honor it. I had the privilege of signing a contract with the word of Sara of Holy Truth. Please…"

  She didn’t listen. Instead, she hurled herself at him again, her entire body engulfed in flames.

  Candado dodged her for the fourth time, his lips trembling with frustration.

  "For Isidro…" he muttered through clenched teeth.

  Just as he was about to draw his facón, a figure suddenly appeared, lunging at the young woman.

  "What? Let me go!" The girl struggled to break free.

  Candado put his facón away again, watching in surprise.

  "Ni’fguó atar’en," the figure said with authority. "(Let me go now.)"

  The hooded figure grabbed the young woman by the shoulder and forced her to look into her eyes.

  "Yisira…" Candado murmured, astonished upon hearing that name.

  The hooded figure turned to him and ran forward, embracing him tightly.

  "Yisira, it's been so long!" Candado said, relieved to see her.

  Yisira hugged him fiercely, rubbing her face against his chest.

  "Candado, Candado…" she whispered between sobs.

  The young woman who had been about to attack froze at the sight. Yisira let out a powerful roar toward her, pushing her back with her energy.

  "That's enough!" a voice ordered from within the forest.

  "Ah, I was wondering where you were, Rucciménkagri," the young woman said in a defiant tone.

  "Siv’eteka," a deep voice responded.

  "I've told you before, haven’t I? Lower your power, Florenfinziari!"

  "As you wish." The young woman visibly trembled, stepping away from Candado.

  Candado observed in silence. The tension dissipated as quickly as it had arrived, and Florenfinziari retreated, visibly intimidated.

  "Well, I see you've been busy," Candado remarked, looking at Yisira.

  "I was with Sara. I'm sorry… if that helps," Yisira apologized.

  Candado, relieved but curious, stepped closer to her.

  "If you're here, it must be for a reason, right?"

  "Rucciménkagri, are those two okay?" Candado asked, referring to Anen and Amjasta.

  "If you're talking about Amjasta and Anen, yes, they’re fine," Rucciménkagri confirmed.

  "Well, at the very least, I’d like to see them with my own eyes, if it's not too much trouble."

  "No problem. In fact, Yisira volunteered to find them."

  Candado gently stroked Yisira’s head, smiling at what she had done for him. It had been a long time since the two of them had seen each other.

  "I see," he said with a smile. "But given the way things are now, I'd prefer if you contacted me through Mauricio or Logan first."

  Rucciménkagri tilted his head in understanding, gestured for him to follow, and began walking. Yisira still wouldn't let go, clinging tightly to Candado.

  "Don't fall behind, Florenfinziari," Rucciménkagri said.

  Candado was guided by Rucciménkagri while Florenfinziari followed at a distance.

  "Where are we?" Candado asked, looking around.

  "Where no human can harm us," Rucciménkagri responded dryly.

  "I see. This is new, isn't it?"

  "It is," Rucciménkagri confirmed in a direct tone.

  As they emerged from the forest, they arrived at a village surrounded by mountains. Candado took in the scenery and commented, "I could say this looks like a beautiful Asian or Salvadoran landscape, right?"

  "No, of course not," Rucciménkagri smiled, then stepped forward and pointed toward a massive house.

  "She lives there."

  "I'm not sure how to react to that."

  Rucciménkagri let out a small chuckle.

  "Follow me," he said, leading Candado forward.

  Candado walked through the gardens of Sara’s grand mansion. Florenfinziari remained reluctant about bringing a stranger before Sara, while Yisira still clung to Candado, holding onto him as if she never wanted to let go. She seemed so at ease there, with no intention of separating from him.

  Candado made his way around the mansion and finally found her—Sara, seated in her illustrious wheelchair, showing her true form, enjoying a cup of tea with her guests. Needless to say, they were undoubtedly the Luceros.

  "Sara, I’m here," Candado greeted casually.

  Sara slowly opened her eyes and fixed her gaze on him.

  "Thank Lenden, you’re here."

  Candado attempted a slight bow while holding onto Yisira.

  "I'm glad to see you're well."

  Sensing the opportunity, Yisira let go of Candado and ran to the table where the snacks were laid out. Grabbing one, she quickly returned to his side.

  "Here," she said, handing Candado a small treat.

  Candado took it and, in a gesture of camaraderie, offered it back to Yisira, who accepted it. Then, he brought the next one to his own lips. This gesture did not go unnoticed by Florenfinziari, who watched with some astonishment, while Rucciménkagri smiled, enjoying the scene.

  Suddenly, two figures stood up and approached Candado. They were Amjasta and Anen.

  "Candado," they greeted in unison.

  Amjasta and Anen stopped in front of him.

  "Hello, I’m glad to see you’re both well."

  The other Luceros stood up at the sight of them, but Sara raised a hand and stopped them.

  "Sarinchi’vi," she said firmly. "(Don’t.)"

  Everyone fell silent, motionless.

  "Candado is my friend," Sara continued, placing her teacup on the table and gesturing to her servant. "He is the human I spoke of."

  "Candado Barret? Is it really him?" one of the Luceros asked.

  "It is," Sara confirmed with a soft smile. "Candado Barret, the co-founder of our society, the Third Society."