Snow crunched under their boots as Nam, Lan, and Shun descended toward the ravine where Kai had fallen. The blizzard from the night before had quieted, leaving a haunting silence over the mountain. Every step closer to the edge tightened Nam's chest.
Shun scanned the cliffside. "The drop's at least two hundred meters. No one survives that without—"
"—preparation," Lan finished, pointing to a jagged outcrop halfway down. Blood smeared the rocks, but no body.
Nam knelt and examined the stains. "Fresh. Not enough blood for a fatal fall. He survived."
Shun exhaled. "Then where the hell is he?"
A distant echo of movement made them all turn. From the fog below, a flare suddenly launched—red smoke trailing.
Nam's jaw clenched. "That's a signal. Not for help—it's a challenge."
Before anyone could respond, their earpieces crackled.
"Nam," said a voice they all recognized.
Kai.
"I should've let you burn with the rest of them. But then again… you're the only one who ever understood."
Lan stepped forward. "Where are you, Kai?! What is this?!"
"You'll see soon enough. Come alone, Nam. Or they die."
The signal cut.
Shun growled, "He's baiting you."
Nam stood slowly, eyes burning with cold resolve. "Then I take the bait."
Lan grabbed his arm. "You're walking into a trap!"
"I know," Nam replied. "But this time… I'm the one setting it."