CTS TIME: RE250.01.03 8:15 AM
The vast emptiness of space slowly gave way to a magnificent sight—the Diamond Space Hub.
A colossal city, floating in the heart of Universe 07A, illuminated by an endless array of neon lights, holographic billboards, and massive docking stations designed for spacecraft from every corner of the multiverse. It wasn't just a hub—it was the largest city in Universe 07A, a beacon of civilization, trade, and entertainment.
Inside the spacecraft, Blaze was the first to awaken. He stretched slightly before standing, his sharp gaze flickering toward the control room.
"We're finally here."
He left the sleeping Rose and Bolt undisturbed as he entered the cockpit.
Through the wide viewing panel, he saw countless other spacecrafts navigating in the same direction, all heading toward the main entrance checkpoint of the space hub. There was a long queue of ships, each waiting for clearance. Some bore the insignia of intergalactic corporations, others belonged to travelers, bounty hunters, and explorers. The entire area buzzed with activity, signaling that something major was happening.
Blaze's brows furrowed as he tightened his grip on the steering module.
"This level of traffic isn't normal… something big is going on."
As his spacecraft approached the security checkpoint, Blaze could already see automated drones scanning each ship while officers in armored uniforms processed travelers. Their crimson visors glowed as they monitored each entry carefully.
When Blaze's turn arrived, a stern-looking officer stepped forward, his voice echoing through the comms channel.
"Show me your ISA identity."
Blaze tapped a button on the control panel, and the spacecraft's glass panel slid open smoothly.
With a calm expression, he retrieved his ISA (Intestellar space agency) identity card and held it up to the scanner.
Two high-tech security drones floated toward his ship, their scanning beams sweeping over the card with a soft humming noise. Their blue holographic eyes flickered as they processed the information.
Blaze watched in silence as the officer typed something into his console.
A moment later, one of the drones extended a small holographic pass, glowing with a bright golden hue.
"You're cleared. Here's your HD pass."
Blaze reached out, taking the pass from the drone. The glass panel of his ship automatically closed after the exchange.
As he examined the pass, his eyes narrowed slightly.
It wasn't just a standard ISA clearance pass.
It was an HD pass—Hyperion Defender Pass.
Blaze's heartbeat slowed.
"Hyperion Defender…?"
This was no ordinary pass.
The Hyperion Defenders were a high-ranking elite force, often tied to special guests, VIPs, or high-stakes events. To receive an HD pass meant that something—or someone—was expecting his presence inside the Diamond Space Hub.
His grip on the pass tightened slightly as thoughts raced through his mind.
"Why would they give me this? Who else is coming?"
As Blaze was about to advance, he caught a glimpse of the officers chatting among themselves.
One officer, still typing into his console, muttered, "There's an unusual number of travelers today. More spacecraft are arriving from across the universe."
His partner nodded, adjusting his visor. "Yeah, I heard about it. Some kind of big event inside the hub."
The first officer scoffed. "A tournament, right? The Blading Tournament?"
His partner smirked. "Yeah, some kind of high-level sword fight. It's drawing in warriors from all over."
The officer let out a low whistle. "This is bigger than I thought. If the Hyperion Defenders are involved, that means VIPs and serious fighters are coming too. Things could get interesting."
Blaze didn't react outwardly, but inside, his thoughts sharpened.
"A Blading Tournament… Jasper will be there."
He leaned back slightly in his seat, staring ahead at the gleaming city as his spacecraft moved past the checkpoint.
"I have a feeling… this tournament is going to be far more important than just a simple competition."
Blaze stepped into the room where Rose and Bolt were still deep in slumber. The dim glow from the spacecraft's control panels cast soft blue light across their faces. He sighed slightly before shaking their shoulders.
"Wake up, we've reached our destination."
Rose stirred first, blinking her eyes groggily before realization hit her. She immediately sat up.
"Really?! We're here?"
Bolt stretched his arms and yawned before jumping to his feet. "Finally!"
Both of them rushed to the large transparent window, pressing their faces against the glass in pure excitement. The view outside was breathtaking—the Diamond Space Hub, the most advanced and luminous city in Universe 07A, glowed like a floating jewel in the void of space.
The city pulsed with neon colors—bright blue, deep violet, and streaks of golden light running through the towering skyscrapers. Massive holographic billboards flashed advertisements in different alien languages, promoting everything from high-tech gadgets to luxurious vacations in distant galaxies.
The sky was alive with thousands of spacecraft, each unique in size and shape, weaving through transparent highways made of glowing light pathways.
The reflection of the city lights danced in Rose's wide eyes.
"This place… it's beautiful," she whispered.
Even Blaze, who had seen the Diamond Space Hub many times before, couldn't deny the mesmerizing beauty of it.
"Come with me to the control room," Blaze said, snapping out of the moment. "We're now heading to the docking bay."
Inside the control room, Blaze firmly gripped the spacecraft's controls, guiding it smoothly onto the light-green transparent energy highway that led directly to the hub's main docking station.
The ride was smooth but fast, as the energy roads automatically adjusted the ship's trajectory.
Bolt leaned forward, grinning. "The Blading Tournament starts soon. But honestly, I'm a hundred percent sure you're gonna win, Blaze!"
Rose nodded eagerly. "Yeah, Bolt's right! There's no one like you. And your blade, Devolos, is the strongest!"
Blaze's fingers twitched slightly on the controls as he thought about their words.
"Let's see…" he murmured to himself. "After so long, I'll finally be playing this tournament again. And I have a feeling… Devolos will enjoy this just as much as I will."
As they approached the Diamond Space Hub, its full magnificence became clear. The futuristic infrastructure was colossal, a city of pure energy and metal, radiating a crystalline glow, giving it the appearance of a giant, floating diamond in space.
Blaze carefully maneuvered the spacecraft into the designated docking area, where rows of other ships were already parked.
He powered down the engines and turned to Rose and Bolt. "Stick close to me. This city is massive—you'll get lost if you wander off."
Stepping Into the Hub
As the spacecraft's hatch opened, a rush of cool, artificial air greeted them. The floor beneath their feet was made of light-blue transparent material, smooth like glass, yet when Rose stepped forward—
Soft waves rippled outward, like she was walking on the surface of water.
Her eyes widened in pure amazement.
"It's beautiful," she whispered as she took another step, watching as her footprints shimmered for a moment before vanishing.
Blaze, keeping his tone firm, warned, "Rose, don't go too far."
Bolt, grinning, interjected, "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on her."
Before Blaze could stop them, both Rose and Bolt dashed forward, laughing as they ran across the wave-like surface, jumping playfully.
Blaze remained standing near the spacecraft, arms crossed, watching them with a mix of amusement and mild exasperation.
"Sometimes I forget… they're just kids."
Just as Blaze was about to call them back, a familiar voice echoed through the docking area.
"Blaze! I've been waiting for you."
Blaze's eyes snapped toward the source.
A few meters away, a tall figure stood confidently, arms crossed, with a smirk on his face.
Jasper.
The moment Blaze saw him, a small smirk formed on his own lips.
Jasper's fiery blue aura flared slightly around him, his energy unmistakable. His piercing gaze held nothing but determination.
"Now I will definitely defeat you in this tournament," Jasper declared, his voice unwavering. "Me and my blade, Dragonis, have trained hard for this moment!"
Blaze could feel the raw ambition radiating off Jasper. The air around them seemed charged with tension—two warriors destined for battle.
A low, venomous voice whispered in Blaze's mind.
"Last time, you failed to crush Dragonis," Devolos growled, his presence igniting in Blaze's consciousness. "But not this time. I will demolish him."
Blaze met Jasper's intense gaze, his smirk turning into a challenging grin.
"Let's see who wins," Blaze replied coolly. "But remember—this won't be easy. I won't go down without a fight."
Jasper's aura pulsed again, as if responding to Blaze's words.
"We'll see."
After a brief moment, Jasper gestured toward the hub's entrance. "Come on, let's register our names for the tournament."
Blaze turned his head, calling out, "Rose! Bolt! Don't go too far!"
Jasper laughed. "Don't worry about them. You know there are pro heroes here today, right?"
Blaze's expression darkened slightly. "You mean the Hyperion Defenders?"
Jasper nodded. "Yeah. They'll be here for the entire tournament."
Blaze crossed his arms. "I don't get why they're here. And more than that… I was given an HD pass."
Jasper smirked slightly. "You got one too? That makes two of us."
Blaze's eyes narrowed. "So you know why they're here?"
Jasper's smirk widened. "Yeah. I got news that the Universal Ruler is coming."
Blaze's steps suddenly halted.
A moment of silence passed between them.
Jasper turned, raising an eyebrow. "What? Why'd you stop?"
Blaze didn't reply immediately. His mind raced with thoughts.
"The Universal Ruler of this Universe 07A is coming? As a special guest?"
There was something off about this. This tournament wasn't just about Bladers competing. There was something bigger at play.
Jasper, noticing Blaze's hesitation, clapped a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, let's register and check out the tournament rules."
Blaze snapped out of his thoughts and nodded. "Yeah… I'm coming."
But deep down, he knew—this wasn't going to be just any ordinary tournament.
Rose and Bolt dashed through the crowded floors of the Diamond Space Station, their excitement bubbling over as they weaved through groups of travelers, merchants, and fellow Bladers. The air was filled with a mix of chatter, the hum of floating drones, and the occasional clash of Blades sparking against one another as battles unfolded in designated arenas.
Rose's sharp eyes darted around, catching sight of several individuals with their Blades strapped to their backs. Her heart raced at the realization—this station was a hub for Bladers from all over. Some were professionals, their polished gear reflecting the neon lights above, while others, like herself and Bolt, were just starting to make their mark.
"Rose, don't go too far, otherwise we'll get lost," Bolt warned, his voice carrying a hint of concern as he struggled to keep up with her.
Rose twirled around playfully, grinning. "Don't worry! We won't get lost. Besides, I'm starving. Do you want to eat something?"
Bolt hesitated, rubbing the back of his head. "I… don't have any money or credits."
With a sly smirk, Rose flicked her wrist, revealing a sleek metallic card between her fingers. It gleamed under the artificial lights of the station.
Bolt's eyes widened in shock. "Wait… is that Blaze's card?!"
Rose chuckled, tilting her head. "Yep. His Blaze Card. So stop worrying and let's go!"
Bolt frowned. "At this age, you've already started stealing?" His voice carried a mix of amusement and unease.
Rose pouted. "It's not stealing! He didn't even give us real Blades—just toy ones! So consider this… returning the favor."
Bolt sighed, still unsure. "I see your logic, but—"
Rose waved a hand dismissively. "Stop overthinking! The outcome doesn't matter. Let's explore the area and have some fun!" She grabbed Bolt's wrist, pulling him toward the market district.
Meanwhile…
On the other side of the station, Blaze stood at a registration counter, tapping his pockets with increasing frustration.
"Alright, sir," the attendant said, handing over a holographic form. "Just scan your card for the registration fee, and you'll be all set."
Blaze reached into his pocket, fully expecting to pull out his star credit Card, but his fingers found nothing. His expression shifted from confident to confused as he patted his jacket.
Jasper, standing beside him, raised an eyebrow. "Now don't tell me you forgot your money card."
Blaze frowned. "No way. I remember putting it in this pocket." He checked again—nothing. His jaw tightened.
Jasper chuckled, shaking his head. "No worries, I'll cover it. Honestly, I just want a good battle, after all."
Blaze, however, wasn't listening anymore. His mind raced. Where the hell did I leave it? He replayed his steps in his mind, but a creeping suspicion gnawed at him.
Somewhere, across the station, Rose and Bolt were already enjoying their first meal—on Blaze's dime.
The bustling marketplace of the Diamond Spacehub was alive with vibrant neon signs, the scent of exotic food drifting through the air, and merchants enthusiastically calling out to passing travelers. Rose and Bolt wandered through the crowd, their eyes darting between dazzling display windows filled with advanced gadgets, stylish battle gear, and shimmering crystal blades.
Despite the excitement around them, Rose's sharp gaze caught something unusual in the reflection of a shop's glass panel. A shadow loomed overhead, blocking out part of the artificial sky. She tilted her head up, her breath hitching at the sight of an enormous spacecraft hovering above the station. Unlike the standard industrial or military ships that often docked here, this one gleamed with an almost regal presence, its metallic frame adorned with intricate golden patterns that pulsed faintly like veins of energy.
"Bolt, look at that!" she exclaimed, nudging him eagerly. "That spacecraft is different from the others. It's massive and… almost royal-looking."
Bolt followed her gaze, his mouth slightly open. "Whoa… Yeah, that thing screams 'important people inside.'" His excitement grew as he turned to Rose with a mischievous glint. "Let's check it out!"
Rose grinned. "Finally, something we agree on."
They quickly scanned their surroundings and spotted a series of transparent cylindrical elevators, each glowing a different color. They weren't the only ones interested—travelers, families, and Bladers of all kinds were also boarding the elevators, eager to reach the rooftop level.
As they stepped into a bright blue elevator, the floor beneath them vibrated softly before lifting them into the air. The glass walls provided a breathtaking panoramic view of the station as it shrank beneath them. Rose pressed her hands against the glass, eyes wide with wonder as they ascended. Bolt, on the other hand, shifted uneasily, gripping the railing.
"You okay?" Rose teased, smirking at his nervous stance.
Bolt scoffed, crossing his arms. "Of course! I just… don't trust glass floors, okay?"
Rose chuckled, but any retort she had vanished the moment the elevator reached the top.
The doors slid open, revealing a scene that felt like stepping into a dream.
The rooftop wasn't just a landing pad—it was a full-fledged floating city. Towering fountains danced with luminescent water, while lush gardens sprawled across the edges, filled with exotic plants from different galaxies. Children zipped through the air on flying skateboards, their laughter echoing as they raced above the pathways. Others played with robotic pets, while a few floated inside giant, translucent bubbles that drifted lazily in the air.
Rose turned in circles, taking it all in. "I never imagined something like this…" she murmured, her voice filled with awe.
Bolt, usually the skeptic, was equally mesmerized. "This is insane. It's like a paradise in the middle of space."
His excitement returned when he spotted the large spacecraft landing near the city's edge. "Hey, look! The ship is docking over there. Let's go check it out!"
Rose hesitated, her gaze still drinking in the magic around her. "Not yet," she said softly. "Let's enjoy this first… it's like a dream."
Inside the Giant Spacecraft
Meanwhile, inside the massive royal vessel, Mainak leaned eagerly against the window, watching as the Diamond Space Station grew larger beneath them. His golden eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Dad, we finally reached!" he exclaimed, turning toward the tall man standing beside him. His father, dressed in a regal dark-blue robe with golden embroidery, gave a small smile.
"Yes, my son. I promised you that your twelfth birthday would be special. And what better place than here? Not only is this one of the greatest space stations in the galaxy, but there's also a major tournament happening."
Mainak beamed. "This will be my best birthday ever!" But then, his excitement faltered slightly, and he glanced over his shoulder toward the back of the room. "But… what about Anik?"
A figure sat slumped against the cushioned walls of the ship, his arms crossed, staring out the window with an expressionless face. His blue hairs was slightly unkempt, and his eyes, though sharp, seemed distant—lost in thoughts far removed from the celebration unfolding around him.
"Anik!" Mainak called again, stepping closer. "Are you even listening?"
Without shifting his gaze, Anik muttered, "Happy birthday. That's what you wanted to hear, right? Now let me rest."
Mainak's cheerful expression dimmed. "It's not just that… I want you to enjoy this too."
His father placed a hand on Mainak's shoulder. "My son, let Anik rest for now. Come with me."
"But, Dad…" Mainak hesitated, glancing back at Anik.
His father knelt to his level, his expression soft but firm. "Remember what I told you? Anik lost his family. He's carrying pain that won't just disappear overnight. We have to support him, but we can't force him."
Mainak sighed, nodding reluctantly. "I know, but he can't live like this forever."
The ship's main gates hissed open. Without another word, Mainak sprinted outside, eyes widening at the sight before him.
"This is amazing!" he shouted, his earlier disappointment forgotten. "So this is the famous Diamond Space Station!"
His excitement only grew when he turned his gaze upward. "And the rooftop—it's like a whole city in the sky! I need to see this up close!"
He darted forward, eager to explore the wonders that lay ahead. Behind him, Anik finally shifted, glancing toward the open gate.
For the first time in a long while, he felt something faint—almost forgotten.
The vibrant streets of Exo Horizon, the largest city in Universe 07A, pulsed with life. Towering holograms displayed upcoming tournament matches, sleek hovercars zipped through transparent sky-bridges, and vendors lined the bustling streets selling exotic goods from across the cosmos.
Mainak and his father walked through the city, admiring the breathtaking view. His father, a regal figure with sharp silver eyes, took in the scenery with a composed smile, while Mainak's excitement was barely contained.
"This place is incredible!" Mainak exclaimed, his golden eyes reflecting the neon glow of the cityscape.
Sudipto, the in-charge of Hyperion Defenders, walked a few steps behind them, maintaining a vigilant stance. He had personally taken responsibility for Mainak and his father's security, ensuring that no harm would come to them. Alongside him, several elite pro heroes patrolled the area, scanning for any threats in the crowded metropolis.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the presence of these powerful defenders was a silent reminder—this city, for all its wonders, was not without danger.
Meanwhile, Anik remained inside the spacecraft, isolated from the excitement outside. The faint hum of the ship's engines was his only company. He sat near a window, gazing at the lively rooftop city of the Diamond Spacehub, a mere fragment of the vast Exo Horizon. His expression was unreadable, lost in memories he wished he could escape.
On another side of the city, Rose and Bolt were seated at a small food stall, savoring an array of snacks. Bolt had just taken a bite of a spicy skewer when his eyes widened in shock.
"Too… spicy!" he gasped, grabbing the nearest drink and gulping it down.
Rose burst into laughter. "I told you to go easy on the red sauce!"
Bolt coughed, his face red. "Next time, warn me before I set my mouth on fire!"
They were enjoying themselves, completely unaware of the growing concerns elsewhere.
Meanwhile, inside a luxury hotel within the Diamond Spacehub, Jasper and Blaze had just received their room cards. The automated check-in system projected their room numbers into the air, and Jasper stretched, cracking his knuckles.
"Finally, some rest before the tournament," Jasper said, pocketing his card.
Blaze, however, wasn't paying attention. His brows were furrowed, a hint of worry creeping into his usually calm demeanor.
Jasper noticed. "Hey, what's up? You seem distracted."
Blaze sighed. "It's Rose and Bolt. They ran off to explore, and I haven't heard from them in a while."
Jasper smirked. "Relax. They're kids. Let them have their fun."
Blaze shook his head. "You don't know them. Rose is reckless, and Bolt follows her into trouble. I just have a bad feeling."
Jasper leaned back against the counter. "Well, if you're that worried, why not check in with them?"
Blaze exhaled slowly, gripping his room card tightly. "Yeah… I think I will."
As the city continued its lively rhythm, Blaze's unease lingered, an unshakable feeling that something unexpected was about to unfold.
The city of Exo Horizon shimmered under a dome of artificial twilight, its towering skyscrapers reflecting the glow of neon billboards and hovering spacecraft. The Diamond Spacehub, a technological marvel, pulsed with energy as travelers, warriors, and traders bustled about.
Rose and Bolt continued their exploration, wandering through a bustling marketplace where merchants sold high-tech gadgets, rare minerals, and exotic foods from different galaxies. The scent of grilled alien meats mixed with the sweet aroma of neon-colored fruit drinks, creating a sensory overload.
Bolt, still recovering from the spicy skewer, eyed a glowing blue fruit at one of the stalls. "Hey, Rose, look at this thing. It's… sparkling."
Rose raised an eyebrow. "You sure it's safe?"
The merchant, a short reptilian creature with shimmering golden scales, grinned. "Safe? Of course! Try one—it's called a Luna Berry. Gives you a tiny boost of energy!"
Bolt hesitated, then shrugged. "Why not?" He took a bite and instantly felt a jolt of energy rush through his body. His eyes widened. "Whoa!"
Rose laughed. "Guess you won't be needing coffee for a while."
They continued strolling when suddenly, Rose's gaze caught something in the sky—a shadowed figure leaping across the rooftops, moving with impossible agility.
"Did you see that?" Rose asked, grabbing Bolt's arm.
"See what?" Bolt blinked, trying to follow her line of sight.
But the figure was already gone.
Inside the grand Hyperion-Class Royal Starship, Anik sat in silence, staring at his reflection in the darkened glass window. The city's glowing lights reflected faintly against his tired eyes.
The door slid open behind him.
"You're still in here?" Mainak's voice echoed.
Anik didn't respond.
Mainak sighed and walked up to him. "Anik, come on. This is supposed to be fun. My father even arranged this trip so we could—"
Anik finally spoke, his voice devoid of energy. "I didn't ask for any of this."
Mainak frowned. "I know. But staying here won't change the past."
Anik clenched his fists. "You don't understand, Mainak."
Mainak's father, standing in the doorway, watched them silently. He stepped forward, placing a hand on Mainak's shoulder. "Give him time, my son."
Mainak lowered his head but nodded. "Alright… but I won't let him stay like this forever."
With that, Mainak turned and left, while Anik continued staring out the window, lost in the storm of his own thoughts.
Unbeknownst to all of them, deep within the city's underbelly, a mysterious figure activated a holographic device. A cloaked, iron-masked man appeared on the screen, his presence radiating authority. His heavy voice was distorted, carrying a commanding tone.
"Just gather some information for now and don't do anything unnecessary," the masked man ordered. "I want details about the legendary blades. According to my research, there are two of them in this city. I just want to see their powers."
The figure on the other end smirked, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Understood, Master Void."
As the transmission ended, the mysterious figure melted back into the shadows, leaving only the cold hum of the hologram fading into silence. A hidden force was now at play, and soon, the Diamond Spacehub would become the battleground for something far greater than a mere tournament.
The artificial sky inside the city dome dimmed, casting an orange glow over the futuristic skyline, mimicking an Earth-like evening. The once-bright neon lights of the Diamond Spacehub flickered on, illuminating the bustling streets. But Blaze barely noticed. His mind was preoccupied, his chest tightening with unease.
Something didn't feel right. Rose and Bolt had been gone for too long. At first, he dismissed the feeling, convincing himself they were just exploring. But as time passed, worry gnawed at him. Where could they be?
With a frustrated sigh, Blaze stepped outside the spacehub. His sharp eyes scanned the streets, the sea of people making it difficult to spot them. He quickened his pace, his pulse accelerating with every passing minute. "Where the hell did they go?" he muttered under his breath, shoving his hands into his pockets as he walked.
The air smelled of metal and street food, blending in a way that made him slightly nauseous. He checked a few stores and alleyways, his worry morphing into irritation. Then, through the large glass window of a busy restaurant, he finally spotted them—Rose and Bolt, laughing over plates of food, completely carefree.
Confrontation in the Restaurant
Blaze stormed inside, his boots hitting the polished floor with a sharp click. Rose, mid-bite, froze the moment she saw him. Bolt, who had been grinning just a second ago, paled.
Without hesitation, Blaze grabbed Rose by the ear and twisted it. "Do you have any idea how long I've been looking for you?" he snapped, his voice low but filled with anger. Rose yelped, dropping her fork as she scrambled to stand.
"Ow! Ow! Blaze, stop! People are staring!" she protested, trying to pry his fingers off.
"I don't care," Blaze growled, dragging her outside. Bolt hesitated before following, looking like a guilty child caught red-handed.
Outside the restaurant, Blaze let go of Rose and turned to face both of them, his jaw clenched. "What the hell were you two thinking? Wandering off without telling me? Do you have any idea how dangerous this place can be?"
Rose rubbed her ear, pouting. "Relax, Blaze. We were just having some fun."
"Fun?" Blaze scoffed. "You didn't even bother to tell me where you were going!"
Bolt shifted uncomfortably. "We didn't think it was a big deal..."
Blaze exhaled sharply, trying to rein in his frustration. But then, his eyes landed on something in Rose's hand—a familiar-looking card. His stomach dropped.
"That better not be what I think it is," he said slowly.
Rose hesitated for a split second. Too late.
Blaze snatched the card from her, his eyes darkening. His money card. His stolen money card. His patience snapped like a brittle wire.
"You stole from me?" His voice was dangerously low, filled with disbelief and rage.
Rose bit her lip, avoiding his gaze. "I just... borrowed it."
"Borrowed?" Blaze let out a humorless laugh. "You stole my credits and spent them on food while I was out losing my mind searching for you?"
Rose shrank back. Bolt looked away, pretending to be deeply fascinated by the ground.
Blaze ran a hand through his hair, trying to suppress the urge to yell. Instead, his words came out like fire. "Do you have any idea how reckless and irresponsible this was? What if you got caught? What if someone mugged you? What if something happened to you both?" His voice rose with every question, his anger fueled by fear.
Rose crossed her arms, clearly annoyed. "You're overreacting—"
"I am NOT overreacting!" Blaze interrupted sharply. "You think this is a joke? You can't just steal and run off like a spoiled brat! You're lucky I'm the one who found you and not some security officer."
Rose's defiance wavered, and guilt flickered in her eyes.
Blaze sighed, running a hand down his face. "You're both coming back to the hotel. Now."
This time, neither of them argued.
To be continue....