The dim glow of the morning light cast long shadows across the room. Ammarah and Omar sat side by side on the couch. Ammarah leaned back, her head resting against the cushions, eyes closed, brows furrowed.

"Did they torture you that badly?" she asked, her voice low but tinged with concern.

Omar looked at her, surprised. "How do you know?"

She opened her eyes and met his gaze. "Because I felt it. Every bit of the pain you went through." She sighed. "When you heal someone with the Green Fire power, you have to absorb the pain they endured. It’s part of the process. In simple terms, I had to taste the same amount of pain for a brief moment."

Omar’s face softened with regret. "I’m sorry. If I had known, I wouldn’t have let you do it."

Ammarah smiled gently. "Don’t worry about it. Your Circe stone can heal you, but when you're completely drained of power, it can't function as quickly. Even then, the stone still protects you. You’re far stronger than a person without one, even when you're weakened. And remember, while the stone heals you in minutes, Green Fire can do it in seconds."

Omar nodded thoughtfully. "Got it, Teacher."

Ammarah straightened, her expression growing serious. "Now, promise me you won’t trick me like that again. I promised your brother I’d protect you."

Omar met her gaze, nodding. "Alright, I promise. But you have to promise me something too—You'll not step in fights. You stay behind the scenes. Always."

Ammarah smiled, her eyes warm but determined. "Promise. But Omar, don’t trust that Hira. She’s one of them."

Omar’s eyes narrowed slightly as he considered her words. "I know. But we’ll play her game."

Ammarah tilted her head, intrigued. "How?"

"We’ll pretend to trust her," he explained, his voice calm but calculated. "Maybe we’ll learn something useful. I need to know Robis’s weaknesses."

Ammarah nodded slowly, understanding the weight of his plan. She glanced at him, silently trusting in his resolve as they prepared for the next move in their dangerous game.

Noor arrived at her flat, unlocking the door with a glance toward Omar's place before stepping inside.

Once in her room, she stood before the large mirror, her reflection steady as she reached for the necklace hidden beneath her white shirt. The pendant, shaped like a delicate white rose, rested against her skin. With a light brush of her fingers, the rose shifted, revealing a sparkling white diamond embedded in the center.

A faint smile touched her lips. "Missed me?" she whispered softly.

The diamond pulsed with a soft, white glow in response, as if acknowledging her words. Noor’s smile deepened. "I know. It’s been a long time, Hira." She paused for a moment, staring at her reflection, lost in thought. “I think I know you, Axen,” she whispered softly to the mirror, her voice barely audible, as if the words were meant only for herself.

With that, the glow faded, and the diamond shifted back into the form of a rose. She tucked it beneath her shirt once more, her secret safe, for now.

Omar paced the living room, his phone pressed to his ear. “Mom, I missed you too... I promise, I’ll visit today.” He glanced over at Ammarah, then smiled into the phone. “I’ll bring a guest with me, too... No, it’s a secret... Say hello to Dad for me... See you soon.” He ended the call with a soft chuckle, tucking the phone into his pocket.

Ammarah, who had been seated quietly, stood up. “Guest? Who?”

Omar grabbed his bag from the couch and met her gaze, “Axen.” He said the name as if it carried more weight now. “Look, my parents’ safety is everything. You’ll take my form, and I’ll be Axen.” His voice was steady, determined. “I’m heading to college now. Stay close.”

Ammarah nodded. With a final glance, Omar walked out the door, leaving her behind.

In the parking lot, Noor sat in her car, anxiously checking the rearview mirror. The moment she spotted Omar approaching, her heart raced. She quickly got out of the car, smoothing her hair as she stepped forward.

Omar smiled warmly as he saw her. “Good morning.”

This time, Noor smiled back, her usual guarded demeanor softening. “Good morning. Heading to college?”

He nodded, his hands slipping into his pockets. “Yeah.”

Noor shifted her weight, fiddling with the car keys in her hand. “Actually... my car won’t start. Do you mind if I go with you?”

Omar’s smirk widened. “Yeah, we can go together every day if you want.” He winked playfully.

She laughed softly. “I guess that works.”

With a slight bow, Omar opened the passenger door for her. “Ladies first.”

“Thank you,” she replied, smiling as she climbed in.

As he started the engine and pulled out of the lot, an easy silence filled the car. After a while, Noor glanced over at him. “I heard about your brother... May he rest in peace.”

Omar nodded, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. “Thanks.”

Noor’s voice was softer now, laced with curiosity. “Did you... know about it before everyone else?”

Omar shot her a sharp glance, his eyes narrowing. “How do you know that?”

She smiled faintly, her gaze still focused out the window. “I think the whole class knows, Omar. You mentioned in class ‘the loss changed you,’ ten days before Axen’s video went viral.”

He sighed, the weight of those words sitting heavy between them. “Yeah... I found out that night. Axen was the one who told me.” His voice faltered, betraying the pain he kept buried. “It hit me hard. That’s why I left the city for a while.”

Noor’s brow furrowed as she processed this. “Is Axen still in contact with you?” Her tone was casual, but there was something more behind the question.

Omar looked at her curiously, “Why do you ask?”

She shrugged, a faint smile on her lips. “I’m a huge fan.”

Omar raised an eyebrow. “Really? Everyone seems to hate him..." he said, briefly looked at her, "He contacted me three times. I hope he won't end up like my brother.”

Noor’s smile didn’t waver. “I trust him. He won’t end up like your brother. He’s stronger than people give him credit for.”

Omar, being Axen himself, felt a strange sense of pride at her words. Yet, unease gnawed at the edges of his mind—he had no idea of the real reason she was sitting beside him.

Omar and Zain walked ahead, their pace relaxed as the last rays of sunlight streaked the sky. Behind them, Noor and Anum strolled side by side. Anum playfully nudged Noor with her elbow, a mischievous smile on her lips. "So, what's going on with you and Omar? You came to college together, you live side by side, and now you’re leaving together. Yet you haven’t told me anything," she teased, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Noor smiled but remained coy. "There’s nothing going on, at least not like you're imagining," she said. Then, leaning in close, she whispered, “I do have a secret, though. A big one. I’ll tell you everything... just not now.”

Anum’s eyes lit up, excitement bubbling in her expression. "Okay, okay! I’ll be waiting," she said eagerly as they reached the parking lot.

Omar, sensing their approach, turned to Zain. "That’s it for today," he said in a low tone before their conversation could be overheard. As Noor and Anum approached, Omar quickly switched topics, winking at Zain. "I can’t ride with you today. Got somewhere else to be."

Zain nodded, giving him a knowing smile. "Alright, man. See you later," he said as they exchanged a brief hug.

Noor and Anum joined them, and Omar’s gaze settled on Noor. "You coming with me?" he asked, his voice softer now, as he met her eyes.

For a brief moment, Noor held his gaze, but the intensity was too much, and she looked away, nodding. "Yes," she replied quietly.

Omar smiled, opening the car door for her. She hugged Anum before sliding into the passenger seat, and as Omar winked at Zain once more, he took his place behind the wheel, starting the car.

The road stretched ahead, quiet except for the hum of the engine. Silence hung between them, until Omar broke it. "Why do you live alone?" he asked, his tone gentle but curious.

Noor sighed softly, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on her lap. "My mom passed away a year ago," she began, her voice steady, though tinged with sadness. "She had been upset for a while, and after she died, it didn’t take long for my dad to marry someone else. That’s when I realized why she had been so unhappy. I love my dad, I really do, and I forgave him. But I couldn’t stay in a home with the woman who caused my mom so much pain in her last days. So, I left."

Omar’s brow furrowed as he glanced at her, sympathy softening his features. "I’m really sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace," he said quietly.

Noor gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thanks," she whispered. Then, after a moment, she asked, "And you?"

Omar exhaled deeply, his gaze focused on the road ahead. "My parents are out of the city. There’s some trouble they’re dealing with, but I couldn’t leave because of my studies. So, I rented a flat here," he explained, though there was something guarded in his tone.

As they approached their destination, Omar parked the car in front of the sleek glass building of the Mersendise complex. "Well, see you later, Noor," he said with a playful grin.

Noor hesitated for a second, her eyes lingering on his. "If you’re free, we could have lunch together. At the Mersendise restaurant," she offered, her voice casual, but her heart raced a little at the suggestion.

Omar raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile spreading across his face. "Oh? Are you inviting me on a date?" he quipped, his tone flirtatious.

Noor quickly averted her gaze, a shy smile tugging at her lips. "See you, Omar," she said, ignoring his question as she reached for the door handle.

Before she could leave, Omar called after her, his voice softer this time. "Wait... I’m actually going to meet my parents tonight. How about dinner instead?"

She paused, turning to look at him. "Dinner sounds good," she agreed with a small nod, then stepped out of the car, closing the door behind her.

Omar watched her as she walked toward the entrance of the building, her silhouette disappearing behind the glass doors. He smiled to himself, before pulling away from the curb.

As Omar drove off, the silence in the car was interrupted by a sudden shift in the air. Ammarah appeared beside him in the passenger seat, her presence familiar and warm. She glanced at him, a playful smirk on her lips. "She’s beautiful, by the way," Ammarah said, her tone teasing.

Omar chuckled, his grip on the wheel relaxing. "More than you?" he shot back, glancing at her with a smirk of his own.

Ammarah pretended to think it over, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Hm, yes. I’d say so," she replied, her tone light as they both laughed.

Ammarah, disguised as Omar, and Axen stood at the door of a modest house. Ammarah, now fully transformed, adjusted her stance, making sure she played her part convincingly. Within seconds, the door swung open, revealing Arham, Omar's father. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw Axen.

Before he could say anything, Ammarah stepped forward, her voice warm and familiar. "Hello, Dad," she said, extending her hand.

Arham, clearly emotional, bypassed the handshake and pulled her into a hug. "Hello, Omar," he said softly, patting her back. Then, turning toward Axen, he offered a handshake, though hesitation lingered in his eyes. "Hello, Sir," he greeted formally.

They stepped inside, where Elif was seated in the living room, her hands resting on her lap. When she saw Ammarah, thinking it was her son, she rose immediately and embraced her. "How are you, Mom?" Ammarah asked, pulling back just enough to meet her gaze.

Elif gently cupped Ammarah's face, a frown appearing as she placed her hand on the imposter's forehead. "You’ve got a temperature, Omar," she said with motherly concern.

Ammarah gave a reassuring smile, stepping back. "No, Mom, I’m fine," she said, quickly changing the subject and gesturing toward Axen. "Look, Axen’s come to meet you."

Elif smiled politely as she shook Axen’s hand. Once everyone was seated, the room fell into a hushed conversation. They spoke about Hassan, and Axen recounted how Hassan had chosen him as his successor. The atmosphere was heavy, their loss still raw in their hearts.

After what felt like a long conversation, Axen straightened in his chair, his tone turning serious. "Mr. and Mrs. Azdar," he began, "Robis is a very dangerous man. I don’t know who killed Hassan, but for your safety and for Omar's, I have to ask something important of you." He paused, locking eyes with them. "You were sympathizers once. Continue to be so. Don’t show any outward hatred towards Robis. If the media comes asking, just say you have no issues. Simply say you loved your son and don’t know anything beyond that. It’s the best way to protect yourselves."

Elif glanced at her husband, her hand instinctively reaching for his. They exchanged a silent understanding and nodded, their faces pale with worry.

Noor lay on her bed, holding her phone up as she video-chatted with Anum. Her voice was low, secretive. "I told you everything," she said, her heart still racing from the revelations.

Anum, sitting on the other side of the screen, had wide eyes filled with shock. "So you’re Hira? You have powers?" she asked, her excitement barely contained. "Can you show them to me?"

Noor smiled softly, leaning back into her pillows. "Maybe. But you have to promise to keep it secret," she said, her tone teasing.

Anum nodded eagerly, then narrowed her eyes in curiosity. "But why do you think Omar is Axen?"

Noor sighed, her mind whirling with the puzzle she hadn’t yet solved. "I’m not sure," she admitted. "But something feels off. He knew about the previous Axen’s death the same night it happened. He disappeared for ten days afterward, as if he was... training or something. And last night, when I saw Axen for the first time, it didn’t feel like a first meeting at all. There’s something strange about him that I just can’t understand." Her gaze dropped, her voice softening. "I hope he’s not Axen."

Anum gave her a playful smile. "He isn’t Axen. And even if he was, he wouldn’t hide it from you. Trust me, I think he likes you."

Noor blushed, turning her face away from the screen. "No, he doesn’t," she muttered. "He flirts with everyone, even with teachers."

Anum laughed at her friend’s obvious shyness. "Maybe he flirts with others, but he cares about you. I can see it," she teased, her laughter echoing through the call.

Noor smiled, but her mind was far from settled. The questions about Omar, Axen, and the truth gnawed at her, even as she tried to push them aside.