A moment of peace followed the battle’s aftermath, with Neoma taking the time to thank Luana and Lucy.

Elena and her team took this time to catch their breath, watching as their entire camp was confiscated.

And not too soon after, another Sister approached them with a serious expression.

“Hello, fellow Paradigm,” She said, taking out icy handcuffs. “I’m afraid it’s time to take you three in for questioning.”

Elena nodded as Souta scoffed and Aki simply shut his eyes in acceptance. 

Another minute passed, and everyone began withdrawing, Luana dragging Akane’s unconscious body across the thick snow.

As the march continued, the trio noticed the slow rise in agriculture and environment.

It wasn’t much, but it still fascinated them to see how life could survive in such extreme weather, especially Elena, her eyes glistening with wonder.

“So I want to be sure you bunch didn’t come here because of the bounty, right?” Neoma asked, leading the way. 

“No, we were paid to retrieve any information we could get about Lunar Province,” Elena replied, her tone half guilty. “We had no idea the Crimson Blood was behind it.”

“Yeah, not to mention that we hate those little pieces of sh–”

“Souta,” Aki interrupted, walking beside him. “Language.”

“That’s good to know,” Neoma let out a sigh of relief, catching a glimpse of the distant castle. “Thanks for telling me.” 

“Of course,” Elena nodded, glancing between the several Sisters. “You’re Kaito’s friend, so ask us anything.”

“Let’s save that for the interrogation."

“That makes sense.” 

An awkward silence followed, but it was short-lived since an idea brushed past Elena’s thoughts.

“Say,” She grew a smug grin, giggling mischievously. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Go ahead.” 

“Do you have any romantic feelings for anyone?”

Neoma’s cheeks turned a bright red.

She stayed silent for a second before taking a deep breath.

“Yes,” She said, her voice with a hint of sadness. “I do, but I doubt they would ever reciprocate.”

“Is it Kaito by any chance?” Elena squinted her eyes, getting closer.

“No, it’s a she.”

“So you’re a lesbian.” Elena smiled, lifting her chained hands and clapping. “That’s amazing.” 

“What’s a lesbian?” Neoma turned around to look at her, raising her brow.

“It’s a girl who likes girls,” She replied, tilting her head. “Isn’t that common knowledge?”

“Why the need for a label, though?” She turned back, picking up her pace just enough to catch up to Luana and Lucy. “I don’t see the point in something like that.”

“Oh,” Elena sighed, pausing for a second. “It’s just something humans do.”

“Well, it seems a little discriminatory to me.”

“It is. Humans are discriminatory when it comes to pretty much anything.”

“What rubbish.” Neoma narrowed her eyes, snickering lightly. “Just another reason to add to why they suck.”

Elena and Souta exchanged glances as Aki remained silent, appreciating the views.

“But aren’t you doing the same?” Souta asked nervously, clearing his throat.

“Yeah, you’re technically right, but at the end of the day,” Neoma’s tone grew serious with a hint of frustration. “Humans are the root of ninety-nine percent of Le Neige’s problems. That’s why they’re rats.”

“Not all of them,” Elena said with a frown, lowering her head ever so slightly.

“Very few.” She added, brushing aside her comment.

However, just a few seconds later, Neoma’s eyes widened in realization, as if she had remembered someone.

She smiled softly, turning back to look into her hurt gaze.

“Like Ava Kijomi.”

A gasp escaped Elena’s lips, Souta and Aki glancing at her in shock.

“How do you know my mom’s name?” Elena asked, raising her chained hands to her chest in astonishment. 

“Why wouldn’t I? She lived with us for a short while.” Neoma shrugged as her silver hair swayed alongside the growing winds. “Didn’t your brother tell you?”

Elena simply looked down, not saying another word for a while as Neoma pondered what was going on with her family.