Bounded by Secrets

"Shadows of Sacrifice"

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The morning sun filtered weakly through the dense foliage of the island, casting jagged patterns of light and shadow across the rocky terrain. In the heart of the ruins, an ancient, crumbling temple stood defiantly against time. Jack and the twenty members of his group sat in meditative silence on the weathered stone floor, their faces reflecting a mix of focus and tranquility.

Mayumi and Princess Trisha approached from a distance, their figures silhouetted against the rising sun. As the meditation concluded, Mayumi broke the silence, her voice light but inquisitive.

"Jack, have you taken any kind of step yet?"

Jack opened one eye lazily and smirked. "Nah. Who's the girl tagging along with you? Let me guess-your friend?"

Mayumi raised a brow. "Friend? Do I look that socialized to you? She's the princess."

Jack's smirk deepened. "What? You got her? Excellent. So, what did you find out?"

Mayumi sighed. "Nothing. She thinks I'm a creep. You better handle it."

Jack chuckled and stood, brushing the dust from his clothes. "I knew you'd never be that helpful to me." He turned to Trisha with a grin. "Good morning, my lady. I'm Jack Andrewson."

Trisha's sharp eyes scanned him from head to toe. "Do you drink alcohol?"

Caught off guard, Jack paused before responding, "No... I mean, yes. A bit. Only on special occasions."

Trisha's expression soured. "All men say the same thing. Judging by your attitude, you seem like someone from a wealthy family-not someone who belongs to this tribal nation. Where are you really from?"

Jack raised a brow, cutting her off mid-tirade. "Why are women always so full of questions?" He smiled disarmingly. "Relax. I'm not here to argue. Just tell me what you know about Jason that might help us."

Trisha scowled but finally relented. "The only thing I know is that Jason is a betrayer. He's trying to force my sister into marriage while already being married to another woman."

Jack held up a hand. "Alright, calm down. Sit."

Trisha reluctantly complied, her shoulders stiff with frustration. As she continued, her tone softened slightly. "Mayu, I'm proud of you. Managing this open-chained bulldog must be exhausting."

Mayumi chuckled, but Trisha's expression turned fierce again. "Don't mistake me for being soft. I could still bite if I wanted to. But I won't, because I have nothing left to lose. If you're truly here to help, then do it. But don't pretend this is some noble charity. I know what you're after-it's not free public service."

Suddenly, Trisha froze, her eyes glazing over as a vision overtook her. Moments later, she snapped back to reality, her voice trembling with urgency. "Your teammates... they're near the River Amrita, aren't they? Collecting the Amrit. Saving lives always comes with a cost, doesn't it?"

Mayumi placed a hand on her shoulder. "It's not like that, Trisha. Try to understand-"

A sudden movement startled them as Kaki leapt from the shadows. Trisha drew her sword in panic, her instincts ready to strike.

"Whoa, calm down!" Jack stepped forward, grinning. "He's with us. Kaki's part of the team. Trust us, we mean no harm."

Kaki, unfazed, grabbed Trisha by the collar, scrutinizing her face. "This girl was about to kill me. Who is she?"

Mayumi intervened. "She's Trisha, the younger princess. Now let her go."

Kaki released her with a grunt, stepping back. Jack clapped his hands, breaking the tension. "Alright, everyone, back to your positions. Gather all the information you can."