Timeline - November 19th | ( 4 Days later)

Four days after Isis and Cid's arrival at Allegiant, Madison stood in the headmaster's office, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. The path that led her here had been deliberate and painstakingly executed. The disturbing revelation that their former headmaster had allied with their enemies, coupled with the fact that their adversaries knew their identities, only heightened Madison's fears. The weight of the situation was overwhelming, leaving her unable to conceive a more alarming turn of events.

As Madison lingered in the office, she reflected on recent developments while the background news reports recounted the latest attacks elsewhere in their world. The reports transported her back to the days following that fateful birthday party when the chaos had truly begun.

Her devastated cousin had returned to their dormitory, visibly shaken and inconsolable. Exhausted, hungover, and in desperate need of a shower, she had collapsed on the floor, breaking down in tears as she recounted the overwhelming events they had just experienced.

During their conversation, Madison unearthed crucial information that Sera had kept hidden until the burden of their situation became too great to ignore. She learned that the people her cousin had been involved with were crystal warriors, and the person she had referred to as Ace was actually Matthew.

This revelation, coupled with the fact that the vile creature she had been sharing a bed with and his companions controlled three additional crystals, marked a significant turning point. The final blow was the realization that their enemies were targeting Matthew, drawing Sera into the perilous situation through association. This discovery only intensified Madison's mounting agitation.

Madison's loathing for the man who had manipulated her cousin had always been intense, but now it had deepened further. The realization of how thoroughly Matthew had ensnared Sera, corrupting her and pulling her away from the only family she had left, was almost unbearable. Standing in Matthew's office, she silently hoped that her cousin had finally seen the truth. Armed with the knowledge of what had transpired on Creon, Madison knew she had to be strategic in every move from here on out.

The timing of her visit was deliberate. With most of the academy attending a fundraising festival in Isadora. Sera had mentioned that they couldn't cancel it at that point, and extra guards were put on duty for the event. The festival's diversion meant that the majority of the soldiers and warriors were away from their base, providing Madison with a rare chance to act.

Knowing what she knew now, particularly from Sera's breakdown about how Matthew had told her to leave, Madison had devised her plan. She decided that if she could secure the crystals for protection and retrieve the second transportation device she had discreetly hidden as a backup, she was confident that Matthew would let them leave without pursuing them.

With determination in her eyes, Madison moved through the quiet office. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the swipe card and codes she had stolen from Sera. Thanks to Sera's unrestricted access, she had full clearance for all of Allegiant's security features—a privilege granted by the man she had been sleeping with.

A smirk of satisfaction crossed her face as the cabinet clicked open, the panel sliding aside to reveal two dull, round crystals that barely responded to her touch. Undeterred, Madison's resolve only strengthened. "We're finally getting out of here," she whispered to herself, clutching the crystals tightly. "Let's go put you back on that throne where you belong."

***** *****

Matthew flashed a mischievous grin at Eko, setting the sleek, holographic menu down with a soft hum. The ambient light from the floating orbs above cast a dynamic glow that shifted colors, playing across his face and highlighting the mischief in his eyes. "Or we could just order dessert," he suggested, his gaze locking with hers, filled with a heat that made her breath hitch. "There are countless things we could do with dessert," he added, drumming his callused fingers on the transparent, illuminated table, the rhythmic sound blending with the soft hum of the glassware around them.

Eko bit gently on the edge of her glossy pink lips, the iridescent light from the floating orbs casting a mesmerizing glow on the sleek, modern ceiling of the restaurant. The ambient illumination highlighted her delicate features, making her look even more enchanting. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned slightly forward, the low cut of her shirt drawing Matthew's attention to her chest, clearly intended to tease.

"I don't think we'll have enough time to make it to the fundraising event where you need to give your speech," she purred, her voice a soft, seductive whisper. "And I know how easily you get carried away with... dessert."

"I'm rather fond of dessert. You know I have quite the sweet tooth for it," Matthew shot back, his eyes narrowing playfully. He leaned back in his chair, and the way his shirt clung to his broad shoulders and chest accentuated the powerful lines of his physique, drawing her gaze. She couldn't help but smile as she twirled a strand of her hair around her finger, the movement slow and deliberate.

"I am quite aware of your overindulgence in dessert," Eko purred, her voice laced with playful seduction. She extended her leg under the table, her foot gently grazing the top of Matthew's calf. The touch was electric, eliciting a wicked smile from him as her foot slid with deliberate slowness up his leg, the friction sparking a wave of sexual appetite between them.

"Maybe just a taste tester?" he teased, leaning in closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper that sent shivers down her spine. He reached out, his fingers brushing against her hand before gently bringing it to his lips. The kiss he placed on her knuckles was tender and lingering, making her cheeks flush with a warm blush.

The past few days had been intense, and despite being away from Allegiant, Matthew had finally returned home. Eko had confided in him about her recent breakdown with Madison, which had happened after his departure to the Elders. Madison had been briefed on everything—the crystals, their roles as warriors, and everything in between he really didn't want her to know all things considered.

Matthew struggled to stay angry with Eko for sharing the information. The situation presented an unexpected opportunity: a chance to reconcile with Madison. If Madison understood they were on the same side, it might help her let go of her plan to leave without informing them. He contemplated whether he needed to discuss with her a way to get both herself and Eko out of their predicament. 

Now that Eko had calmed down, maybe he could persuade her to consider leaving.  At least he knew Madison would be an advocate for it, and importantly she told him that if push came to shove she would protect her family. The key was figuring out how to turn this situation to their advantage and ensure that Eko's commitment would translate into action.

As Eko smirked and took back her hand, then picked up the menu, Matthew noticed a subtle lift in her demeanor, as if the burden she'd been carrying had lightened. The restful sleep she'd craved and the potential resolution with Madison seemed to have made a difference. The glowing lights from the ceiling danced across her face, accentuating her enchanting features. Her eyes, now alight with mischief, contrasted sharply with the weariness she had displayed only days before.

"You know," he mused, catching her gaze as she looked up, a wicked smile playing on her lips. "We could skip all this, baby... get a hotel room, order room service, have you all spread out for me the way I like... eat dessert out of your..." His suggestive words trailed off as his gaze shifted to the restaurant's entrance, where an unexpected figure caught his attention.

"Yesss..." Eko hummed in anticipation. She knew exactly where this was going, and she was all for it. The mere thought of it stirred up a fire within her, and she inched closer to him. They had several hours before Matthew needed to give his speech, and that was more than enough time to get through dessert. "Continue with talking about eating me out," Eko said, her voice thick with desire, eyes half-lidded in a comatose state of sexual excitement.

Matthew's words faltered, his playful tone shifting abruptly as his eyes narrowed at the sight before him. "What the hell?" he muttered, his usual confidence momentarily disrupted.

Eko, her anticipation quickly replaced by frustration, turned to see what had drawn Matthew's attention. She shifted slightly in her seat, her bare shoulder exposed as she focused on the entrance. There, Jesse stood with a tall, broad-shouldered man who seemed out of place.

Initially, Eko thought the man might be Aiden, but the man's physique and attire were distinctly different. Aiden's usual soldier gear and style were replaced by something unfamiliar, and the man's broader, more slim build suggested he had undergone a significant transformation.

Eko squinted, trying to reconcile the tall figure with her expectations of Aiden. The man's broader shoulders and more muscular build seemed to deviate significantly from what she knew of Aiden. Unless Aiden had undergone a dramatic transformation—new haircut, different attire—this was not the same person.

But Jesse had mentioned that their relationship was merely a casual hookup, a detail that only deepened Eko's confusion. Who was this man, and why did he look so out of place? The unfamiliarity of the situation gnawed at her, making it clear that something was off.

As Eko strained her eyes to get a clearer view, the man's appearance stubbornly refused to fit her expectations. The idea that he was someone entirely different seemed increasingly plausible.

"Wait, if that's not Aiden..." Eko whispered urgently to Matthew, her voice trembling with rising panic. "Then who the hell is she out with?"

Matthew, leaning back with a mix of surprise and resignation, could only offer a helpless shrug. "Do you think I know? I'm just as surprised as you are."

"Quiet, babe. They're heading this way. Shit," Eko muttered, and she looked over to Matthew, who was now staring at the newcomer, trying to place where he had seen him before.

The dim lighting made it difficult, but there was something hauntingly familiar about the man's face. Perhaps it was an ordinary quality, a sort of everyman look that made him vaguely recognizable but hard to pinpoint.

"Is that Jackson?" Eko asked, her voice tinged with confusion as she tried to recall the name of the Administration manager at Allegiant.

Ah, Jackson, Matthew mused. That would explain it. Well, it would explain the familiarity. He didn't know why Jesse was there with Jackson but it was looking like a date with the way they were holding hands.

"Ah, does Toni know?" Eko turned her eyes to Matthew, who responded with a passive shrug. "I mean those two still aren't talking after the whole Aiden episode. Right?" 

He then lightly raised his eyebrows at her and widened his eyes in a pleading motion. Whatever was going on, it wasn't his business, and nor did he want to get involved in whatever this cycle of relationships was. Jesse could date Aiden, Jackson, Ben, Travis—honestly, whomever she wanted. He bloody hoped Eko would let it be.

Jesse, beaming with a wide grin, made her way toward them. Her eyebrows were slightly furrowed, and she clutched the edges of her dress as she maneuvered around a waiter. After a moment, she finally approached their table.

"Hey guys," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, only for it to spring back into place. "Totally joining you since we're all here."

"Just Eko and me, but okay," Matthew grumbled, his tone slightly annoyed as he watched Jesse signal to a nearby waiter. The staff soon brought additional chairs, which were quickly arranged around the square table. Eko scooted closer to Matthew, making sure she was seated right beside him as Jesse and Jackson took their places.

Another well-dressed waiter appeared, setting down dishes and silverware for the newcomers and offering menus. Jesse avoided eye contact with Jackson, who sat beside her, and instead focused on Matthew and Eko.

"I am starving," Jesse said with a grin, but Eko's eyes stayed locked on her, then darted to Jackson, and back to Jesse.

Matthew could sense that Eko wouldn't let this go easily.

"Jesse, could I talk to you in the bathroom for a moment?" Eko asked, her tone firm. "I just need help fixing my..." She trailed off, "...hair."

Without waiting for a reply, Eko grabbed Jesse's wrist and briskly led her away from the table. They moved quickly down the corridor, Eko almost pulling Jesse along. She pushed open the door to the ladies' room, the click of the latch echoing softly behind them. Inside, Eko released Jesse's arm and faced her, her arms crossed tightly over her chest.

What's going on?" Eko demanded, her eyes narrowing on the red head. 

Jesse sighed, "Look, I know this looks... weird. But it's not what you think." She then averted her gaze, pretending to adjust her teal dress against the black and white tiles of the restroom floor. She noticed that it smelled strongly of cleaning products in there. Her mama had always emphasized that the cleanliness of the restroom was indicative of the cleanliness of the kitchens when she ran her own restaurant during Jesse's childhood. It was vital to dine in a hygienic place, after all.

"Not what I think?" Eko's voice was tinged with mortification. "Who is Jackson, and why are you out in broad daylight with him? What's going on?"

"Eko, just leave it for now, okay?" Jesse's tone was weary, clearly not in the mood for this conversation.

Eko's frustration grew. She stepped forward as she gripped Jesse's shoulders, her eyes wide. "I don't get it. Why are you with Jackson? Since when did you two start dating?"

Jesse glanced at the bathroom door, ensuring they were still alone. "Can't I go out on dates with other guys?"

"Not when you're supposed to be someone's girlfriend!" Eko's voice shot up, her confusion evident.

Jesse scoffed. "I'm not with Aiden anymore, so technically I'm single. I don't see why I need to explain this. Toni's been grilling me about it for days. I don't need the same from you. Jackson's been kind, and yeah, we slept together. What was I supposed to do—say no?"

Eko's jaw dropped. "You slept with him? When the hell did this happen?"

"Matthew's birthday... this morning... at lunch. Jesus, Eko," Jesse rolled her eyes, exasperated. "You don't get to lecture me, especially after all the times you were fucking Matthew."

"Babe, I'm not lecturing," Eko said, raising her hands in a defensive gesture. "I'm just trying to understand when this happened. What about Aiden? Or Ben—weren't you seeing him for a while? Why didn't you tell me?"

"You've been in dick sand and emotional turmoil. It's a dangerous mixture," Jesse retorted. "Besides, this isn't serious or anything."

Eko facepalmed. "Jesus Christ."

"And honestly, I'm just testing the waters. Going to dinner, seeing where it goes. You guys were here, and—"

"—we're your safety blanket," Eko interrupted, narrowing her eyes.

Jesse grinned. "See. That's why I love you the most."

"Well, too bad, Ms. Safety Blanket," Eko retorted. "Matthew and I were literally about to leave."

"To do what, have sex? You two do that a million times a day. You can spare a few hours for your best friend," Jesse shot back, her lips pursed. "Honestly, you're going to wear your vag out at 

Eko groaned, the sweet thought of dessert with Matthew slipping away, replaced by the unsettling effect of Jesse's crude comments.

"Besides," Jesse said with uncharacteristic seriousness, "he could be an axe murderer or something. You can't just leave me alone with him!"

"An axe murderer, really?" Eko replied, her voice thick with sarcasm. "Is that his preferred weapon of choice?" She couldn't quite picture the mild-mannered Jackson going on a killing spree. If anyone was likely to snap, it would be Jesse. After all, Jesse was a crystal warrior and could handle herself against any axe-wielding psycho.

"That's the thing! I have NO IDEA!" Jesse exclaimed, throwing her hands on her hips in frustration. "I barely know anything about him. All I know is he's good at handling admin work, does the paperwork, and somehow managed to pass as a soldier." She sighed heavily.

Eko raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"Look, he seems mostly nice, and he's pretty dedicated to Allegiant. He says he wants to move up the ranks. That could mean he's ambitious and hardworking, or it could mean he's cold and calculating. So, I guess you could say this is a... discovery date."

"A discovery date?" Eko repeated, her voice dripping with disbelief. "That's not even a real thing, Jess." She groaned and buried her face in her hands. "What the actual fuck? Seriously, Jesse, what the fuck?"

***** *****

Matthew finished texting Toni and glanced up, noticing Jackson's growing anxiety. Though he understood that Jackson wasn't to blame for the evening's awkwardness—Jesse held most of the responsibility, and Eko was likely to encourage this nonsense now—Matthew couldn't help feeling irritated. He'd rather be at the hotel with Eko then this double date .

Jackson coughed, shifting in his seat to sit up straighter. He had never been this close to the Headmaster, especially not in such a casual, personal setting. Matthew's reputation preceded him; he was both revered and feared by soldiers and fans alike. The fact that Matthew was also known to be fiercely protective of Jesse only heightened Jackson's nerves. What had he been thinking, agreeing to this? He just needed to keep a cool head about all of this.

Clearing his throat, Jackson tried to project a composed image, but his nerves betrayed him. Being in Matthew's presence was overwhelming. The man's intimidating aura, combined with Jackson's own feelings of admiration, made it hard to stay calm.

He took another nervous sip of water, the tension palpable. The chatter and laughter from a nearby table of animated girls only seemed to underscore the awkward silence at their own table. Gathering his courage, Jackson's voice wavered as he spoke, "Sir, if I'm being honest, I've always had a lot of respect for you. Meeting you in person, and... well, being here with you—it's kind of a big deal for me."

Matthew's phone pinged again with another message from Toni, egging him on to see just how uncomfortable Jackson could get. A faint smirk tugged at Matthew's lips as he read it, amusement flickering in his eyes. Despite finding some entertainment in Jackson's nervousness, he was mildly annoyed that the guy seemed more preoccupied with impressing him than focusing on Jesse.

Leaning forward, Matthew fixed his gaze on Jackson, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and subtle challenge. "So, Jackson," he began, one eyebrow arching slightly, "what exactly are your intentions with Jesse?"

Jackson's throat went dry, his mind racing to form a coherent response. The weight of Matthew's question bore down on him, and he stumbled over his words, barely managing a stutter. "I... uh, sir... I mean..."