As the music echoed softly through the grand ballroom, a quiet murmur escaped the guests, creating an electric atmosphere. Conversations had intensified, and the palpable tension marked the faces of the council members and the leaders of Demacia. In a corner of the room, Lux watched Jinx, her friend, with silent concern.

Jinx seemed more tense than usual, as if Mel's presence unsettled her to the core. Lux, true to her role as protector and friend, slowly approached Jinx, her usual smile now tinged with slight concern.

"Jinder," she said softly, placing a hand on the young woman's shoulder. "Are you going to be okay?" Her voice, normally light and bubbly, carried a glimmer of empathy that sometimes surprised Jinx, though she never admitted it out loud.

Jinx looked down for a moment, biting her bottom lip as she listened to the noise of the crowd. Her thoughts were swirling, but she didn't dare share everything that was bothering her. It wasn't in her nature to show weakness, to let herself be seen as vulnerable.

"I'm just..." she began, but the words were lost in a cloud of confusion. She looked at Lux, searching for an answer but finding only more questions. "I'm not used to all this, Lux. This kind of party, these people... It's not my world." Her eyes quickly moved away, settling on Mel in the crowd. "And Mel... I don't know why, but she freaks me out."

Lux understood, she could see it in her eyes.

"I know it's not easy," Lux said, her voice soft and warm. "But you're not alone here, Jinder. And you have more strength than you think." She smiled at her, but it was almost a sad smile, as if she knew Jinx would never fully accept this truth.

Jinx looked away, a sarcastic grin playing on her lips. "You're cute, Lux, but I'm not a kid who needs stories to make her feel better."

Lux didn't answer right away. She stood up and took a few steps around her, as if searching for words. Then, in a more serious voice, she added: "Listen, I'm going to have to leave for a moment to greet Mel and Vincent. It's mandatory, you know. But I want you to know one thing." She approached Jinx with a rare attention and a piercing gaze. "If you're ever not feeling well, or if you need a break, you don't have to keep going. There's no shame in it, you know."

Lux's words touched something in Jinx. She hesitated for a moment, destabilized by the empathy she didn't know how to handle. She felt like Lux had seen through her mask, that she knew exactly what was bothering her without even having to say it. And that... it bothered her.

"Pff..." Jinx shrugged casually, a sarcastic smile barely touching her lips. "You don't have to worry about me. I'll see this through, don't worry."

She straightened up, feeling a surge of adrenaline flood her body. Even though all of this was disturbing her, even though her past was haunting her, she knew she wasn't going to run away. She wasn't here to hide in the shadow of her anxiety. That wasn't her style.

Lux watched Jinx for a moment, aware of what lay behind her mask of indifference. She knew the mission mattered, but she also understood that Jinx carried an invisible weight, a burden she had never shared with anyone. Lux knew that this moment, this choice to continue or leave, was both a test of their friendship and a reminder to Jinx that she could afford to be weak sometimes.

----

Ekko adjusted his mask discreetly, his rigid posture betraying a tension he tried to hide. The room was a whirlwind of shimmering fabrics and honeyed conversation, where every word seemed weighed to strike or seduce. He hated this environment where appearances mattered more than actions, but he was here for one reason: to foil Swain's plans. Mel stood at his side, regal in her gold dress. Even masked, she dominated the room with an aura that few dared to ignore. Yet he could feel the furtive glances, the barely veiled whispers around them. Everyone here judges her, suspects her. They speak as if she were already guilty of a crime she did not commit.

A blonde behind her golden mask approached with a smile. Her impeccable mask could not hide the glint of interest in her eyes. Ekko did not need to know her to sense that she was no different from the others. All these people who shone in the golden light of nobility, ready to betray, to manipulate, to do anything they could to keep their power intact.

"Councillor Medarda, I must say that your presence here is an honor to Demacia," Luxanna said in a soft voice. "Miss Crownguard," Mel replied, but the blonde was already turning her gaze to Ekko. "Councillor Hale, I am delighted to see you here tonight. I am told that you are a man of vision, a master strategist." She said in a soft, measured voice, perfectly polite. She was all smiles, her eyes sparkling with a light that could be either sincerity or some other form of calculation. He did not know yet. "You are too kind, Miss Crownguard," he replied, his voice controlled. "But I fear the honor is yours above all, to be able to represent such an exemplary nation as yours."

Lux laughed softly, a hand brushing his mask. "You are as flattering as you are competent, it seems. But tell me, Councilor Hale, what do you think of this evening? The customs of Demacia must be unfamiliar to outsiders such as yourself."

Ekko smirked. She plays her part well, this innocent blonde. But what is she hiding behind that mask of amiability?

"It is... fascinating," he replied cautiously. "This ball perfectly illustrates the grandeur and elegance of your people."

Mel exchanged a quick glance with him, sensing his hidden sarcasm. Before Lux could respond, a group of noblemen joined them, interrupting their conversation.

"Councilor Medarda, Mr. Hale," said a man in a richly embroidered suit. "What a pleasure to meet you. Your presence here is a true declaration of peace and cooperation."

"A shared pleasure," Mel replied gracefully, though his tone was slightly strained.

Small conversations passed around him, polite laughter, comments about clothes and new jewelry. But beneath it all, he could hear the real substance. The whispers behind gloved hands. "Look at that councilor, Mel Medarda... she's lucky to be here tonight, with the war and all... but what's she worth, really? Can she really rule?"*

Ekko heard everything, even the thinly veiled whispers. "She should be more careful," one of the men said, adjusting his collar, "thank goodness Vincent Hale is here to back her up."

One of the men, older and larger, glanced pointedly at Ekko. "You are very fortunate to be working with such a remarkable woman as Councilwoman Medarda, Mr. Hale. She is a rare gem... although, let's be honest, some tasks are far beyond what a woman can handle alone."

Ekko felt anger boil inside him, but he held it back. He knew these types of people: arrogant, condescending, thinking they are masters of the world because they wear expensive suits.

"It is true that your support must be crucial, Mr. Hale," another added, a smirk on his lips. "With all due respect to the councilwoman, sometimes it takes a firm hand to hold the reins."

Mel remained impassive, but Ekko saw the tension in his jaw. Lux, on the other hand, spoke softly, but with a hint of acidity in her voice:

"I think Councilor Medarda has proven time and again that she can hold the reins better than many of the men here, gentlemen." The silence that followed was icy, but Ekko couldn't help but admire the subtle way dear Luxanna had just defended Mel. Still, he couldn't relax. These men spoke as if Mel was already defeated. And me? I have to play the role of the docile councilor when I want to make them eat their words.

"Make no mistake," Ekko said, his voice calm but sharp, "Councilor Medarda is quite capable of defending herself. But of course, I am honored to be at her side to ensure that nothing interferes with her plans."

The nobles exchanged embarrassed glances, but Ekko didn't give them time to respond. He turned his head slightly, scanning the room for something... or someone.

And that's when he saw her. A figure. A flash of blue in the crowd. He frowned under his mask, his heart skipping a beat. The hair... that bright, almost unreal blue. For a split second, he thought he was hallucinating.

Powder...?

No, that couldn't be. Jinx was... She was dead, he was sure of it. But that figure, that movement... It brought back memories he had carefully buried.

"Everything okay, Councilor?" Lux asked, noticing his confusion.

Ekko shook his head slightly, focusing on the conversation again, but his thoughts were elsewhere. He scanned the room, trying to follow the figure, but it had disappeared into the crowd.

I have to focus, he thought, gritting his teeth. Powder is gone... It's not her. It can't be her.

But he couldn't shake the doubt. The mission was clear: identify potential threats, especially those coming from Swain. But now, another threat weighed on his mind: the ghosts of the past.

---

Jinx, or rather Jinder, as she was to be called that night, wandered among the nobles. Her flowing dress drew stares, as did her bright blue hair. She felt every eye on her, but did her best to feign ignorance.

None of this matters, she repeated to herself, her thoughts riveted on her mission.

Her gaze caught a strange man near a column. Everything about his demeanor aroused her suspicions: his rigid posture, his eyes fixed on Mel, as if he were analyzing her every move.

Target locked.

A shiver ran through Jinx. Instinctively, Jinx adjusted her mask, a smirk playing on her lips. She approached slowly, her heels echoing lightly on the marble, feigning casual curiosity. "Well, you're staring at this woman like she's going to evaporate. If it's an obsession, I suggest you keep a low profile. Otherwise, it's going to be very awkward."

The man turned his head briefly toward her, his features masked, but his dark, unwavering gaze didn't budge. "I don't have an obsession. Just... a fascination."

The man turned his head slightly, his mask hiding his features, but his dark, icy gaze briefly scanned her before returning to Mel. "I don't see how that concerns you."

"Maybe I'm a romantic at heart," she replied sarcastically, subtly moving to block his view. "But wouldn't it occur to you to do anything but stare at a lady all evening? It seems like you're planning something."

The man didn't answer immediately, but a smirk formed on his lips. "You talk a lot for someone I don't know."

She shrugged, unfazed. "Talking is my talent. Observing is my pleasure."

Her gaze then moved down to his left arm, where she saw a tattoo partially hidden under his sleeve. Her heart raced. She had to be sure.

Pretending to be more interested in him, she took a step closer and brushed his sleeve. "Oh, that's a beautiful fabric," she said lightly, subtly tugging at the fabric to reveal more of the tattoo, revealing a larger portion of the symbol: a stylized raven.

The man instantly stiffened, backing away slightly. "What are you doing?" he asked icily.

Jinx, sensing that she was in danger of being exposed, feigned a misstep. "Oh, sorry!" she exclaimed, toppling backwards, letting out a cry of surprise.

Before she hit the ground, a firm hand grabbed her arm, pulling her upright with controlled force. Her breath caught for a moment as she looked up.

Her savior's face was masked, but she recognized him immediately. His eyes, his posture, the way he stared at her intently.

"Pow..." he murmured, before stopping abruptly. He seemed to catch himself, loosening his grip slightly. "You should be careful. These balls aren't exactly for those who can't stand on their feet."

Jinx opened her mouth to reply, but no words came out. A wave of emotion washed over her, and repressed memories burst forth without warning. Ekko... it's him. It can't be him.

"You remind me of someone," he said, his eyes searching her face with an unsettling intensity. Jinx felt a cold wave pass through her. Her throat tightened, and her gaze searched desperately for an anchor. But there was only him, Ekko, before her. His mask didn't hide everything: his eyes shone with a recognition he was trying to understand, and his tone betrayed a vulnerability she never would have imagined finding in him. Ekko continued, his voice softer now, almost hesitant. "There's something about you... the way you move, the way you look... It's strange."

She looked away, her heart pounding. Don't speak, don't say anything, he might recognize your voice.

But her body refused to obey her. Her hands trembled imperceptibly, and she felt her breathing become jerky. Ekko's proximity was like an invisible punch, reviving memories she thought she had buried forever.

The touch of his hand on her arm, that familiar warmth, sent a shock through her entire being. I will never touch him again... Those words she had repeated to herself for years came back to haunt her. Images suddenly burst into her mind, like an uncontrollable torrent. A younger Ekko, his warm laughter echoing through the alleys of Zaun. His fingers brushing hers when she had combed her hair before the war. The first time he had kissed her. How he had embraced her during his suicide attempt.

Her breaths grew even shorter. Powder. The name seemed to ring through her mind like a broken bell, awakening echoes she had thought had died.

And then came the voices.

"You're weak."

"It's your fault. Your fault they're dead."

"Jinx. Jinx. You're a monster."

They had been silent since the end of the war, but the mere presence of Ekko, this man from the past, brought them back with terrifying clarity. She closed her eyes, as if that would silence them, but they continued, overlapping her own thoughts.

"Are you okay?" Ekko's voice brought her back to reality briefly. He watched her closely, a glint of confusion in his eyes.

Jinx felt her world reel. Would this single fragment of her old name be enough to break her? She felt her legs go weak, but she forced herself not to collapse. Her skin still burned where his hand had touched her, as if the touch had rekindled a fire she had been trying to put out for years. Ekko frowned, probably realizing his mistake. He straightened slightly, resuming his formal posture. "You're very quiet," he said, as if to fill the void. "I just meant... be careful." "Ah, Councilor Hale! I see my dear cousin is monopolizing you." Lux appeared suddenly, a radiant smile lighting up her face. She grabbed Jinx by the arm with calculated lightness, all the while giving Ekko an apologetic look. "I must apologize for her. She is... shall we say... a bit of a clumsy soul. It's not just her skin tone that sometimes mismatches her dresses. You know, her hair color is a great source of laughter in our family. A failed attempt that turned blue, you see." Ekko narrowed his eyes slightly, as if trying to see past Lux's jovial mask. "Jinder, come with me. You don't want to cause any more havoc tonight." Lux smiled, but his tone was blunt.

Jinx let herself be dragged along without protest, chaos still rumbling inside her. Lux led Jinx away from the crowd, to an alcove away from prying eyes. The blonde scrutinized her "cousin" with growing concern. Jinx wore a mask, but her distress was obvious: her shoulders were shaking slightly, her breathing was panting, and her usually sharp gaze seemed lost in space. "Jinder," Lux whispered, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Breathe, okay? Just... breathe."

Jinx shook her head, unable to formulate a response. She felt the ground give way beneath her, each memory of Ekko returning with an almost unbearable force. She brought a hand to her chest, desperately trying to catch her breath.

Lux, alarmed, placed her hands on Jinx's cheeks, gently forcing her to look at her. "Hey, hey... look at me. It's okay. I'm here."

Lux's hands were surprisingly soft and firm at the same time. She slowly caressed Jinx's face, her thumb brushing her cheekbone in a comforting gesture. "I don't know what's going on, but you're freaking out. You need to calm down, Jinder. Look at me and breathe with me. In... out..."

Jinx tried to keep up with Lux's pace, but the images of Ekko continued to overlay reality. Pow... Ekko's whisper still echoed in her mind, triggering a flood of memories she couldn't stop. The voices came back too, low and merciless, telling her she was a failure, that she should never have survived.

"Jinder, talk to me," Lux insisted, her voice soft but firm. "You're completely out of it. What happened? Tell me you're okay."

Jinx opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her eyes, usually sharp and wry, were filled with a raw vulnerability that made Lux falter. No, Lux. Nothing is okay. Nothing will ever be okay.

"It's that man, isn't it?" Lux asked, lowering her voice slightly, a mixture of curiosity and concern in her tone. "That advisor... Vincent Hale. What did he do to you? Did he say anything to you?"

"No," Jinx finally whispered, her voice hoarse and trembling. "It's just..." She hesitated, unable to continue.

Lux was still staring at her, and a hunch formed in her mind. "You know him, don't you?"

Jinx froze, her silence betraying more than words. Lux frowned, understanding slowly dawning on her face. "Jinder..."

But before Lux could go any further, a loud bang rang out in the main room, followed by a panicked cry.

Lux whipped around, releasing Jinx's face, to see a reddish light rising above the crowd. Glass shards flew in all directions, and the room, once filled with mundane discussions, descended into chaos.

Jinx, despite her panic, regained a fraction of light. Her hand instinctively tightened around the weapon hidden under her dress.

Someone had blown everything up.