Angelica leaned forward against the railing of the porch. She smiled slightly, watching Noctis and Gladio teaching Talcott how to wield a weapon. The boy held a tree branch in his hand and copied the movements of his instructors. Prompto and Iris were over by the cliffside, talking while the blond snapped some pictures of the ocean view. Ignis was the only one who stood with Angelica on the porch, watching his friends enjoying their time.

But the wind suddenly picked up and a dark object came into view above the trees. Everyone's attention went to the small ship that loomed overhead, blocking out the sun and casting a shadow over them. Prompto and Iris hurried over to their friends while Angelica and Ignis darted off the porch to join the others. The ship looked to be a magitek engine, but painted a dark blue with multiple symbols of varying colors across its hull.

"What the hell's a magitek engine doing all the way out here?!" Gladio asked, despite knowing his allies couldn't answer.

The hatch slid open and two figures could be seen standing at the edge. Angelica instantly recognized the two masked males. She glared up at them as she made her way in front of her friends, knowing that she could take them on if needed.

"Acri, Felix, don't tell me you've come back for a rematch!" the redhead shouted so they could hear her.

The ship landed and the two masked men approached and stopped before everyone. But while the gang was summoning their weapons in preparation for a fight, they were shocked to see the assassins suddenly kneel before Angelica with their heads bowed. Neither of them drew their weapons, and the red-haired girl stood frozen, staring down at them in confusion.

"My lady," Acri said, "please, forgive our behavior at our last meeting."

"W-What did you just call me?" Angelica asked, shocked and bewildered. "Lady?"

Felix glanced up at her with his gigantoad mask's golden-brown eyes. "Yes. The Solani's were always revered among the assassins, as if they were royalty. If we had known you were from Clan Solani, we never would've attacked you."

Angelica narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "What is your business here?"

The two finally rose to their feet. "The boss, our chief, wants to meet you. He requested that we escort you back to the village."

Angelica's eyes grew wide. "The village... Secreta," she mumbled. "My mom's birthplace." She thought over it momentarily before coming to a conclusion. "I'll go." She glanced back at her friends, seeing that they were looking at her with wide eyes. "But I want my friends to come as well."

"As you wish," Acri answered.

The two turned and went back inside the ship. "Are you sure about this, Angel?" Noctis asked.

"Yeah." She shrugged her shoulders. "It sure beats sitting around here waiting for the boat to be operational."

"But how do we know we can trust them?" Ignis quietly questioned.

"We don't," the girl replied. "But that's just how assassins are. I understand if you guys don't wanna come, I could always go by myself."

"Oh no, we're going," the prince interrupted. "No way we're splitting up now."

Angelica smiled lightly. The group explained everything to Iris and Talcott before climbing onto the ship. They waved to the pair on the ground below before the hatch closed. Acri and Felix were already seated at the controls, their masks now placed beside them. They both had vibrant green eyes and brown hair, but Felix's hair was short and messy, unlike Acri's slicked back style. He also lacked the stubble of his older brother. They piloted the ship up and away from Caem. Angelica walked over and leaned her side against Felix's seat.

"So, who is this 'boss' of yours anyway?"

"His name's Thanatos, the last member of Clan Hedera," Acri explained. "The Hedera's were never a big deal, at least until Thanatos overthrew the last chief. Then he became the head honcho and made some big changes around the village, for the better, if you ask us."

Angelica hummed, realizing her friends were staying silent and listening. "Interesting. And what of my clan? Are there any other Solani's?"

"No," Felix answered. "We thought Clan Solani had died out. That's why it shocked us when we found out you were one. Thanatos even instructed us to treat you with the respect you deserve."

"Uh huh." Angelica knew it was probably best to ask that chief of theirs most of the major questions. "What clan are you two?"

"Clan Folium," Acri replied simply.

"Angel." The girl turned, looking back at the prince who had quietly called her. She walked over to him. "Why exactly are we doing this?"

"We do deserve an explanation for the sudden decision," Gladio pointed out.

Angelica cut her eyes to the side, trying to think of a way to explain it. "Well, it's just... My mom used to tell me stories of the assassin village when I was little. She grew up there. I guess I just really want to see it with my own eyes."

"But wouldn't it be better NOT to go there?" Prompto asked. "It's literally the home of, like, every assassin."

"My mom did always say it was a dangerous place, that the chief's rules were very... strict."

"Miss Valerie was wise in her decision," Ignis said. "She cared far more for your safety than her home and clan. She obviously didn't want you growing up in a place like that."

Angelica nodded in understanding. "I know. But now, with a new chief, things should be very different. And... I don't know, I have a good feeling about it."

Noctis sighed. "Alright, we're trusting you on this, Angel."

The majority of the ride was spent in silence. Angelica had a lot on her mind. There was so much she couldn't wait to ask the chief. She had so many questions about her mother and the ways of the assassins that she was never taught. It was nearing dusk when they finally arrived at their destination. They were now on a small, forested island right on the west side of Tenebrae. The ship lowered until it was on the ground.

Angelica stood in front of her friends, staring at the hatch and waiting for it to open. When it did, the group saw a bunch of people, all wearing monster masks like Felix and Acri. There was quite a crowd gathered around. It was like the entire village had awaited their arrival. Angelica stood frozen in place, a bit nervous at finally seeing other assassins and the home she was meant to have as a child. The two brothers briskly walked past her and out of the ship, stopping before a man with a wyvern mask.

"Acri, Felix, good work."

The man's voice was a bit deep and held a commanding tone. The brothers bowed their heads and stepped aside. Angelica gulped, feeling everyone's eyes on her. She slowly stepped out of the ship, her friends close behind, and approached the wyvern-masked man who she assumed was the chief. She was a bit puzzled to hear an audible gasp from him.

"I don't believe it," he quietly said. "You're really a Solani. Tell me, do you know Valerie Solani?"

"Valerie's my mother," she answered. "My name's Angelica."

"I-It's... It's just as I thought." His voice was suddenly shaky and sounded as if he was on the verge of crying. He slowly reached up and slid his mask off. He had black hair that messily hung down across his forehead and shoulders, deep blue eyes, and light freckles dusting his cheeks. He smiled, gazing at the girl with teary eyes. "I know you may not believe this, but... Valerie was my wife." Angelica gasped, her eyes growing wide. "I'm... I'm your father."