Her fire-orange eyes reflect the lantern light as she turns to face us, one hand resting casually on the hilt of a sword. Her perfect features betray no surprise at our arrival. Her fire serpent elemental slithers from the shadows beside her, yellow eyes regarding us as its tongue flicks out to taste the air, spraying sparks and smoke.

"If you're here to kill us," I say, hand already poised to snatch the dagger from my boot, "you should've brought more help."

Beside me, I feel Raith shift into a fighting stance. Typhon materializes near my shoulder in his flying fish form, ready to transform if needed.

"Say the word, angry human, and I will show her my true form again. It shall be the last thing she ever sees."

"Let's try talking first," I reply silently. "Save the dramatic reveals for when we need them."

Serena studies us, her gaze lingering on each face before settling on mine. Her eyes narrow slightly when they pass over where Typhon hovers. Serena knows better than most what Typhon can become. She knows to be afraid.

"If I wanted you dead, I wouldn't need help," she says finally, her voice cool and controlled.

"Then what are you doing here?" Mireen demands, water already gathering around her fingertips.

"The same as you, I imagine." Serena gestures to the weapons. "Assessing our options for the Crucible."

"Bullshit," Beck says flatly. "You knew about these weapons all along. You're part of Malakai's little army."

Serena's perfect lips curve into a smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "I'm not surprised to see Hollow with your group. He's the biggest traitor of all of you. It's a shame, though. A man like you... Empire would be lucky to have you on our side. I could have warmed your bed, too. I’m sure I could’ve given you more than she ever⁠—"

“That’s enough,” Raith snaps. “What the fuck do you want?”

She sighs, moving away from the weapons rack with casual grace. Her uniform is immaculate even at this late hour, her black hair gleaming in perfect waves that fall over her shoulders. Everything about her radiates deadly perfection.

"How do you think Beck even heard about this place?” she asks. “Do you really take him for a master of subtlety and deception?" Serena laughs. "No. I made sure he heard about it. I made sure you knew tonight would be the right time to come. And I waited here so I could send you a message. Something you should know before the Crucible..." She pauses, as if weighing her next words carefully. "There won't be any Empire observers watching."

Of all the things I expected her to say, this wasn't it. I exchange confused glances with Mireen and Ambrose.

"What are you talking about? Bastian said⁠—"