Magnolia Harbor.


    It waste. Rain drizzled softly against the car window, but the city outside pulsed with heat and energy, just as the rumors promised.


    If you came to Magnolia Harbor, you had to try the spicy cuisine-the kind that set your mouth on fire and your heart pounding.


    Especially someone like Archie, who lived for new experiences. He''d researched the city''s food scene before they even hit the road. The moment they arrived, he didn''t bother with rest; he drove straight to the restaurant he''d reserved.


    M couldn''t help but marvel, not for the first time, at the boundless energy this kid seemed to possess. It was as if he''d never run out.


    She was tired, honestly, but seeing Archie''s excitement, she didn''t want to dampen the mood. She just ordered a few of her favorite vegetables-some crisp greens, some tomatoes-ignoring Archie''s exaggerated groan.


    "C''mon, M, are you a panda? Should I order you some bamboo shoots to go with that?"


    M rolled her eyes; with Archie, she often found herself at a loss for words. "For your information, pandas actually eat meat too. They''ll even eat bamboo rats if they get the chance."


    "Really?" Archie cocked his head, but as soon as he turned away, he forgot all about it, already hollering for more food.


    Soon, the bubbling broths arrived at their table.


    Their tastes couldn''t have been more different. Archie insisted on trying the legendary nine-vor spicy broth, so they each got their own pot-his a fiery cauldron of red, hers a gentle, clear broth.


    Only after the dishes were served and the staff had left the private room-steam swirling through the air-did M finally remove her hat and mask. These days, she armored up every time she stepped out of the car, taking every precaution she could. She was genuinely afraid.


    The broth simmered, sending up clouds of savory steam. She dipped a slice of vegetable, watched it cook, and then savored the warmth a smallfort on a rainy night that chased away fatigue and filled her with a gentle glow.


    Archie''s relentless chatter was a constant in the background. Even as he ate, he never stopped talking, showing M the lists of restaurants and gear he''d found on his phone. He never seemed to run out of things to say.


    But M had to admit there was something soothing about Archie''s ceaseless energy, like an ever-burning me in the room. It was noisy, chaotic, and somehow strangelyforting.


    Halfway through their meal, egged on by Archie, M tried a bite from his infernal spicy pot. The heat hit her instantly, making her cough as her face flushed red.


    "Whoa, hey! Quick, drink some milk. That''ll help!" Archie fumbled to hand her a steaming mug, and M took it gratefully, gulping down half before she could breathe easy again. She was surprised.


    She used to handle spice just fine. Adrian and Lysander, both fond of fiery dishes, had dragged her all over Magnolia Harbor and beyond in search of the best chefs. Back then, she''d learned to love the heat.


    But after months away from anything spicy, her tolerance had faded. She couldn''t take it anymore.


    M stared into space for a moment, lost in thought. It turned out that habits faded even faster than memories.


    ...


    "M?"


    After the chaos at the table had died down, Archie hesitated, fidgeting with his fork before speaking up. "If you''re ever upset, you know you can talk to me, right?"


    M blinked. "Huh?"


    He scratched his head, flustered, then just blurted it out. “It''s just...every time you fall asleeptely, I can hear you crying. Especially at night. Are the nightmares really that bad? If there''s something weighing on you, you can tell me. We''re in this together, you know? Partners!"


    "I''m telling you, I''m great at cheering people up. Loads of girls have talked to me and said they felt way better afterwards."


    M raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you always end up in trouble, stringing half a dozen girls along at once?"


    Archie sputtered, stung. "Hey,e on, are you ever gonna let that go? Don''t believe what my parents say I wasn''t dating all those girls! We just hung out and talked. They''re the ones who thought it meant something. How is that my fault? I''m totally innocent here!"


    M just shook her head.


    Typical Archie-the ultimate flirt.


    Sometimes, she couldn''t help but be impressed by the influence of the Montgomery n. When it came to rtionships, no one could quite match their ir for the dramatic.