After a very long mission, I and my squad finally had success and came back to Marley. The night air is thick with heat, carrying the scent of sweat and celebration from the makeshift party area. Lanterns cast warm yellow glow over the gathered soldiers, their laughter and shouts mixing with the clink of bottles and glasses.

I've found a quiet corner, nursing a drink and watching the festivities from a distance. The exhaustion sits heavy in my bones despite the adrenaline still lingering from our recent victory. Just as I'm considering slipping away to my quarters, a familiar figure approaches through the crowd.

Pieck weaves unsteadily between the other soldiers, her dark hair falling loose around her shoulders, a silly grin plastered across her face. Her cheeks are flushed red from both alcohol and the warm evening air. "Heeeyyy!" she calls out, her voice carrying clearly over the noise. "What are you doing here all alone, huh? Come on, it's a party! Come here!"

Before I can respond, she grabs my arm with surprisingly strong fingers, her touch warm even through the fabric of my uniform. There's no mistaking her drunken state, but her eyes still hold that sharp intelligence that makes her one of Marley's most valuable warriors.