*[INT. CONSTANTINE FAMILY CASTLE – MIA'S CHAMBER – NIGHT]*
*The moonlight spills through the stained-glass windows. MIA CONSTANTINE sits on a cushioned bench, lost in thought, eyes slightly glazed over, replaying Modeus' strange proposition.*
*Suddenly—*
*ALEXANDER (her younger brother, teasing):*
*"Oi... Earth to Mia. You alive in there?"*
*He's been tapping her shoulder, but she only just notices, startled.*
*MIA (sighing):*
*"Ugh... it's just you."*
*ALEXANDER (grinning):*
*"Aww, how sweet. You thinking about someone? Don't tell me someone actually asked you out? A demon, maybe?"*
*MIA (snapping back):*
*"Shut it, Alex. I'm thinking about the mission."*
*ALEXANDER (mocking):*
*"Riiight. The 'mission'. With dreamy eyes and dazed looks? Totally sounds like field strategy."*
*Before Mia can throw something at him, their MOTHER, MIRSHA, walks in with a calm, warm presence.*
*MIRSHA (gentle, to Alexander):*
*"Stop teasing your sister. Even if she's in love, it's not a crime."*
*MIA (defensive, standing):*
*"I'M NOT thinking about anyone! It's just... tactical stuff."*
*MIRSHA (smiling softly):*
*"Alright, alright. But if something's bothering you… talk to me, dear."*
*Mia hesitates. Her brows furrow, fingers fiddling with the edge of her shirt.**MIA (pulling out the chair and sitting):*
*"Don't get your hopes up, mystery man. I only dress up for diplomatic traps."*
*MIA (carefully, indirectly):*
*"Hypothetically… if one had to get close to an enemy. Like… really close. To learn more—maybe as a friend—would that be… betrayal?"*
*MIRSHA (after a pause):*
*"If your intentions are to protect, to understand the threat… then sometimes, walking alongside the fire is necessary to learn how it burns. But don't lose yourself to it."*
*Mia stares, taking that in with a slow nod.*
*MIA (softly):*
*"Thanks, mom..."*
*She walks away, deep in thought, her mind no less conflicted, but her heart slightly steadied.*