The room was adorned with gleaming medals and prestigious glass awards. Even if she hated to admit it, she couldn't help but envy his success.
"Why waste your time there?" Erion asked, dropping into his desk chair, his voice laced with condescension in Evah's eyes.
"Your inventions could have saved countless lives by now, if you hadn't wasted so much time with that worthless company." Erion's gaze shifted from the folder, locking onto Evah with an intensity that made his words cut deeper.
"I'm sure your ideas were just overshadowed by some rich kid, right?" Erion said casually, a lopsided smile tugging at his lips.
Stunned, Evah blinked, unsure if she'd heard him correctly. She shot him a confused look.
"I checked the records of your inventions. They're impressive. But then you stopped when you joined that company. Who would've thought you'd throw it all away?" His smile twisted into one of mocking amusement.
"Are you complimenting me or insulting me? Pick one!" She snapped, her patience unraveling. "That's it, I'm leaving!" She stood, turning toward the door.
Just as I thought. Erion pressed a button under his desk, and the door clicked shut with a soft, final sound.
Some perks of being in charge. A small smirk tugged at his lips. He hoped to win Evah over, but part of him doubted she could be trusted. I need to keep an eye on her.
Evah yanked at the door handle, only to realize it wasn't the knob that was blocking her way.
"Erion!" She spun around, fury flashing in her eyes as she met the handsome face of her captor.
"Yes, Evah?" he replied smoothly, his voice dripping sweetness, his smile almost too perfect—like a prince in a white suit, though his dark jacket remained unchanged.
No, no, no. This isn't the time for that! But her heart skipped a beat when he called her name. What was that?
He's faking it! she told herself. Come on, we're not that gullible, are we? Sure, his looks were disarming, but why was she being so irrational right now?
"Don't call me that!" she snapped, trying to regain control.
"Why not?" Erion stood up from his desk and started walking toward her.
Realizing she wasn't going anywhere, Evah leaned against the door, crossing her arms. "I barely know you. Stop casually calling me by my nickname."
"Wow," Erion drawled sarcastically, "Says the person who's been calling my name since day one."
As the words echoed in her mind, memories of calling Erion flashed through her thoughts—the countless times in the warehouse, and even just moments ago.
Did I? … I did! Not fair!
Erion's tone shifted, his playful demeanor replaced by something much more serious.
"Here's the deal," he said, his voice steady. "I'm offering you a spot on the research team. What does that mean for you? Your dream will come true. You'll be originating for the Grand Covenant Order, and it's all for our use. Processes, software, tools, gadgets—you name it. We offer the best compensation you'll find. This is the best offer you can get." He extended the black folder, its distinct logo gleaming in his right hand.
Evah stared at the folder, her name boldly printed on it. Is he mocking me? But then, a strange thought crossed her mind: Someone actually appreciates my inventions… and they want me to join their team.
The Grand Covenant Order was one of the most advanced organizations an Originator could work with, but it was also incredibly dangerous. This is why I never dreamed of it, she thought. But I can't deny it... it's a rare opportunity.
She remained fixated on the folder, her vision blurring, everything around her fading.
"Plus, you'll have the chance to work directly on the antidote for your friend. I know you're not stupid, Evah. The medicine and therapy won't do much for her in the long run."
His words pierced her heart. She knows it... But hearing someone else confirm it felt like a bitter truth. She could no longer deny that everything Yuka was doing was futile.
He's right, but—
Rumors in her previous job about the Grand Covenant Order Office started to flashback to her.
'There are killing people for no reason'
'I know! One of the homeless that used to roam around the neighborhood was gone for a week now, they say she was raped and killed by the GCO!'
'No news about this because they are powerful.'
She used to not care about the gossip in the pantry but now she remembered them clearly.
He might have the antidote, he just wants to use me. But why me?
I don't have any idea.
She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. I don't know…
"Any reason why you're hesitating?" Erion's voice broke through her thoughts. He tilted his head slightly, the sunlight catching his blue eyes and making them gleam with an intensity that sent a chill down her spine.
Why won't you just say yes?
"Take this." Erion handed her the folder, his voice cool and controlled. "You can read through every page. When you're ready to decide, come back." He paused for a beat, then thought, This is why you're messed up. You don't take risks.
Why does he sound so pissed? Evah thought, her frustration rising. She clenched her fists, feeling the tension between them grow thicker.
"No, I don't need it. I'm refusing it!" Evah snapped, her voice cutting through the air. Am I going to regret this? Her mind screamed in panic. I actually need a job!
Erion's expression shifted from amusement to surprise. He frowned, tugging the folder back with a flicker of disbelief in his eyes. "Wow, you really enjoy throwing your talent away."
"I don't want to work under an unapologetic traitor like you, Erion!"
Yup, you're too messed up, she thought bitterly.
The memory of how Erion's hands hadn't even flinched in the face of danger—how calm he'd been, even knowing they could have been killed—flashed through her mind.
"And what exactly do I owe an apology for?" Erion stepped closer, his patience wearing thin. I can't believe this.
"You wanted to leave Yuka in the warehouse!" Evah exploded, her anger bubbling over at last. I still can't get past this...
"That's protocol. You save the life you can." Erion's voice softened, but only just, the slightest hint of irritation beneath his calm exterior. "She's your friend. I understand, and I apologize." With a practiced motion, he extended his hand and bowed—too smooth, too casual, as though it were nothing more than a polite formality.
He's mocking me. "And you, traitor," Evah shot back, her voice trembling with fury. "You locked me out like a criminal after everything that happened!"
"That's protocol. We put you in hospital care and took your statement. You received the best assistance possible. But if that's not enough for you, I apologize." This time, Erion bowed his head just a fraction, the gesture stiff and almost mechanical, as if he'd performed it a thousand times before.
He's just acting, Evah reminded herself, her anger growing with every passing second. Desperately grasping for anything to push him away, her words slipped out before she could stop them.
"You kissed me, you arrogant idiot!" Evah's words shot out like arrows, her chest rising and falling with the heat of her anger, her eyes blazing as if ready to burn him with a single glare.
It was you! That's why you look so familiar!
Wait... did he just smirk?! That was not the reaction she was expecting.
Notes:
Major General – The pinnacle of military authority in each of the seven nations. The Major General holds the highest rank within their respective country, overseeing vast territories and maintaining strict control over their assigned domain. With unparalleled influence, they command legions, enforce the law, and ensure the country's strategic interests are upheld, all while answering only to the highest echelons of the Covenant's leadership.
Lieutenant General – The unseen hand that guides and regulates the balance of power between the seven Major Generals. The Lieutenant General holds no allegiance to any single country, instead serving as an impartial overseer. Their role is to maintain equilibrium, ensuring that no one Major General's power exceeds the boundaries of their authority. They are the silent enforcers of order, navigating the political webs that span the Covenant's vast reach.
Marshal General – The apex of command within the Grand Covenant Order. The Marshal General's authority extends across all seven nations, controlling not just the military might of each country, but also the political and legal jurisdictions that govern them. With power that surpasses the Major Generals, the Marshal General wields influence on a global scale, dictating the course of history and determining the fate of nations. The Marshal General's decisions are absolute, unchallenged, and final.