Memories aren't always kind," she replied. "And they lie sometimes."
Then she walked out.
The four watched her go, silence settling like fog.
"She's close," Viola whispered.
"She's still scared," Maya added.
"The corridors of the academy were quiet in the early morning, the kind of silence that felt heavy rather than peaceful. Ellee walked alone, her steps echoing softly on the marble floor. She had taken to walking these halls before sunrise, when even the lights were dim and the world still hadn't fully awakened.
It was the only time she didn't have to pretend.
She wasn't the "Protector," or the "Heroine of the North Guild," or the "Blood-Blessed Sword Maiden." She was just Ellee—tired, guarded, and haunted.
She stopped at the edge of the balcony overlooking the training field, watching the first light begin to tint the horizon. Her hand tightened against the stone rail.
"You fight the same way you used to."
Xion's voice from yesterday echoed again in her mind.
Used to.
Why would he say that? How could he know?
Her chest ached, a dull throb of a wound long buried. She had trained herself to kill hope a long time ago. Hope was dangerous. Hope had betrayed her before.
---
Years Ago – Middle School, Age 13
Back then, Ellee had been different.
Bright. Spirited. A little sarcastic but always kind.
She was the kind of girl who always waited for everyone before eating lunch, who remembered birthdays even if you didn't tell her, who'd jump between a bully and a victim without hesitation.
People liked her. Teachers adored her. Students trusted her.
And she trusted them.
Too much.
Her classmates grew to rely on her not just in school, but outside of it. She helped them train, shared notes, supported them during early missions. She had a small circle of friends—she called them her "second family."
One day, that family turned against her.
She was framed.
Someone stole restricted files from the Guild Archives, and Ellee's ID was used for access. Tampered footage. Fake evidence. Rumors spread like wildfire.
"She betrayed the Guild."
"She's a spy."
"Did you hear? She manipulated her rank."
"I always thought she was too perfect…"
She was detained, interrogated, and isolated for days.
But what broke her wasn't the punishment.
It was that no one stood up for her.
Not one of the friends she trusted.
They turned their backs, whispered about her behind her cell door. Pretended not to know her when she returned. Smiled at her like nothing happened.
All except two.
Kayla and Kate.
The twins found her on the school rooftop days later, curled up in the rain, her once bright eyes empty.
"We believe you," Kayla had said.
"We'll prove it," Kate promised.
And they did. They spent months digging through digital trails, hacking systems, even breaking into secured rooms. They found the real traitor—a teacher with debts and connections to a rogue guild. They presented the truth to the Guild Leaders.
Ellee was cleared.
But the damage was done.
Her reputation was salvaged. Her name restored. Her rank preserved.
But her heart was scarred.
She stopped smiling. She stopped trusting. The once-vibrant Ellee disappeared behind ice and steel.
And when she was offered a chance to transfer into the Special Guild Academy as a combat prodigy, she accepted without saying goodbye to anyone except the twins.
Since then, the only ones allowed near her were Kayla and Kate.
The rest?
She never gave them a second chance.
---
Back in the present, Ellee was still staring at the field when she heard soft footsteps approaching.
"Commander Ellee," Kayla called out gently.
Ellee didn't turn around. "You can drop the 'commander.' It's too early."
"Right. Sorry," Kayla said, stepping beside her with Kate in tow.
"We figured you'd be here," Kate added.
Ellee exhaled slowly. "Just needed air."
"Or were you overthinking again?" Kate asked, tilting her head.
"…Maybe."
The twins exchanged a glance.
"You're thinking about them again, aren't you?" Kayla asked softly.
Ellee didn't answer right away. "I just… I hate how familiar they feel."
"They remind you of them?" Kate asked.
Ellee looked down. "It's not possible. They died. I saw it. The lab, the fire, Kael…"
She shut her eyes tight.
"I can't—" her voice cracked, "—I can't go through that again. Hoping, only to lose them again."
"We know," Kayla said gently. "But… maybe this time, it's different."
Ellee turned to face them, pain and fear swirling in her light blue eyes. "Even if it is… how could I trust them? What if I open up again and get betrayed?"
"You trusted us," Kate reminded her. "Even after everything."
"You earned it," Ellee whispered. "You never left."
They stood in silence for a moment, until Kayla broke it with a sudden shift in tone.
"Oh, right! We came to tell you—the rooms for the transfer students are ready."
"Good," Ellee said, slipping back into her colder tone. "They'll need the space."
"Uh… well, actually…" Kayla scratched her cheek.
Kate gave a sheepish smile. "They're assigned to your room."
"…What?"
Ellee blinked.
"Our room's too full," Kayla explained. "Yours was the only high-tier unit left with enough capacity and strategic clearance."
"They are going to be living in the same suite as me?" Ellee asked, one brow raised dangerously.
"They're Special Unit members. You are their superior, technically," Kate shrugged. "And besides, the Guild approved it. Said it would build… 'team trust.'"
Ellee pinched the bridge of her nose. "This is going to be a disaster."
Kate grinned. "Come on, think of it this way—at least it's not middle school drama."
"…Middle school was easier," Ellee muttered. "You could punch problems back then."
"Actually, you did," Kayla said. "Remember that time you broke the bully's nose with a textbook?"
"He deserved it."
"Totally."
They all chuckled lightly, and for a brief moment, the heaviness lifted.
Ellee looked between the twins and finally smiled—just a little.
"Thanks," she said quietly.
"No problem," Kate said.
"Besides," Kayla added, nudging her, "this might be your second chance."
Ellee's smile faded, replaced by quiet contemplation.
A second chance.
Could she believe in that?
Not yet.
But maybe… soon.
---