Everyone was gathered in the dining hall, quietly having breakfast when Bella walked in.
"Good morning," she said, taking her seat.
Salazar leaned forward and poured juice into her glass. Luke, eyes still fixed on the newspaper in front of him, spoke without looking up.
"You're heading to the training camp today. I hope you've packed everything. The SID transport leaves in two hours."
Bella placed her juice glass gently on the table. "Yes, Dad."
This time, Luke lifted his gaze, locking eyes with her. "You chose this path," he said firmly. "And you know what it demands. Just because you're my daughter doesn't mean you'll get any special treatment at the camp. No exceptions, no shortcuts."
White reached over and placed a hand over Luke's, smiling softly. "Our Bella is smarter," he said. Then he turned to Bella with a warm look. "And hey—why aren't you eating? I made all your favourites today. You won't get my cooking again for at least a year." Bella smiled and reached for the white sauce pasta, putting some on her plate.
Outside the main gate, a sleek black Mercedes stood parked under the shade of an old pine tree. Its trunk was open, and Simon and Noah were carefully placing Bella's bags inside. Luke stood a few feet away, completely absorbed in a phone call, his voice low and urgent.
White wrapped Bella in a tight hug. "Take extra care of yourself, okay?" he said softly, his voice thick with emotion.
Bella smiled and kissed his cheek. "Dada, I will."
She turned next to Clary and hugged her warmly, then moved toward Salazar. He placed a gentle hand on her head, his touch firm but tender.
"If I didn't have an important case at the hospital today," he said, "I would've personally dropped you off at the SID Office."
Bella smiled again, this time with mischief dancing in her eyes. "It's okay. But Saaz, you have to come visit me at SID training camp. And until I complete my training there, you and Brother August are not even allowed to think about getting married."
Salazar raised both hands in mock surrender. "Okay, my little bunny."
Everyone burst into laughter.
At the Special Investigation Department (SID) Bureau, the tall iron gate open. Simon drove the black Mercedes smoothly into the VIP parking section and stepped out. A moment later, Luke, Bella, and Noah emerged from the car as well.
Simon and Noah began unloading Bella's luggage from the trunk. Just to the left of the SID's main gate, a large white bus waited its engine still off for Bella and the rest of the cadets. It would be transporting them to the SID Headquarters' training camp, nearly six hours away.
Luke turned to Bella and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You go ahead and take your seat on the bus. Simon and Noah will handle your luggage."
Without waiting for a reply, he headed toward the second internal gate that led deeper into the department.
Simon and Noah, each holding a bag, were making their way toward the bus when a familiar voice called out.
"Good morning, Officer Simon, Officer Noah, and Cadet Bella."
They turned to see Sergeant Mike approaching, clipboard in hand and uniform crisp.
"Good morning, Sergeant Mike," the three replied in unison.
Mike offered a quick nod. "Let me give you a hand with that."
Noah waved him off with a friendly grin. "That's alright, Sergeant. We've got this. I'm sure there are plenty of others who need you more."
Mike chuckled and led the way to the bus anyway.
Just then, the second gate opened again, and August stepped out. Spotting Bella, he smiled warmly and walked straight over to her.
"Buddy!" Bella beamed, wrapping him in a hug. "How are you? And why didn't you come home last night?"
August gently ran a hand over her head like an older brother would. "You know the new training session starts today. Managing the outgoing cadets has been my responsibility. It's been hectic."
Bella nodded knowingly, then smirked. "By the way, Saaz is missing you."
August grinned. "Really? He was on the phone with me just a little while ago and didn't mention that."
Bella laughed, her eyes shining.
A sharp whistle broke the moment. Sergeant Mike stood by the bus now, calling for all cadets to board and take their seats.
Bella turned to Simon and gave him a long hug, then embraced Noah.
Noah looked at her sincerely. "Hey... take care of yourself. I'll come visit as soon as I can."
Bella nodded, smiling, and climbed aboard.
Inside, she found her seat near the window and looked out. Her eyes searched the parking area until they landed on Luke. He stood under the shade of a tree, absorbed in a file, scanning its contents with focused intensity.
Their bond felt like that file always within reach, yet sealed and distant.
Bella whispered to herself, Dad, I hope one day you'll be proud of me… the way you're proud of Clary.
As if sensing her gaze, Luke looked up from the file toward the bus. Startled, Bella quickly pulled her head inside.
Luke saw her move and smiled faintly, shaking his head with a mix of affection and regret.
Sergeant Mike blew the whistle once more. The bus engine roared to life, and within moments, the bus pulled away from the SID Bureau, setting off on the long road ahead to a future that promised to test every limit Bella had ever known.