Bella was just leaving the training ground after finishing her shooting class, wiping sweat from her brow and adjusting her uniform. The sun was still high, casting long shadows on the concrete path that led back toward the dormitories.
As she walked, her eyes caught a familiar pair—August and Luke heading towards the administration block with none other than Mr. Ace Lightwood, the Head of all four Wings.
Her heart skipped a beat.
What are they doing here? she thought, instinctively changing her direction to follow them.
But just as she took a step toward them, a voice called out from behind.
"Where are you going?" It was Ellena, her fellow cadet.
Bella turned with a casual shake of her head and a slight smile. "Just going to the washroom," she said.
Ellena nodded, "Okay."
With that excuse behind her, Bella hurried toward the office building. As she reached the corridor outside the Head's office, she noticed Officer Ethan standing there, engaged in conversation with August.
Without hesitation, Bella dashed toward August. "Buddy!"
August looked up, surprised, but his expression instantly softened into a grin. He opened his arms and pulled her into a brief hug.
"How are you, Cadet Bella?"
She laughed. "I'm good! What about you? Why didn't Saaz come with you?"
August ran a hand through her hair in a brotherly gesture. "He wanted to, but Uncle Luke didn't give him permission."
They both laughed.
Standing nearby, Officer Ethan cleared his throat, his voice breaking through their reunion. "Cadet Bella," he said sternly. "During training hours, you're expected to be in your class, not here."
Bella sighed and straightened. "I'm ready for the punishment, Officer."
Ethan replied, "After training ends, report to my office."
"Yes, Officer Ethan," she said formally.
Then, turning back to August, Bella placed a quick kiss on his cheek and whispered,
"Tell Saaz I miss him."
Without waiting for a reply, she sprinted back toward the training ground.
Ethan looked at August, "Let's sit in my office for a while," he said.
August nodded, still smiling faintly.
*******************************************************************************
Training had just ended for the day. The air was thick with dust, sweat, and the sharp sting of accomplishment. Bella straightened her uniform, took a steadying breath, and walked down the narrow hallway toward Officer Ethan's office.
She paused at the door and knocked twice.
From inside, a calm voice responded, "Come in."
Bella stepped inside and stood at attention. "You told me to report to you after training, officer.
Officer Ethan looked up from the papers on his desk, his expression unreadable. After a pause, he said, " At nine, you'll complete your final training session. After that report to the officer's shooting ground."
Bella looked at him with a hint of mischief.
"Should I be worried you're planning to shoot me, Officer Ethan?"
Ethan smirked slightly, a glint in his eyes. "Something like that. You're dismissed."
But Bella didn't move. She stood rooted in place.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Something else?"
She nodded first, then spoke. "Did… Brother August and my father leave already?"
Ethan rose from his seat and walked around the desk to stand in front of her. Bella instinctively looked down.
"Why?" Ethan asked. "Were you planning to leave with them?"
She lifted her head and met his gaze squarely. "No. I just needed to see my father."
There was a pause. Then Ethan gave a short smirk. "They're still in the guest area. leaving tomorrow."
Bella nodded. "Hmm," she said softly, then turned and quietly left the office.
As the door closed behind her, Ethan shook his head and muttered under his breath, "Stubborn."