The training ground was nearly empty now. The only sound that lingered was the fading crunch of boots on gravel as the cadets dispersed for their break.
Bella stood motionless — arms by her sides, eyes straight ahead, her face unreadable.
Officer Ethan didn't speak immediately. He waited until the last echo of voices had vanished into the distance. Then, with a cold expression hardening his features, he finally spoke.
"I already know your shooting is weak, Bella. But today's result... was worse than anything you've shown so far. Most people improve over time. You—"
He stopped himself, the disappointment in his voice cutting deeper than anger.
Bella said nothing. She kept her head lowered, silently enduring his words.
Ethan let out a slow, frustrated sigh, then continued,
"Cadet Bella, I asked you a question. I'm supposed to update your father on your performance. What do you expect me to report to Chief Luke? That instead of focusing on your training, his daughter is more interested in playing spy?"
At those words, Bella finally looked up.
Her eyes — red-rimmed, glassy — locked onto Ethan's. Tears sat heavy at the corners, unshed but undeniable.
The sight caught Ethan off guard. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
Bella swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper as she forced the lump in her throat back down.
"I don't have answers to your questions, Officer."
She took a breath, steadying herself.
"I am Bella Holland Obrein. And no... I haven't lived up to your expectations. Or my father's. Report the truth to Chief Luke. Tell him his youngest daughter isn't like his eldest. I'm not Clary Holland Obrein."
She paused, her breathing shallow, like the weight of those words had physically drained her.
Ethan stared at her — stunned. In all this time, Bella had never let her emotions show in front of him. This was the first time he had truly seen her.
Bella blinked quickly and straightened, voice steadier now.
"If you have nothing else to ask, may I leave?"
Ethan gave a small nod, silent.
Without waiting for another word, Bella turned and walked away, her footsteps fading into the quiet of the training ground.
******************************************************************************************
By the time the evening training session ended, exhaustion clung to the cadets like a second skin.
Drained but routine-bound, they returned to their rooms to freshen up before heading to the cafeteria.
The academy cafeteria had a clear partition.
One side was for cadets — lively, crowded, filled with laughter, clatter, and the tired chatter of young soldiers.
The other, more refined and quieter, was the officers' mess, where staff and commanding officers gathered for their meals.
There were two ways to access it — one through the cadet cafeteria, and another via the main hallway.
That evening, Officer Ethan chose the inner route.
As he entered, his eyes moved instinctively through the crowd.
Scanning. Searching.
But the face he was looking for wasn't there.
His steps carried him directly to a familiar table — the one where Bella's group always sat.
Ellena noticed him first. She quickly stood, and the others followed.
Officer Ethan raised a hand, motioning for them to sit.
"Cadet Bella," he said, his voice calm but edged with restraint. "Late for dinner again?"
It was Norah who answered.
"No, Officer Ethan. She wasn't feeling well. She said she wasn't hungry."
He gave a small nod.
No reaction. No further comment.
He turned and walked away, disappearing into the officers' mess.
Inside, the air was quiet. Muted conversations. The soft clink of utensils.
Officer Ethan sat across from Officer Matthew, a full plate in front of him.
But he wasn't eating.
Just moving the food around absently with his spoon.
Matthew watched him for a moment before speaking.
"What's going on? You've barely touched that."
Ethan didn't look up.
"Not hungry."
He stood up a moment later, pushing the plate away.
No explanation. No small talk.
Instead of heading back to his condo, he slipped down the side hallway and up the narrow staircase that led to the rooftop — a place that rarely saw footsteps this late.
The night air was cool.
The sky above was deep and endless.
The moon hung full and bright, casting silver light across the stone.
And there — standing near the railing — was Bella.
She wore a loose white trouser and shirt.
Her hair, long and silken, fell over her shoulders as she slowly began twisting it into a soft, loose bun.
Under the moonlight, she looked almost unreal.
Ethereal. Still. Like a breath caught between reality and a dream.
Officer Ethan stepped closer, his movements quiet against the stone.
She turned, sensing him behind her.
Her gaze met his, calm and clear.
"Officer Ethan."