The hall, now filled with soft music and lively chatter, moved steadily toward the start of the event. It was already much more crowded, and only a few minutes remained before everything officially began.
Evo kept glancing at a certain spot where Velra and Sevran — disguised as ordinary students — stood with Umbra, who wore the Order's uniform, positioned in a dim corner. His eyes narrowed every time they fell on that trio; his fingers clenched and unclenched as memories of that bastard and everything he had done flashed in his mind.
But he forced himself to breathe, reminding himself he needed a clear head. Every few moments, he checked his pocket watch, confirming how close the beginning of the chaos truly was.
Freya, beside him, had already noticed how restless he was — and how obsessively he checked that watch. So, she asked, curious:
– Ev, are you waiting for someone? You keep staring at that watch like you're expecting… something.
Evo nearly jumped at her voice whispering so close to his ear. Seeing her sharp eyes and suspicious expression, he hurried to come up with a believable excuse.
– Ah, sorry! I'm just a bit anxious for this to start already. You know I'm not a fan of these events… so I want it to end quickly.
It was the most shameless excuse he could've given. Freya narrowed her eyes, unconvinced — but she also couldn't deny it. He really wasn't the "formal event" type.
– Hun, all right. Just hold on. Once it starts, time will fly.
They returned to what they were doing.
A bit later, he checked the watch again. Fifteen minutes left. He contacted the trio outside.
– Rune Squad, report. – he whispered, slipping toward a quieter corner.
– Veyrath! Good news!
– Tell me.
– Five minutes ago, a few cloaked students came to check on the formations. Looks like we found all the rune locations.
A smile tugged at Evo's lips.
– Good. Watch the area. If they're alone, I'm granting permission to destroy every rune you find.
– Understood! We'll begin right away. I'll report back when it's done.
Luneth cut transmission.
Freya and Ravina kept chatting with members of the orchestra and a few professors. From a distance, Evo spotted the man — his main target tonight. Instructor Kalistro. The bastard spoke and laughed casually with the others as if he weren't an infiltrated traitor. The sight made Evo's stomach twist in disgust.
– Two filthy rats… – he hissed under his breath.
His mind replayed everything. Who would imagine that someone who dedicated nearly a century to teaching here had been doing it only to, one day, kill perhaps the two strongest beings in the world?
– They should've crushed all of them instantly… why did things turn out that way? Strange. Why did I live through all that? To prevent it? Or is something else going on…?
Questions — impossible questions — echoed loudly. And yet, as always, that invisible force clouded his thoughts.
It would be impossible for those two powerful witches to have any problem with insects like those. Even dragons, known for being the strongest, would think twice before irritating them.
But Evo didn't know that. And even if he suspected something, the invisible force smothered the thought.
– What the hell was I thinking…?
He frowned, but Luneth's voice cut in.
– Veyrath! We believe we destroyed all of them! If any remain, it's only a few — and they won't activate alone.
– Good work. Stay close and stay alert. I'll find a way to get the two of them out of here. They should be approaching any moment. Don't get caught.
– Understood!
Now it was Evo's turn to act. He didn't know exactly how he'd pull Freya and Ravina out discreetly… but a realistic idea soon came.
– Freya. – he whispered.
She was still in the group when she heard her name softly called. Turning, she saw Evo gesturing for her to come quietly.
– Ravina, I'll grab something to eat. Be right back!
Ravina raised a brow.
– Don't drink anything secretly, understood?
– Okay, okay, I won't!
Freya slipped away naturally and followed Evo toward an area where only a few couples danced. It offered enough privacy. He stopped and waited for her to come closer.
She approached and asked:
– What is it, Ev? Did you want to—
He didn't let her finish. Evo pulled her by the waist, bringing their faces within mere centimeters. Her cheeks flushed instantly; her breath faltered.
– E-Ev… w-what is it? – she stammered.
– I wanted to dance with you. Don't you want to?
Their eyes were so close his breath brushed her lips. She slipped a hand behind his neck, a sweet smile forming.
– Of course. I'd love to.
Slow music guided their steps. Warmth shared between them. Evo savored the feeling of her colossal curves pressed against his chest — but he knew time was running out. Bringing his lips near her ear, he whispered:
– Freya… do you trust me?
Her body shivered as his breath traced her skin. The hall seemed hotter than moments before. She pressed closer.
– Of course, you fool. I trust you completely.
He continued, still whispering:
– I didn't call you just to dance. Listen carefully.
Her playful air vanished as she sensed his seriousness.
– Act natural. Keep dancing. Just let me talk.
Evo's eyes subtly observed the circle she and Ravina had been in — especially the instructor watching them from afar.
– All right… but tell me what's going on. I saw you speaking with the members of the Order. You're all plotting something?
– Yes. Remember when I said I had a bad feeling earlier?
– Yes. I thought you were just lying to skip the event.
– It wasn't a lie. It was real. So I asked the Order for help.
– I see… Sorry for doubting you, Ev. – her voice fell.
– Don't apologize. – he pulled her closer. – What matters is this: the trio outside sensed two powerful presences. And their auras were far from friendly.
He sighed.
– We're almost sure they're Wanderers. They're going to attack the event soon.
Freya's breath froze. She gripped his clothes, then slowly looked up with icy, furious eyes.
– What did you say?
– Freya. Act like before. – he warned, pulling her back into rhythm. – You forgot infiltrators are everywhere? Watching you and Ravina?
She felt it — the stare, the tension in the air.
And Evo continued, now speaking indirectly:
– And I don't think only students are infiltrated.
– What do you mean? – she murmured into his chest.
– I mean exactly what I said. I think there are infiltrated staff. Maybe instructors.
– Impossible! They've been here for years!
– Be careful with absolute certainty, Freya. How can you guarantee that? – he warned, voice sharp.
She fell silent. His point hit hard.
– See? For all you know, I could be a traitor.
– Hahaha! Never! I'd bet my life on it. You'd never betray us!
He wanted to scold her for such blind trust — but he couldn't.
– As I said: the trio outside sensed two strong presences. They're about three hundred meters away, waiting to attack.
– Call Ravina. Ambush them before they get here. If they enter the hall… – he clenched his jaw. – Everyone will be in danger.
– That would be the right move… but what about the infiltrated students?
– Velra and Sevran can handle them. They're already in position.
He loosened his hold and lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes.
– And above all… be careful. Stay safe. Please… come back to me in one piece.
His golden eyes trembled — begging silently.
Begging for her to survive.
For her to return to his arms… where she belonged.
– All right. I promise. – she whispered softly.
They separated. Evo watched her walk back to Ravina. The two chatted casually in the circle before Freya initiated her plan.
– Ravina, did you bring the key for the instrument room?
– Hun? I thought you brought it.
– I checked the drawer — it wasn't there. So I figured you had taken it.
– It's not with me.
– We need to find it. We can't leave everything here.
– You're right. Let's go to the office. – Ravina agreed.
They slipped away, unnoticed.
Outside, in the garden near a small fountain, Freya narrowed her eyes, sensing the surrounding mana. Ravina lifted her gaze to the faint stars.
– So… that's why you made that little scene inside. – Ravina said.
– Yes. You felt them too?
– Two individuals. Strong. But not a threat. About four hundred meters away, on top of some buildings.
Her lava-colored eyes shimmered.
– Looks like Ev was right. – Freya smirked.
Ravina raised a brow.
– Hun? Eylam told you?
– Yep. That adorable scoundrel is pretty competent.
– He told me he asked the Order to help guard the event, and they sensed those two.
Ravina seemed impressed.
– That's amazing. We need to thank them later. They likely just saved many lives.
Then Freya dropped the bomb:
– And Evo thinks that, besides the infiltrated students and those two… there might also be infiltrated staff. Especially instructors.
Ravina's eyes nearly popped out.
– What?!