Chapter 3: Whispers in the Night

The scent of roasted herbs and sizzling meat wafted through the air as Michelle and Kara settled into their booth. The restuarant was alive with quiet chatter and the occasional clink of silverware. Soft lighting from vintage chandeliers added a warm glow to the wooden walls adorned with paintings of Hunters from ages past. 

"This is perfect," Kara sighed, leaning back in her chair. "After today, I think we deserve a feast."

Michelle smirked. "Don't get too comfortable. I hear the missions only get harder from here."

Kara rolled her eyes. "Way to kill the mood. Can't we just pretend we're normal girls having a nice dinner for once?"

Michelle chuckled, raising her glass of water. "Fine. To being normal, for tonight at least."

They clinked their glasses, and the conversation soon turned to lighter topics. Kara recounted a prank one of their classmates had pulled during training, her laughter infectious. 

"So," Kara said between bites of her meal, "what made you want to become a hunter? And don't just say 'family tradition'. I want the real story."

Michelle paused, her fork hovering over her plate. "It's... complicated. My brother is a Hunter, so I've always been around this life. But when I was little, a demon attacked me. It almost killed me. Ever since then, I've wanted to fight back, to make sure no one else has to go through that."

Kara nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. My story isn't all that different. I was six when a demon attacked my village. My parents did everything they could to protect me, but it was Commander Veyla who saved us. That's why I'm here-to be like her."

Michelle smiled. "You're lucky to have that kind of inspiration. She's amazing."

Kara's expression turned serious. "She is. But you know, even the strongest people have their limits. Just... don't forget to take care of yourself, okay?"

Before Michelle could respond, her wristband emitted a soft chime. She glanced down and groaned. "You've got to be kidding me."

"What's wrong?" Kara asked.

"I have a doctor's appointment," Michelle said, hastily finishing her drink. 

Kara raised an eyebrow. "Now? At this hour?"

Michelle nodded, standing and grabbing her jacket. "Yeah. Long story. But I need to go. Don't wait up for me."

Kara gave her a curious look but didn't press further. "Alright, but don't skip dessert next time."

"Deal," Michelle said with a smirk before hurrying out the door. 

The hospital was quiet when Michelle arrived, the sterile white corridors illuminated by soft fluorescent lights. She hurried to the reception desk, her boots clicking against the polished floor. The receptionist handed her a folder with a warm smile.

"Dr. Alexander is expecting you," she said.

Michelle nodded taking the folder and heading to the familiar room at the end of the hall. The door was open, and Alexander stood inside, arms crossed and an exasperated smirk on his face. His blond hair tousled. 

"Late again, huh?" he teased, his green eyes gleaming with mischief. 

"Barely," Michelle retorted, handing him the folder as she walked past him.

Alexander gestured for her to sit, flipping through the file briefly before setting it aside. "So, how's the glamorous life of a rookie Hunter? Any life-threatening injuries yet? 

Michelle rolled her eyes, leaning back in the chair. "Not yet. And don't jinx it."

His expression shifted, the teasing fading into something more serious. "Michelle, you know why I'm asking. You're condition isn't a joke."

"I'm fine, Alexander," she said quickly. "I can handle this."

He sat down across from her, his voice quieter but insistent. "You say that now, but your heart is still carrying fragments of that demon's energy. If you push yourself... it could be catastrophic."

Michelle looked away, the weight of his words settling over her. "I know. I've been careful."

"I'm not just your doctor, you know," he said, his tone softening. "I've known you for years. You're like family to me. And I don't want to see you hurt."

She met his gaze, the sincerity in his eyes stirring something in her chest. "I'll be okay. I promise."

Alexander sighed, leaning back. "Fine. But if anything feels off, you call me immediately. No exceptions."

"I will," she said, a small smile tugging at her lips. 

Back at the dorm, Michelle changed into her sleepwear, letting out a long sigh as she collapsed onto her bed. Her wristband buzzed, and she reached for it, smiling when her brother's name appeared on the screen. 

"Hey, Wallace," she said, answering the call. 

"Michelle!" his voice boomed, full of warmth. "How's my favorite rookie Hunter?"

"Tired," she admitted, her smile fading slightly. "But it was... a good day. Eventful."

"Eventful how?" he asked, his tone shifting to something more serious. 

She hesitated, thinking of Xavier and the strange energy in the rift. "Just... different from what I expected. I met someone. And the mission got pretty chaotic."

"Met someone?," he repeated, his teasing tone returning. "A friend or... something more?"

"Not like that," Michelle said quickly, though her cheeks warmed at the thought. "He was... interesting. Mysterious." 

Her brother laughed. "Well, just don't let 'mysterious' get you into trouble. And remember, you can always call me if you need backup."

"I know," she said softly. 

"Stay safe Michelle. And get some rest."

"I will," she promised, ending the call. 

The Mysterious Aura and Dreams

As Michelle stood to close her curtains, a faint pulse of energy pricked at her senses. Her wristband remained silent, but the feeling was undeniable. 

She peered out the window, scanning the courtyard below. At first, there was nothing. But then, near the edge of the shadows, a figure emerged. Its presence was faint but unnerving, a strange aura radiating from it. 

Grabbing her jacket, Michelle hurried outside, her heart pounding. She searched the shadows, her voice low but firm. "Who's there?"

No answer came. 

For what felt like an eternity, she followed the faint trail of energy. But it dissipated with each step, leaving her with nothing but the stillness of the night. 

Finally, she returned to her dorm, her thoughts racing. Crawling into bed, she closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep, only to find herself caught in a middle of a dream. 

In her dreams, the courtyard transformed into a swirling abyss, shadows and energy colliding. Xavier stood at the center, his blade glowing with an eerie light. 

"Xavier," she whispered, her voice trembling. 

He turned to her, his eyes piercing and unreadable. As he stepped closer, his hand brushed against hers, the spark from before returning, stronger than ever. 

The warmth spread through her, intoxicating and overwhelming. But before she could say anything, the shadows shifted, forming into a monstrous figure. 

The creature lunged at her, its claws outstretched, but Xavier moved in a blur, his blade slicing through the darkness. 

The dream ended with his voice, soft but commanding. "Find me, Michelle."

She woke up startled, her heart racing and her body trembling. The memory of the dream lingered, vivid and unshakable. 

Find me...