Chapter 1

The villa loomed in the darkness, a symbol of wealth and power. Its once-pristine white walls were now streaked with crimson, its lavish interior in disarray. The stench of blood hung heavy in the air.

Mira knelt beside a body, rifling through pockets with an air of disinterest. The short-haired girl was dressed in black combat gear, her gloved fingers pausing as she pulled out a silver cigarette case.

"Expensive taste," she muttered, slipping it into her satchel. Around her, the room was a scene of chaos—shattered glass, overturned furniture, and blood pooling under the lifeless bodies.

The remote lay by her feet. As Mira shifted, her knee hit a button, turning on the flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The silence was broken by the shaky footage on-screen: terrified students running through dimly lit hallways, their screams echoing.

"Breaking News: Chaos erupts at Starlight Academy..."

Mira's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing at the sound of the anchor's frantic voice.

"Reports say a young girl sacrificed herself to save dozens of students. Her identity remains unknown, but her bravery has inspired many..."

With a scoff, Mira grabbed the remote and switched the TV off. "Hero, my ass," she muttered, tossing it onto the blood-soaked couch. "Who risks their life for people who'd spit on their grave? Stupidity."

"Enough, Mira."

The cold voice came from across the room. Mira turned to see Athasia. Her long platinum hair glowed faintly, and her piercing green eyes, almost luminescent, were focused on the butterfly knife she was cleaning. She perched on the armrest of a bloodstained leather sofa, calm amidst the carnage.

"The Bills family has been wiped out. The mission is complete," Athasia said, her tone emotionless.

"Finally," Mira smirked, standing. "Can we leave? I'm starving."

Athasia rose gracefully, tucking the knife away. Her boots squelched softly as she stepped over the bodies. Mira followed, shaking her head in mock pity.

"What a waste of luxury," Mira muttered as they exited.

Outside, the marble staircase gleamed under the moonlight. The crisp night air, carrying the faint scent of rain, was a refreshing contrast to the metallic stench inside. Mira opened her mouth to complain about food but froze mid-sentence.

A strange heaviness settled over her, making it hard to breathe. She stumbled, clutching her head as dizziness overtook her.

"Athasia..." Mira's voice was barely a whisper before she collapsed.

Athasia turned sharply, her glowing green eyes narrowing as she assessed Mira's condition. Then the same crushing force hit her. Her legs buckled as she struggled to draw her weapon, but her strength failed her.

"What..." she hissed before her vision blurred, and she fell beside Mira.

The night was silent again, the stillness broken only by the faint rustling of leaves. Their unconscious forms lay under the pale moonlight, its glow casting long, unnatural shadows.

Somewhere in the distance, a low, guttural growl rumbled, faint but menacing. Whatever had struck them wasn't natural—it was deliberate, calculated.