Chapter 13

I tried to make my dress and my body get along, but it wasn't easy—they didn't seem to want to know each other. The red silk gown clung to me coolly, like a foreign skin that had yet to decide whether it was willing to become mine. Meanwhile, Elis was blasting music at full volume in the bathroom as she got ready.

I stood in my academy room. The last day… The last night I would spend here. Tonight, the ceremony at the palace would take place—the moment when it would officially be recognized that I had become a Dark-Clad. All the struggles, the sweat, every moment when I clenched my teeth and refused to give up… now, all of it condensed into a single night.

Elis suddenly appeared in the doorway, tossing her wet hair back carelessly, her eyes filled with admiration.

"I'm so proud of you, Avarka."

I looked at her, and for a moment, I truly felt the gratitude that vibrated in the air without the need for words.

"I owe this to all of you, too."

Elis playfully reached into my wardrobe and pulled out a familiar item—the high-heeled boots I had received nearly a year ago when I first arrived here. She held them up with a teasingly familiar smile.

"So, don't you want to wear these with your dress?" she asked mischievously.

I laughed and echoed her past words, trying to mimic her voice:

"You want me to function as a street stripper? Because in these, I'd rather become a newspaper vendor—I'd break my neck otherwise."

Elis burst into genuine laughter, and for a moment, we simply enjoyed the nostalgia. Then, I glanced at myself. A blood-red silk dress wrapped around me—the symbol of women among the Dark-Clad. The men wore black silk shirts and black pants for ceremonies, while for women, the red silk gown was mandatory.

Once we were ready, we gathered our things and headed out. Clara, John, and the others were already waiting for us by the door.

"Ready, warrior?" Clara asked, adjusting my dress slightly.

I nodded. Ready.

As we arrived at the palace, the weight of everything hit me once again. Here I stood, in the grand marble hall. The place where everything had begun… and where now, another chapter would open. Life is ironic, isn't it? The massive marble floor reflected the light from the grand chandeliers like a mirror. Around the gold-trimmed tables, people were seated, their hushed whispers mixing with the soft melodies playing in the background. The walls were adorned with statues, and the tables were set with golden cutlery—symbols of power. Yet, there was also a quiet harmony to it all, a subtle humility that couldn't be denied. Angels had impeccable taste; their sense of perfection was inherent in their nature. But there was also a kind of humility in them, something that could only be acquired through lifetimes of experience.

At the far end of the room, a small elevated platform stood where the ruler sat. Beside him, two women were seated: one was Dahlia, and the other was the always kind and dignified woman, whose presence only made the arrogant woman beside her seem even colder. The ruler's icy gaze pierced through the space, making it clear that he noticed every movement, every glance exchanged.

Through the murmuring crowd, I heard the firm steps of the general. When I finally saw him, I was momentarily taken aback. This outfit… it wasn't something he wore often. He was dressed in black, but differently, more ceremoniously. When his eyes met mine, for the briefest moment, a flicker of acknowledgment passed across his face.

"We are proud of you, Avarka."

My heart clenched. For a moment, I even felt that strange tightness in my throat. But before I could say anything, a voice interrupted the moment.

Clara and the others had reached us, and the general's expression shifted—his gaze turning colder, back to the strict, unwavering military sharpness I had seen so many times before.

"Welcome among us, soldier!" he said firmly. "I trust that from tomorrow onward, you will walk a path that clears our way of misguided weeds."

Clara greeted him with a smile, while Johnny took his seat, looking around with excitement. Everyone was ready.

The night had begun.

It wasn't a ceremony like I had expected. The dark-clad ones do not become who they are all at once; no final ritual seals their transformation. They arrive continuously, they change, and many of them fall. A separate ceremony is reserved only for those who rise to the rank of lieutenant or general. But there is only one general—and he, too, is an angel.

Yet, as I stood there, when the time for the oath came, a peculiar feeling took hold of me. I absorbed the moment. The words of the oath echoed through the walls, and with each syllable, I became more and more a part of this world. I knelt down. Though the cold marble felt slightly uncomfortable, warmth and my own pride coursed through me.

"Under the light of the halo, I swear that as long as I draw breath, I shall breathe in the shadow of angels."

We spoke our vows in the solemn grandeur of the Marble Hall, and I felt my past and present merge into this single sentence.

When I stood up, I glanced at the ruler. His gaze was fixed on me, but he seemed lost in thought, as if recalling a distant memory. It was strange, but not my concern.

The oath was followed by a banquet. Laughter and the clinking of glasses blended into the pleasant hum of conversation in the hall. Clara and John were also present. Still. Once, they left this place to live among humans because they did not find it comfortable or safe. They believed that existing far from trouble was conspicuous, while being within it made one quieter. And though they had their differences, it seemed they had found their place here again, at least for one night. Their authority had not diminished; they conversed easily and freely.

One of my comrades brought news from the border. He told me that Chloe and the others were well, already at the base, and that Zach had recovered. I felt relieved. Lately, I had barely had time to think about them; my training had completely occupied me. But now, I was one of them. No longer a trainee, but a fully-fledged soldier.

As I listened to the conversation, I glanced up at the lights in the hall, and for a moment, it seemed as if a beam of light flashed before me. It wasn't a clear vision—more of a sensation, something powerful, guiding, pulling me out of the hall. I yielded to it.

At the end of the corridor, the ruler stood. He did not speak or gesture, yet somehow, his gaze beckoned me. I hesitated for a moment. Were my feelings playing tricks on me? The adrenaline, my happiness? Just because I became a dark-clad one did not mean I was a favored one. I had no right to trail after him. And I didn't particularly like him anyway.

I was just about to turn back when the guard standing outside the hall spoke up:

"The ruler summons you. Follow me."

Well, great. As I set off, the ruler disappeared behind one of the doors. I followed him into an unusual room. The place was elegant; I walked on crimson carpets, and golden decorations stretched along the walls. The wealth was not ostentatious, yet the weight of power was palpable. But a subtle modesty also lingered in the walls.

The ruler stood with his back to me, gazing out the window.

"Congratulations," he said quietly. "I didn't think you would go through with it."

I was just about to express my gratitude when he continued:

"But don't think it will get any easier from here. Protecting angels is different from surviving training."

I hesitated. Did he truly mean to congratulate me, or was he about to lecture me because I had once lectured him months ago? His voice was cold, his words cutting, as if my success no longer mattered. I dislike this kind of destructive tone.

"Do you remember what I told you when you arrived?" he continued. "This place was not meant for you. Yet you stayed. Fine. Then settle in, little girl."

He turned, his gaze icy.

"But if you ever break your oath, expect nothing good."

For a moment, I forgot to breathe. I wanted to rip the hem of my silk dress and smack him with it, or better yet, strangle him. Did he think I endured all that training only to become an outcast or a traitor?

"Those who end up here are either poor or have no family. But you... you were given a family even in place of your own. Don't treat this as entertainment. This is not a voluntary program. You do not leave when you feel like it."

I felt my heart pound harder. Again. Why is it that every time I start to feel happiness, something always happens? How dare he accuse or insult me? I know this may not be the right thing to say on the day of my induction, but at that moment, I would have loved to kick his exalted angelic ass.

I took a deep breath. I didn't want to argue with him.

"Understood," I said calmly.

I waited for him to dismiss me, but as the silence stretched too long, I spoke again:

"If you have nothing more to say, I will take my leave."

The ruler pulled out a small box and pressed it into my hand.

"I meant to give you this," he said emotionlessly.

His voice was dry, and his gesture lacked warmth.

"It's a necklace," he said coolly. "Every dark-clad one receives one. A reminder that we, angels, watch over you. You are our chosen ones, and we are grateful to you."

His words were kind in theory, but his tone suggested otherwise. As if he did not truly believe them. As if he spoke out of obligation. For a moment, I pondered: Fine, it's a standard gift, everyone gets one, so it's nothing special. I'll thank him, and before the next person arrives to receive the same thing, I'll leave.

But as I looked into his eyes to thank him politely, a strange sensation washed over me. Déjà vu. Again. Something inexplicable, suffocating. As if this had happened before. As if I should know something. For a moment, I was lost in the feeling, but then I forced it down. I took a deep breath, suppressed the questions.

"You may go," he finally said.

He didn't have to say it twice. I nodded and left swiftly.

I returned to the hall, where Clara, John, and Elis were waiting. Their faces lit up when they saw me.

"There you are!" Clara turned to me immediately. "So, how was it?"

"Official," I replied with a faint smile.

Elis eyed me curiously, then his gaze shifted to the small box.

"So you've officially been initiated now. Exciting."

"Seems like it," I nodded.

We talked for a while longer. It felt good to be with them. All three of them were proud of me, and somehow, that was reassuring. Clara and I spoke separately when the others were occupied. Then, we said our goodbyes. One good thing is that I can visit them anytime now. I walked down to the academy, enjoying a moment of solitude.

I watched as the others trained, trying to memorize every detail. I would miss this place. My last year had been spent here, and it was incredible to see how dedicated the instructors were, how much knowledge and patience they possessed.

A familiar voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Feeling nostalgic?"

I turned. The general approached with a faint smile.

"Incredibly," I admitted with a small sigh. "I'll miss this."

"You don't live here permanently, but you'll still come back," he noted casually. "Everything here is your home."

He studied me for a moment before adding:

"That outfit suits you."

A strange feeling swept over me—both unfamiliar and comforting.

"Thank you," I finally said.

He smiled slightly, nodded, and walked on. I returned to my room, prepared for the next day, and took one last look at the palace before finally laying my head to rest.

I woke up at five in the morning, as always. Moving with my usual ease, I stepped onto the academy courtyard. Before leaving my room, my eyes caught on a small box. I opened it, and inside, a finely crafted, gilded piece of jewelry gleamed: two angel wings adorned the center, touching at their tips. At the meeting point, a small "S" was engraved. It was an exceptionally delicate piece of work. I liked it. With a quick motion, I fastened it around my neck and tucked the box deep into my bag. Gathering my necessary belongings, I stepped out the door.

The convoy was already prepared, equipment being loaded in strict military order. I got in, and soon we were heading toward the main base. The building resembled the academy but was larger, colder—everywhere, dark-clad figures were training, weapons glinting in the morning light. The discipline of the academy was even more pronounced here.

I had no time to settle into my quarters; I was ordered on duty immediately—to guard the castle gate. But since I had a little time before my shift, I went for a walk. The steep path was lined with daffodil fields, an almost too-sharp contrast to the strict military atmosphere. It was a long walk, but worth it.

The sun had begun to shine warmly when my partner spoke up:

– Please, check the perimeter. I inspected it in the morning; now it's your turn.

I nodded and set off. The palace windows were properly secured, the sentries in place, the corners and angles checked for safety. I observed every movement, analyzed potential threats and entry points. Finally, I returned to my post.

Then, my earpiece crackled to life. A female lieutenant's cool, authoritative voice came through:

– Soldier, this is the lieutenant speaking. You will guard the palace until 1:30, then proceed to the city center. I will be waiting by the car. We have a mission among the civilians.

The order was clear. At 1:30, I boarded the convoy, and we set off. As the vehicle moved through the city, the surroundings became increasingly familiar. I recognized a nightclub I had been to before—the same place where we once had to retrieve Michael. A thought crossed my mind: were we here for the same reason again?

When we entered, I was met with exactly the sight I feared. Michael was sitting alone at the bar, completely drunk. The place was deserted, as if everyone else had long since left. The lieutenant addressed him with respectful firmness:

– Sir, please come with us. We need to take you home.

Michael didn't even look up. He simply leaned back and, with glossy eyes, gestured toward me.

– Come on, kid, have a seat! – he said in a slow, relaxed tone.

I glanced at the lieutenant, waiting for permission. She nodded, so I sat beside him.

– Are you all right? – I asked quietly.

Michael let out a small, amused laugh.

– Of course I am! Congratulations, kid. I heard you're now a full-fledged member.

– Thank you – I replied, then added in a softer voice: – But maybe you shouldn't be drinking this much.

Michael only chuckled and briefly placed a hand on my shoulder.

– I think you could use a drink too. You've been putting up with this stiff-necked crowd every day—for a whole year now… It's a miracle you're not an alcoholic yet.

I knew he was joking, and honestly, I appreciated his humor. But I had to stay focused.

– If you're all right, then let's go – I tried to persuade him gently.

Michael nodded and slowly stood up. I thought the scene was over when he suddenly stopped, looked at me, and unexpectedly said:

– I need to go to the restroom. Come with me.

The lieutenant hesitated for a moment, then gave permission. I followed Michael, but as soon as we left the main hall and entered the corridor, he shut the door behind him. He didn't head to the restroom. Instead, he turned around, his expression unusually serious.

– Hey, kid – he said quietly. – You're the only one I can trust right now. Please, listen very carefully to what I'm about to say.

The air was freezing, but not because of the cold—rather because of the heavy feeling that had settled on my heart. Michael's seriousness felt almost foreign to me. He was always smiling, always lighthearted, as if life could never weigh him down. But now, his gaze was hard, determined. Like that time. That meeting… that black box… it still haunted me.

Yet, I didn't dare speak or ask if this was about that. I had learned that these kinds of conversations had to go in one ear and out the other. But my memory didn't work that way.

"Do you remember that meeting?" Michael asked, something unsettling in his voice.

"Yes, I remember," I replied softly.

"Look at me, Avarka. These people are not messing around," he clenched his jaw. "They are actually going to use that box. They are getting closer and closer to it, and if we don't stop them, what happens next will be irreversible."

I couldn't decide if it was the alcohol speaking or if the situation was truly that serious. Michael was never one to raise false alarms. He had always protected, always stood on the side of humans. But now… now he was a warrior. He spoke with a determination I had never seen in him before.

"How could I possibly help?" I finally asked, knowing he wouldn't let this topic go.

"Every month, they select people from the base to guard the border," he began explaining. "I mean the border where you've already been."

My stomach twisted. I didn't like thinking back to that place. The memories of my last night there still lived in me, haunting me like a shadow. But if that was all I had to do… maybe… I could go through with it.

"Sign up as a border guard," he said firmly. "And go down to the bottom of the hill. I'll give you a crystal and a name. Call someone out."

The blood in my veins turned to ice. This was no longer an inviting idea.

"Who?" I asked, though I feared the answer.

"Someone who has already been tested with the box," he replied grimly. "Over the past year, they've been experimenting with it, but something went terribly wrong. And they silenced him. Or maybe he went there on his own… I don't know. But we need to find out what happened to him. What that box did to him."

"No, no, no… I can't do this," I shook my head. "It's too big of a risk. If the general finds out…"

"A lot is at stake, Avarka," he said again. "More than you think."

"Then ask the general or the lieutenants! I can't cross certain boundaries, and you know that. I can't even go down to the bottom of the hill, let alone past the boundary on top of the cliff."

Michael's face darkened, then he spoke in a quiet, almost mocking tone:

"Don't be a coward, little girl."

My muscles tensed. The way he said it, that tone… something inside me snapped. I shouldn't have spoken to my charge like that, but I didn't care anymore. Irritated, I snapped back:

"This isn't cowardice. It's reality. I follow the rules, and you should, too. So with all due respect, Michael, pull yourself together, sober up, and rethink exactly what you want."

I turned to leave him there, but I still heard his words:

"If you change your mind… the name is Zach."

I stopped. For a moment, everything else ceased to exist. My heart pounded wildly. My mind tried to cling to reason. It couldn't be… Zach… but were we thinking of the same Zach?

Before I could answer, he was already handing me the crystal. Almost unconsciously, I took it, my fingers gripping it tightly. Michael, however, had already put on his poker face when he heard approaching footsteps.

A lieutenant who had been standing nearby turned to us with concern.

"Is everything alright?" he asked the angel.

Michael, as if he had snapped back into reality in an instant, nodded calmly.

"Of course," he answered casually, as if our entire conversation had never happened. As if he were fitter and more sober than ever.

Now I wasn't even sure if he had truly been drunk or if he had just played the part to achieve his goal. But that didn't matter anymore. My thoughts were entirely fixated on one name: Zach.

As part of the convoy escorted the angel back to his residence, he called out to me quietly, so only I could hear:

"I'll find you."

And I just sat there, silent, poker-faced. But inside… inside, my curiosity raged. I had no other choice. I had to find out the truth. And the fastest way to do that was to return to the base… and find Chloe and the others.

I rushed through the entrance of the base at full speed. Another massive, winged door, cold metal-covered walls, a smooth and slightly slippery floor. The dim lighting cast a somber atmosphere. The entire space stood in strict, military order, but I couldn't focus on anything. I just kept running forward when, passing a doorway, a man in dark clothing suddenly called out:

"Hey, you! You're one of the new arrivals, right?"

I stopped and looked at him. His face was stern, but not hostile.

"Your name is Avarka, right?" he continued.

"Yes," I replied.

"Your room is here," he gestured toward a door, opening it gently.

Oh, so there's no luxury of having a private room here… though that didn't surprise me. I stepped inside, and a huge surprise awaited me: Chloe and Emily were both there, smiling brightly. I hugged them immediately, fiercely, desperately.

Before I could say anything, there was a knock on the door. The same dark-clothed man stood there, speaking quietly to Chloe:

"They've arrived."

Then David and Dave entered the room.

Chloe quickly pulled out some money and slipped it into the man's hand, adding a wink:

"Thanks."

I stared, shocked.

"What's going on here?" I asked.

Chloe shrugged.

"Technically, the dark-clothed guys aren't supposed to let people come and go freely. But with a little 'compensation,' anything can be arranged," she smirked.

It felt good to see them again, but the joy didn't last long. They quickly sat me down in a chair. The room had two beds—I realized I'd have a roommate. Before I could ask, Chloe looked at me:

"By the way, welcome, roommate."

I gave her a half-smile, but then her face turned serious.

"We have a little problem…" she said.

The smile immediately disappeared from my face. I saw concern in everyone's eyes, but I didn't let them continue. The question burst out of me:

"So it's true, Zach never came back, right?"

Chloe sighed.

"I don't know who told you…" she started, then shook her head. "But yes, it's true."

Sadness was evident on everyone's face, but what I saw in Chloe's eyes was simply indescribable. I had never pried into people's private lives, but now I was about to ask—when she spoke first.

"I love him, Avarka. So, so much. And every single day I spend away from him, guilt eats at me. Where is he? What is he doing? Where did they take him? What did they do to him? Whenever we ask, we get the same answer: he's fine, he's safe, he's just in another camp or out protecting humans. But they've been saying that for months!" Her voice cracked.

"And we don't believe them," David said firmly.

"No way in hell we do!" Dave snapped. "We have to do something. But without breaking any rules," Chloe added.

Silence settled over us as we thought. Finally, I spoke up:

"I have an idea… but it's not exactly rule-abiding…"

The others looked at me curiously. I pulled out the crystal.

"I'm going to the bottom of the hill, to the border. With this, I can call Zach and talk to him."

Chloe's eyes widened in fear.

"If he's there… then only his soul remains…"

I saw panic take hold of her. Tears shimmered in her eyes. Emily took her hand reassuringly. But suddenly, an icy determination appeared on Chloe's face.

"If he's really there… I want to speak to him one last time. And I want to go down there with you."

The others joined in:

"We're coming with you too!" they said.

I got angry.

"Do you even realize what you're saying?! You'd risk your ranks?! Your lives?! Why don't we just call the whole base and ask if they're in the mood for a little summoning?!"

"But you can't go alone," David spoke up. "Anything could happen down there."

Chloe grabbed my hand.

"Listen, Avarka… if nothing else, you have to take me with you. I just want to see him, at least one last time."

For a moment, I hesitated. She was right. If we only have one life, then we want to see what's slipping away—the people we love. We want to know. The truth belongs to everyone.

But then David lifted his head.

"And what about permission?" he asked.

"Permission?" I looked at him.

"If you have such a special crystal, I assume you also have permission, right?"

"Wait… you need permission to go down there?" I asked, looking at them.

The hope drained from their eyes.

"Unless you're a team leader, you can't go…" Chloe said.

"And how do I become one?"

"By fighting," Dave replied. "At the beginning of each week, they fight for the leadership position. It lasts for a week, but during that time, it grants authority over the teams. More freedom."

"So I have to fight for it?" I smirked. "When does the fight begin?"

David glanced at his watch.

"Right about now."

Emily and Chloe looked at me with worry. But I could already feel the adrenaline. I stepped out the door. The others followed. I rushed down the hallway with a huge grin and a burning desire to win.

At the back of the main base, there was a vast open space where dozens of dark-clothed figures stood in line. The general was there too. They were just about to announce the winner when David's shouting voice cut through the noise.

"One more challenger!"

Silence fell. Every eye turned toward me. The general looked at me, and for the first time, I saw genuine surprise in his gaze.

With that momentum, I leaped into the battlefield.