A missing link

"Is that all? What happened to his body then?" the teacher asked, pen poised over her notes. The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Annabelle.

"H-He was devoured by mana beasts," she answered hesitantly.

The teacher exhaled, jotting something down before setting her pen aside. "I see. Given the circumstances, it's reasonable to assume he was being controlled by some mana beast when he attacked you."

A girl sitting toward the back scoffed, shaking her head in defiance. "No. I know what kind of person Eren is. He didn't need to be controlled—he did it out of jealousy."

The girl who spoke had long, wavy purple hair cascading over her left shoulder, reaching her slender waist. Her deep violet eyes gleamed like precious gemstones, and her flawless skin radiated elegance. She carried herself with an air of authority, one that could not be ignored. Unlike most of the others in the room, she wore the full academy blazer, much like Jason. Her ample bosom was tightly confined behind her crisp white top, yet her poised stance accentuated it with an effortless boldness.

"Hm," the girl beside her hummed in response.

She had raven-black hair tied into a neat bun, secured by a delicate rose-shaped hairpin. Her ruby-red eyes glimmered with a sharp, calculating light, enhancing the air of seduction she carried. If any among them embodied raw physical allure, it was her—and she wielded that charm with lethal intent. Though dressed like the other girls, she stood apart, draped in a black fur-lined sweater that highlighted the curve of her body. Long, form-fitting socks wrapped tightly around her legs, emphasizing the delicate sliver of exposed thigh between her hemline and stockings. Her top button was left deliberately undone, revealing just enough to capture attention, a sight that never failed to ensnare wandering gazes.

"…He is still your brother, Ashley," she continued, her voice as sultry as ever. "I don't think you should—"

"NO. He is NOT my brother," Ashley snapped, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"Hm~" The black-haired girl, Angelica, smirked, absentmindedly twirling a loose strand of her hair. "Last time I checked, he still bears the name Nevana. Doesn't that technically mean he is…" she trailed off, her signature grin creeping across her lips—the same one that always set Ashley off.

"Enough." The teacher's voice cut through the tension. "We will investigate further. For now, you're all dismissed. However, be prepared to be called in for questioning at any time. I expect full cooperation."

The students nodded in acknowledgment before filing out.

Click.

The door shut behind them.

"Anna…" Angelica's voice slithered through the air, that ever-present mischievous smirk tugging at her lips. "You still haven't told us where you've been all this time."

Though her expression was playful, her thoughts were anything but. The moment she laid eyes on Annabelle, she sensed something was off. Something was amiss. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but if she had to guess… it had something to do with Eren.

Annabelle met her words with a silent, icy glare before brushing past without a second glance. She strode forward, effortlessly catching up to Lisandra and Ashley, leaving the conversation—and Angelica—behind.

"Come on, Angelica," Jason said, falling into step beside her with his usual hands-behind-the-head posture. "You know she doesn't want to talk about it. Cut her some slack."

"Hm." That was all the response Angelica gave, though her narrowed eyes remained locked onto Annabelle. Her mind ran through a dozen possibilities, trying to piece together why she was being so secretive about her activities. But no matter how much she thought about it, something didn't add up. A missing link—something crucial she was overlooking.

But she would find out. One way or another.

A slow smirk spread across her lips as she glanced around. The others were already too far ahead. No one to save Jason now.

Bam!

Before he could react, she grabbed his collar and yanked him closer, catching him completely off guard.

"W-what are you doing?" he stammered, eyes wide with surprise.

"Shhh~" she hushed him, placing a delicate finger against his lips.

Her red lips parted slightly, warm breath ghosting over his skin. The scent of her perfume made it difficult to look away, his pulse quickening involuntarily.

"Aren't you… forgetting something?~" she murmured, her voice a soft purr.

Jason swallowed hard. His heart pounded. This was his biggest weakness—he could never resist her when she decided to toy with him. In fact, he had never met anyone who could withstand her charms. It was her deadliest weapon.

"You… look beautiful," he finally managed to say, taking in the sight before him.

Her smile deepened, a bewitching curve of her lips that made his breath hitch.

"Good," she whispered, stepping closer. "Now, how about a reward~"

She leaned in, eyes half-lidded, about to steal his lips—

"ANGELICA!"

The sharp call shattered the moment.

Angelica clicked her tongue in irritation, rolling her eyes as she turned to see the girls rushing toward them.

"Annoying," she muttered with a sigh.