To fulfill her mission, her primary obligation was to escape and to do that, she must preserve her body and mind. She sat in a corner, pulled her legs up to her chest, and wrapped her arms around her knees. She tried to sleep fitfully. A well-built man in a dark hoodie and mask covering almost his entire face walked towards her cell, alerting her.
“Who are you? You’re not a dungeon guard.” She asked fiercely.
“Your older brother will kill you after the event. You should escape now. Don’t waste any time.” He drew out a silver key from his pocket and opened the gate. “Move faster.” Oriana hesitated for a while before moving her feet out the gate. He gave her a medium size bag and took her hand before running away. His big hands felt familiar.
“Your passport, important papers, money, and everything that you need is in that bag. Dash out like a flash and leave this city. If you can, leave this Kingdom. Don’t ever come back. Take this with you.” He said, handing her a gun.
“Who are you? Why are you helping me? If my brother knew-“ her words were stopped when the man pulled her down. The dungeon guards are in ruckus upon finding her cell empty. The guard picked up the phone and tried to report, but the man drew his silenced automatic and put the first round through the guard’s head. He put the second round to another guard’s side. Blood.
“It doesn’t matter who I am. Leave now.” The third guard reacted quickly, pulling his revolver from his holster, but the man fired first. The guard staggered back and dropped to the floor mixed with sticky red fluid. He took her hand and pushed her out of the dungeon.
“Thank you.” She shook her head before heading to the back door and running away.
“Whatever happens, you need to escape.” The man uttered before closing the back door and headed towards the control room. The blood splashed through the screen as he put a single shot to the head of a sleeping guard, making sure he is dead before studying the CCTV footage. He saw Oriana running cautiously. Two men blocked her, but she shot them and continued to run. Another man runs behind her.
“You’re strong. That man won’t have the chance to kill you.” He smiled before deleting every piece of evidence and turning off the surveillance cameras.
***
The rain poured softly. Leon's dark brown hair that was neatly styled now drenched with raindrops. Covering almost half of his eyes. The freezing night breeze wicking his body despite his thick uniform. Pissed, his body did not move, but his mind wondered about the current situation of his group. The back of the palace where only the High Members are allowed to enter was dark. Soft music from the hall covered the entire surface.
Suddenly, footsteps were running widely. The High Members were out, so he was alarmed. The swift but heavy wet footsteps grew louder. Strolling, Leon followed the trail of sound. The sound weakened when the rain poured out heavily, so he shook his head. Where did the footsteps go? He stepped back, but all of a sudden, something or someone hit his hardback. He looked back and saw a woman. A very familiar one. Panting, she looked up and stepped back, pointing her gun at him.
He grinned and took one step. "I told you, didn't I? Do not ever do something that you will regret in the end." The woman studied his face. The heavy rain made it hard for her to recognize him. "You're lucky you met me and not the other High Members. They're not as forgiving of rudeness as I am." He took a step forward as she stepped backward.
"Oriana Atherton, I'm not expecting to see you here." Her eyes widened. Jolted of the fact that Leon knew her.
"H-how did you know? Are you one of my brother's men?" Her hands were wobbly; she was about to click the trigger when a bullet flew past her right eye. The man standing from behind her fell. Leon clicked his gun for the second time, and the man's head burst open. At the corner of her eyes, she saw his wolf ring hanging on his neck. In a second, she remembered him. Sensing the rush of helplessness again, fear carried her away. Trembling, she fell on her knees.
"P-Please, hear me out!" She cried out.
"Why are you running away? Who is that man, and why did you enter this place?" He asked with his cold tone. She looked around, looking for someone who might be listening.
"My brother knew what happened, but I don't know the reason how. Boss Zi strictly commanded me not to speak anything regarding that incident, so I sealed my lips. He locked me in the dungeon and abused me." She hangs her gun to her side.
"I heard that my older brother would silence me. This is the busiest event for the whole year, so I took this opportunity to escape. I beg for your mercy. I really thought that you are one of my brother's men." She explained, looking down, afraid to look at his burning eyes.
She gulped. "One more thing, I want to be free from Amber's grip." Leon's eyebrow furrowed.
"She is a heartless, selfish woman who wants everything for herself. She doesn't care if we will die on a mission and torture us when we fail." Leon observed her for a moment. Oriana tried to calm her trembling body and bit her lower lips against her numbing left arm. She lowered her head flat on the ground when she felt Leon walked closer towards her.
He lifted her chin and studied her face. She was frightened and tried to remove his hands and lower her head, but he tightened his hand so he could not avoid his eyes. Her skin is pale. A purplish-blue bruise was present on her upper cheek and a cut on the side of her lips.
He frowned and pulled her right hand up. "It is strictly forbidden for you to enter this place."
***
After completing their mission in the city of Ren, the Cadre of High Members gathered in the living room of the main palace. Aside from Natsuki, who enjoys himself outside, everyone’s eyes are intriguing. Looking intently at Leon and back to Oriana, who was kneeling on the floor.
“Tell me, Leon, what exactly happened?” Olive seems a little surprised seeing her twin showing interest in another woman aside from Ashriel.
“Why did you brought her here knowing that those who are not members of our Cadre are prohibited here?” Olive continued. Leon briefly explained everything to them.
“Regardless, I know we must guard our little secret.” He continued. Xieaniel looked at Oriana, who is currently shivering intensely.
“Your eyes saw our headquarters, and what’s worst is that you saw the Boss’ identity. That’s a bad trait but-“
“The best way to keep her quiet is to make her still. That’s what we always do, right?” Kate interrupted, eating a piece of homemade cake prepared by Nathan.
“There is a time and place to joke around, Diana. Do not make any decision abruptly that you might regret in the future.” Ashriel’s tone silenced Kate. Her eyes caught Oriana’s ring with Second Rank Nobles emblem.
“How are you related with the twins of Second Rank Nobles?” She asked. Oriana hesitated to look at her, so she remained facing the ground.
“T-they are my brothers.”
“I’ve heard enough. Take her away.” Ashriel signaled with her hand, telling them to remove Oriana from her sight. She could feel the tip of her fingers beginning to tremble and her heartbeat echoing in her eardrums. Full of terror, she cried out.
“P-please, spare me! I swear I won’t tell a soul!” Tears threatened to fall from the corner of her eyes. Beads of sweat are forming on her forehead. The thought of being executed by the High Members terrified her the most.
“I suggest you prepare for the worst. Things may appear rather bleak for you.” Right after Ashriel’s word, Oriana was dragged away by Venice and John. She was hopeless like a butterfly in a lamp. For a few moments, no one spoke. Hunger took over them.
“It was a mere coincidence that she went there, Boss.” Leon justified, biting his thumbnail.
“Is that all? Is that what you are implying?” Olive tried to savor the delicious freshly baked cake.
“Otherwise, you never would have brought her to our headquarters. Now Carsillion, do you have a problem? You haven’t spoken a word.” Everyone stopped and looked at Nathan, who is currently sitting still, crossed arms against his chest, feeling befuddled.
“Do you think this was a setup so she could come here and spy?”
“Doubtful. I don’t think she is capable of putting on an act like that. Besides, the Second Rank Nobles are our ally. So, there is no reason for her to spy on us.” Venice entered the door, followed by John. Ashriel hissed. Dubious if they are really their ally or not.
“How is she?” He asked her.
“Why are you so worried, Leon? You better check her your own later.” She laughed, which made Leon fluster. “The guards put her in the prison room. Her left arm is injured, her body is covered with fresh cuts and bruises, even her face did not escape. I guess the torture that she experienced was intense. I’ll treat her tomorrow. Rest assured, she will not die, so don’t worry.” She added.
“I’m not worried about her. Why would I anyways.” Leon pushed his hair away from his face. “Besides, we must figure out what to do with her. We just have to make her someone’s attendant, right? How about Boss’ attendant?” Leon suggested, trying to hide his embarrassment.
“Who are you to take away my position?” Olive’s expression looking back at her twin was terrifying.
“Come now, Colonel. It was your idea, so get to follow through with it.” Raith smiled and winked at him. Leon tried to refuse, but Ashriel agreed. His eyes widened.
“Your Highness-“
“I’ll put her under your care, Thaddeus. Train her properly.”
It was the phrase that made him want to strangle himself or even rip out his head. For a moment, he hesitated, then released a deep breath and messed up his hair. He does not want any attendant or secretary, nor apprentice. He does not want any headaches.
Walking from the living room to the hallway and to the prison rooms, Leon was pissed. His mind refused to take Oriana as his secretary. Nathan told him to check her before going to bed, so he walked slowly through her prison room. There, Leon saw Oriana outside her assigned room, peaking from left to right, checking if someone is guarding her. Is she planning to sneak away? Oriana then ran, but Leon followed her and grabbed her hand.
“You idiot! Do you really think you can escape? I’ll kill you if you run.” His tone was burning with anger. He is angry not only because he has another assignment but because Oriana will be killed by the hidden traps for unregistered members if she will try to escape.
“I can’t die yet!” She tried to set herself free, so Leon forcedly releases her hand, making her fell on the floor. Leon fizzed. He hates weak people.
“Enter your room, now.” His voice was crisp. Oriana quickly stood up, entered her room, and slammed the door.
What was that for?
~ If you want to succeed, don’t just make your spirit and soul healthy. Your body needs to function, so make it strong as well. ~
Leon took Oriana to the Noble’s Cemetery where Aparctias nobles were buried and her eyes widened upon seeing her mother and father’s name carved to two of the gravestones. So that’s why she couldn’t find her parent’s corpses in the Atherton grave because they were buried in the Noble’s Cemetery. “Mom… Dad…” Oriana whispered, holding back her tears. “I missed you… so much.” Leon knelt in front of them and placed two bouquets of white lilies. He smiled and put another bouquet to his father’s grave beside them. “Dad, look. She’s my beautiful girlfriend and the future mistress of House Norton.” He said proudly, making Oriana flushed. She quickly wiped her tears away and Leon then looked at the Athertons. “I’m sorry for putting your precious daughter in harm's way.” He said and brushed their names with his palm. “C-Colonel, you don’t have to apologize. It’s my job after all.” She stuttered. “I’m not talking to you.” “Sorry.” Leon cleared his throat. “But I just want to thank you
They won and the Quislings were completely eradicated. Ashriel stood in front of every soldier who fought and behind her were the fallen. “Behind me were the people who lost their time. In front of me are the people who still have time.” She started. “Throughout the whole war I learned a lot. One of those is to value every moment you have with the person you love.” She glanced at Valor and Emmette who were smiling proudly. “And to follow your dreams. But following your dreams requires sacrifices.” “From now on, the whole Two Great Empires will have new rules and systems. People will have a new life. New chances. Everyone who died gave their lives for all of us to live. Therefore let us fulfill that and starting today, let us value life.” It was a mass burial and the whole Austere was showered with white flowers. Even the graves of the fallen were filled with white roses and lilies, and varieties of white flowers. After the mass burial, the first Rank Nobles and the Elders liv
Ashriel glanced at the small child sleeping comfortably under the baby’s incubator. He was so small and so lovely and so… fragile. She clenched Amber’s locket and another tear escaped her eyes. She just lost her twin. She held her tummy while looking at Jasper. “I promise… all of you will live comfortably and safely. I promise…” She whispered and bit her lower lip. She sighed deeply.On the other hand, Donovan found Oriana in the airbase, giving orders to her troops. His eyes dimmed.“Attack the base.” With his cue, hundreds of his men attacked the air base. Oriana was alarmed with the sudden attack.“How the hell did they entered?!” She grinned her teeth and took her gun. She turned back and was about to command her men to attack when she felt something warm covered her. She completely knew who it was. “Don’t worry about that fool and focus on your part.” Leon whispered, tightening his hug to her shoulders. Oriana flushed but then shook her head. It’s not the right time and place
Everyone gathered as Ashriel gave her words. “I might have no chance of telling this soon therefore I want all of you to know how thankful I am, as your Leader, with everything you contributed. It’s my honor to lead all of you.” Her eyes looked at the countless armies filling the whole Austere. She smiled. “Let’s win this battle.” “Long live the Ruler!” “Long live the Ruler!” “May light be upon Theupholis and La Elora family!” The armies roared and cheered, strengthening each other. Ashriel turned to her Cadre behind her and smiled. “Let’s see each other again.” They nodded and with one final hug, everyone departed to their positions. But before Nathan left, Ashriel grabbed his hand and kissed him dearly to which Nathan quickly responded. They broke the kiss and Nathan kissed her forehead. “Promise me you’ll come back alive.” Ashriel whispered and Nathan pecked her lips. “I will. Let’s see each other after this.” Ashriel nodded and they went on their way. After armi
The dripping blood from Xieaniel’s back keeps on repeating in her mind. Olive was still lost in her thoughts when she felt something cold touched her shoulder making her jump from her seat. “S-Sorry, Lady. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Said Oriana who drew her hand back. Olive sighed and held her head before shaking it. “No, I’m not frightened at all.” She reasoned out. “And stop addressing me ‘Lady’ since we’re sisters.” Oriana stopped for a moment before letting out a faint chuckle. “Yeah. Sisters.” They stopped and Olive pulled Oriana behind her when the door opened, revealing the three bastards. Olive never lowered her guard ever since she worked with them since a snake will always be a snake. “You didn’t kill her but that’s okay since I knew we would sooner or later.” Edom greeted and pushed the things from Olive’s table, shattering some glasses to pieces. Olive rolled her eyes. Oriana observed Edom carefully. She heard a lot of rumors and stories about him but she ne
Elias woke up with the sound of his phone beside him. He quickly picked it up and saw one of his men's names. He stood up and glanced at Siel who was still lying on her bed. It was four in the morning. “What?” “Sir, you’re brother planning on ambushing and killing nobles.” Elias’s eyes widened. “WHAT?!” Siel flinched and her body quickly stood up without any delay. She just came back from Ashriel’s wedding and was tired from all the swaps she made with Ashriel. “I think you must call Siel back, Sir. Or else she’ll be in danger.” Elias eyebrows frown. “What? What do you mean?” “I saw her entering Austere a moment ago, Sir. But since I couldn’t enter the city, I was not able to warn her.” Elias froze for a moment and glanced at Siel who was alarmed. “Are you sure?” “A hundred percent, Sir.” “Very well. I’ll fetch her myself then.” Elias ended the call and before Siel could ever move, Elias pointed his gun at her. “Who are you?” He asked with his crisp voice. Siel tossed h