Riah stood silently in the dim light of the balcony, sipping her tea as she gazed out at the endless night sky. The soft wind stirred her hair as the calm night carried a sense of stillness, yet her eyes were full of thought. She had been waiting for Kazimir's return. As if on cue, a shadow moved beside her, and she turned to find him settling down next to her on the parapet.
Riah smiled warmly, her eyes softening. "You're back. How was it in the royal capital?"
Kazimir shrugged, a casual smile tugging at his lips. "It wasn't bad. Played the role of a bodyguard for the queen, the king, and their kids."
Riah raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "Sounds boring."
He chuckled. "Not really. Everything was luxurious. You should've come along."
She huffed, crossing her arms. "Whatever. At least you're back here. Next time, I'll tag along."
Kazimir grinned. "You really should. I'd be bored without you."
Riah rolled her eyes, though a smile crept onto her lips. "You're lying. We can talk to each other from afar. We were doing that while you were on your mission, dummy."
Kazimir laughed softly. "You're right."
Riah's gaze softened, her voice quieter as she looked out over the city. "By the way, I'm sure you heard about the Felicia girl I was talking to earlier."
Kazimir's eyes narrowed slightly, but his tone remained even. "Yeah, I did. And I'm guessing you're looking forward to having her in our faction?"
Riah handed him a mug of tea, her eyes steady on him. "That's fine with me. We both share the faction. I guess I have three to choose from now, but you could've picked two. It's only fair."
Kazimir took the mug, his lips curling into a smirk as he sipped. "You should really come with me next time. They love tea over there. You'd enjoy it."
She poured more tea, her gaze drifting. "You're right. The selection is in two days now."
Kazimir raised an eyebrow. "That's sudden, but alright."
Riah nodded. "So prepare yourself."
"I already am. I'm interested in seeing the talents we have this year," Kazimir responded, setting the mug down.
Hours later, the night had deepened, and Riah, unable to sleep, found herself alone on the balcony again, her thoughts drifting. Inside, Felicia tossed and turned in her sleep, her brow damp with sweat. The nightmare had gripped her tightly, dragging her through a dark, twisted memory of her past.
In her dream, she was a child again, but this time, the screams were not of innocence. A man in a lab coat stood over her, cold and distant, as mechanical parts were attached to her tiny body. The pain was unbearable. The cries echoed in her ears, growing louder, more desperate. Felicia jolted awake, gasping for air, nausea bubbling in her stomach.
She staggered out of bed, laughter spilling from her lips—a manic, empty sound—before she crumbled to her knees, tears streaming down her face. She felt the weight of her memories press down on her chest, and the sense of helplessness nearly suffocated her.
Riah's attention was drawn by a beeping sound, and she quickly stood, walking briskly toward the control room. Her gaze locked onto the screen where Felicia was visibly distraught, her face twisted in silent agony. Kazimir followed closely behind, his expression unreadable as he watched.
Riah hesitated, about to send someone to check on Felicia, but then saw the girl stand. Felicia turned slowly, her eyes meeting the camera. There was something unsettling about her gaze, and Riah paused, uncertain.
Kazimir sipped his tea, his voice low. "Are you sure she's human?" he asked, his eyes never leaving the screen.
Riah sighed, a sense of worry creeping into her. "Yes, but I think she's just having trouble sleeping."
Kazimir shrugged, setting his mug aside. "I can see that. Don't send anyone. I'll go check on her myself."
Riah's eyes flickered with surprise, but she nodded. "Alright. I'll follow soon."
Kazimir walked toward the elevator, his steps purposeful. As Felicia watched him leave, she turned off the camera, her expression unreadable.
Moments later, Kazimir arrived at her door. His presence was calm, almost unnervingly so, as he entered without a sound. Felicia stood there, her posture rigid as she stared at him, her lips trembling.
Kazimir bowed his head slightly, his tone even. "Nice to meet you, Felicia. So what was that all about?"
Felicia blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "What do you mean? I was just getting some fresh air."
Kazimir's voice softened, though it carried a weight of understanding. "We saw everything. No need to play it off. Are you okay?"
Felicia hesitated, a deep breath filling her lungs before she spoke, her voice almost a whisper. "Yes, I am. And who are you, if you don't mind me asking?"
Kazimir's lips curled into a small, reassuring smile. "I'm Kazimir, one of the five Vandors in this country."
Felicia's eyes widened, and she dropped to her knees, her voice trembling. "I'm sorry, General!"
Kazimir waved her apology off, his expression unchanging. "It's alright. I just want to know what's bothering you."
Her hands fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve as she looked down. "I had a nightmare. I saw children being killed, their bodies torn apart… until a success. That success… was me."
Kazimir's gaze sharpened, his voice steady. "So you were a test subject, hunted by the souls of your fallen brothers and sisters."
Felicia nodded, her eyes distant. "Yes. I… I killed them. I didn't want to, but I was forced. And now… their cries haunt me. They want me to free them, but all I hear are their screams."
Kazimir remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. "So their souls became parasites, seeking you to free them."
Riah appeared then, emerging from a vortex of flame, her voice filled with sympathy. "I feel so sorry for you. But the voices, they might just be illusions of your past. Here, you'll meet people who will help ease your stress."
Felicia lowered her head, a sad smile playing on her lips. "It doesn't happen often, so it should be fine. I'm just tired. I'll head back to sleep now, if you don't mind, Vandors."
Riah nodded, her voice soft. "You can get some rest. The selection will be in two days, and you're already decent with your saber after just one day. Keep practicing."
Felicia nodded, stepping past them. "Goodnight, you two."
As she disappeared down the hall, Kazimir turned to Riah, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "I wonder what's really going on with her."
Riah's face was unreadable as she walked back toward the balcony, her voice tinged with concern. "I don't know. But we'll keep an eye on her."
Kazimir took a deep breath, sipping his tea again as he followed her. "Let's hope she finds some peace soon."
Later, as they returned to their quarters, the assistant quietly collected their empty tea cups. Riah sighed, looking down at the empty mug in her hand. "I haven't even finished my cup," she murmured.
Kazimir's voice came with a teasing edge. "Too bad. Should've drunk it before you left."
Riah rolled her eyes, heading toward their room. "Whatever. I'm getting undressed and heading to bed."