Only Marco and Malachi seemed remotely satisfied with their performance. Along with my trio. The contrast couldn't have been more stark. Small islands of competence in a sea of dysfunction.
Natalia approached me. Pulled off her blindfold. Purple hair settled perfectly around her shoulders. Her expression wasn't angry. It was something worse.
Disappointed.
I knew that look. I'd seen it on my mother's face when I'd failed to live up to expectations. Back when I still had a mother. Back when failure meant a lecture instead of a bullet.
"That was a disaster," she said quietly. Voice low enough that only I could hear.
"They're undisciplined," I replied. Crossed my arms defensively. My fingers dug into my biceps. "They don't listen."
She shook her head slowly. Those purple eyes held mine without wavering. "No, Satori. You don't listen."
Excuse me?
