Noah drops Bella back at the training camp by ten o'clock sharp. But instead of heading straight to her room, Bella takes a detour—one that leads her to the rooftop at the back of the building.
There, under the quiet sky, Officer Ethan stands alone, gazing up at the moon. In that moment, with the silver light casting soft shadows over his face, he looks nothing short of a Disney prince.
The soft sound of footsteps echoes behind him, and without turning around, Ethan speaks, his voice low and knowing.
"You didn't go to your room. Came straight here, didn't you?"
Bella offers a faint smile and walks up to stand beside him.
"Were you waiting for me?" she asks softly.
Ethan finally turns his head toward her, eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Maybe I was."
Bella studies his face for a moment before asking, "Any news from the North Wing?"
He looks at her, a hint of sarcasm curling into his smile. With a slow shake of his head, he says, "You know, you're probably more worthy of the SID officer position than most."
She doesn't smile this time. Her gaze is steady, serious. "You didn't tell me what's going on… because you thought I'd worry. But you're worried too."
Ethan turns his eyes back to the moon, his expression unreadable.
"The day we sign up to be SID officers," he says quietly, "we already know the consequences. We're supposed to be ready for anything."
Bella says nothing, her eyes lifting to the sky with him. Then she breaks the silence. "Tomorrow, there's a meeting. All officers are gathering here, at the Head Office."
Ethan simply nods. "Yeah."
A moment passes before he glances at her again and says, gently but firmly, "Go get some sleep. It's late."
Bella nods wordlessly and walks away, the night air quietly swallowing her footsteps as she disappears into the shadows.
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The theory classes had been extended that day, and the training camp had grown noticeably stricter. A special meeting had been arranged in the auditorium just adjacent to SID's head office. Officers from all wings were in attendance, and those unable to make it in person were connected through video conference. The meeting stretched on for quite some time, touching upon every critical aspect with thoughtful deliberation.
Ellena leaned in closer to Bella, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Do you think your dad's here too?"
Bella gave a slight nod.
"Yes. Not just Dad—Clary, Simon, and August are here as well."
Ellena tilted her head, curious.
"So, are you going to meet them?"
Bella glanced at her friend, then away, her expression unreadable.
"I don't know," she murmured.
Outside, arrangements for the guests' meal had been made at the training ground in the back. Canopies had been set up, and chefs and waiters bustled around, visibly busy, making sure everything was perfect.
As Bella stepped out of the cafeteria, her eyes scanned the surroundings, searching—perhaps for a familiar face, perhaps for something more. But she saw no one.
When she finally reached near her room, she stopped. There, just by the entrance, stood a girl in a SID officer's uniform, her hair tied back neatly in a ponytail. The golden rays of the setting sun filtered through the transparent window, casting a soft glow on her face, making her features shimmer with quiet brilliance.
Bella looked at her, her voice soft, almost disbelieving.
"Clary," Bella whispered.
And without another word, she ran into her arms, hugging her tightly.
Clary gently patted Bella's head and smiled, "How's our Bella doing?"
Pulling back slightly from the embrace, Bella replied, "I'm fine. How are you? And where is everyone else?"
Clary answered with a soft chuckle, "Dad's in the Head Ace's office. And Simon and August are with Ethan."
Bella nodded thoughtfully.
Clary looked at her, her eyes warm. "Dada and Saaz have missed you terribly."
Bella's eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked at Clary. "I missed them too."
The two girls walked together, their conversation light and filled with laughter, until they reached the door to Officer Ethan's office. Bella raised her hand and knocked.
A firm voice called from inside, "Come in."
They stepped inside.
Simon and August were seated on a couch, deep in conversation with Officer Ethan. As soon as they saw Bella and Clary walk in, both men stood up.
Bella walked over and embraced them warmly.
Simon grinned, "How's our Bella?"
Smiling playfully, Bella replied, "As beautiful as ever."
August laughed, "That you are."
Everyone chuckled.
Bella took a seat on the couch. Officer Ethan's eyes were fixed on her — it had been so long since he'd seen Bella like this, glowing, full of life. And in that moment, he silently cherished it.