Part 1: Return to Routine
Three days had passed since the battle. The aftermath of the ambush still lingered in Ellee's mind, like a haunting echo that refused to fade. Despite the doctors' insistence, she had demanded to be discharged. The moment she stepped out of the hospital, a cool breeze welcomed her—gentler than she remembered.
"You're not working today," Kate said sternly the moment they arrived at the school gates.
"No paperwork. No patrol. No nothing," Kayla added, crossing her arms like a warden.
Ellee, wrapped in her dark school uniform customized with her guild crest and protective enchantments, looked away, trying to avoid their twin glares.
"I just want to check the files," she muttered, biting the tip of her index finger—a habit she always did when her mind raced.
"Nope. We already locked your office," Maya said, appearing behind her with a smug smile. "Try again tomorrow, boss."
Ellee sighed in defeat. Being back at school felt surreal. Students greeted her with respect and admiration, many whispering about her bravery in the last attack. But Ellee barely registered it. Her thoughts kept drifting to Zion, Xion, Maya, and Kate. She had learned their names, but her heart refused to fully accept who they might be. The familiarity in their presence tugged at her soul, yet the fear of hope crushed it before it could bloom.
At lunch, the five of them sat together. Ellee barely ate, stirring her rice absently as the others chatted. Zion glanced her way.
"You're not eating again," he said quietly.
"Not hungry," she replied.
Xion leaned over. "You're going to vanish at this rate."
"Maybe I'm just a ghost already," she joked dryly. The words hung in the air too long.
Kate reached out and gently tapped her forehead. "You promised us you'd take care of yourself."
Ellee didn't respond. Instead, she bit her finger again, eyes narrowing.
"You're doing it again," Maya said. "You're thinking too hard. What is it?"
Ellee hesitated, then sighed. "Something's off about the ambush. The timing, the poison, the escape. It was too clean."
Zion's eyes darkened. "You're thinking it wasn't just rogue assassins."
"No," she said softly. "It was a warning."