The dawn was crisp.
The frozen dew crunched under our boots as our cautious steps measured the terrain near the border. The fog still clung to the ground, swirling in tiny eddies where our movement disturbed the remnants of the night. At the edge of the horizon, the flickering light of the sun only faintly promised the arrival of morning, but the cold had not yet loosened its grip.
Michael and Elis's argument had accompanied us the entire way. At times hushed, at others sharp, their remarks clashed in the air like shadows wielding blades. Chloé and I exchanged a glance, and with a firm yet subtle remark, we managed to silence them just enough so they wouldn't announce our presence from afar. It wasn't clear whether these two wanted to tolerate each other or considered the other's existence the greatest mistake of the universe.
But we focused on our own task. Chloé and I scanned the terrain, searching for border markers and paths that the watchful eyes might not scrutinize as strictly. The shift change was in half an hour, but we knew the area was under constant surveillance. If we moved wisely, we could avoid unpleasant surprises.
As we neared the clearing, the cold seemed to bite even sharper into the air, and tension settled into our movements. Chloé raised her sensor, a small device capable of detecting entities. But I already knew there was nothing here… or at least, there hadn't been until now. Then, as we stepped into the clearing, a dull whisper of intuition struck me.
"Little tower…" I murmured to myself, already knowing where to look.
"What tower are you talking about?" Elis asked, glancing around. "There's not a single damn tower here."
Michael, in his usual measured tone, remarked,
"You can express your opinion without cursing, Miss."
"I'll decide what tone and vocabulary I use, Sir," Elis replied with her usual sarcasm.
I could see this was about to turn into another long argument, so I stepped forward, the frost-covered grass crunching beneath me, and stopped before a small tower of carefully stacked stones. I almost smiled—until I sensed a familiar presence. And then I saw her.
Medi.
She stood there, her small figure shimmering faintly, and the childlike laughter that echoed from deep within my memories now filled the air once again.
"Look! Look! I did it!" she called out, eyes sparkling. "Now I finally managed to build it all by myself! Just like you said—from the widest to the smallest. And I did it!"
I gestured for the others to stay back, suppressing a smile as I stepped forward.
"You did a wonderful job. This is a beautiful tower," I said softly. "But… if you don't mind, I need to move it just a little. There's something important here that I have to check. I promise we'll rebuild it afterward."
Medi's brows furrowed slightly as her gaze flickered to the weapons strapped to my belt. I was about to reassure her that there was no need to worry when she suddenly smiled.
"I'm not afraid of you," she declared firmly. "You can have it. I know what you're looking for. They always told me this is something very important, and I shouldn't give it to just anyone. Only to someone who knows where it is. And you know where it is."
At that moment, a woman's figure emerged—undoubtedly the same one from before.
For a brief second, my heart skipped a beat.
"Did she tell you?" the woman asked quietly.
I nodded.
I knew she was referring to the one in black. Deep down, I already sensed the answer, but the words barely made it past my lips.
"Yes."
The air between us froze. Medi looked deep into my eyes, then nodded and swept aside the small tower, revealing the hidden place beneath. But before I could reach for it, the woman's voice sliced through the moment like a blade.
"And why should I believe you?" Her tone was sharp, cold as the morning frost. "You brought two angels here. How do we know it's not for them?"
Her ghostly form was slowly solidifying in the mist. A shadow of the past now blocking our path, standing at the border between memory and the present.
"Because…" I started, but I didn't know what answer would satisfy her. I had no time to explain that Elis and Michael were harmless.
"Come, Medi. Gather your stones. We're leaving now."
The woman remained motionless. The tension around us was palpable, stretching the moments longer and heavier. And then, as the silence thickened, I broke it with the only words that came to me—as if they weren't mine at all.
"Sweet ignorance is better, isn't it?" I murmured, my voice barely audible. My eyes glinted as if someone else, through me, was casting sparks onto the figure before me.
The woman hesitated.
I felt it then—somewhere, beyond the unseen planes, someone was watching. Listening. And perhaps, for the first time, truly understanding.
The woman remained still for a long moment. Then, finally, she exhaled in a whisper.
"Fine. Take it. Here."
She handed it to me as if lending a scarf from her own closet.
She placed the key into my palm.
Michael, Elis, and Chloé watched in silence. But Chloé was already moving, sensing the approaching border guards.
"The shift is about to start," she warned. "We need to leave before they start asking questions."
The ghostly woman regarded us coolly before speaking her final words.
"Go."
As we left, Medi's small voice echoed after us.
"Goodbye!"
Deep in the dark forest, where the branches reached out for us as if they were alive, and the fallen leaves whispered our footsteps along, we tried to remain unnoticed. We had to return to the base here to avoid the border guards starting their morning shift. It was no easy task.
Among the dense foliage, Chloe stepped forward, pushing aside a branch. Elis muttered under his breath as he tried to squeeze through the thorny vines, then remarked:
"Okay, I get that they were kinder than I expected, but that was still pretty creepy. That woman… she didn't exactly give me friendly spirit vibes."
"She's just protecting what's theirs," Chloe replied calmly. "And maybe it wasn't the best reception for her to see us arrive with two angels."
"Are you trying to pick a fight?" Elis snapped. "We absolutely had no intention of harming them."
"They fear us," Michael interjected. "They're afraid we'll use the box to trap them in other bodies. I could feel it on them."
"Afraid of us? When have we ever done something like that?" Elis's voice trembled with tension.
"Judgment," I said quietly. "Simple judgment. If one angel has done it, then the others might as well. And in that… they're right. But don't take it personally, please."
"One angel? Clarissa is only half an angel!"
"But still an angel," I countered.
Michael sighed. "The point is, we have the key. Now we just need to get into Clarissa's residence to open the box."
Elis let out a short laugh, but there was no real humor in it. "Great! You just outlined the impossible."
"It's not that impossible," Michael cut in. "Because the Creation Festival is coming up. It lasts for three days, and during that time, all high-ranking figures will be in the palace."
"The Creation Festival?" I asked.
Elis grinned triumphantly. "The Creation! I thought you knew about it… whatever. The point is, the angels celebrate the birth of the world and their role in it—to protect creation, to maintain peace…"
"You want to celebrate peace while standing on the brink of war?" Chloe said cynically.
"I'm not going to justify this to a Protector," Elis shot back coolly.
The air grew heavier with tension, and I could feel that this journey was only deepening the conflict between them. So when we finally reached the city's edge, I stopped and raised my hand.
"Before anyone continues this bickering… let's end it. The main thing is that we have the key. Chloe and I need to return to the base immediately because our shift is about to start, and we don't even know where we've been assigned. Should we escort you home?"
"Not necessary," Michael replied. "I need to speak with the ruler anyway. I'll return later with a convoy."
"My convoy is leaving soon," Elis added. "The general arranged that for me—just to cheer you up."
She gave me a knowing look, and for a moment, there was something more in her gaze. But I had no time to dwell on it.
We said our goodbyes. Elis and Michael headed toward the main gate, which wasn't far, while Chloe and I rushed back to the base.
The vast courtyard was already filled with soldiers. The lines were straight, discipline almost tangible. Though some were still arriving late, we blended into the moving crowd.
The general walked forward with strict, measured steps. When he stopped, his voice cracked through the air like a gunshot:
"Attention!"
The motion rippled through the crowd in a single sharp movement. Weapons were checked, uniforms inspected. Two lieutenants stood beside the general, holding lists, reading out the assignments.
And then I heard my name.
"Avarka Rozinay!"
A surge of tension gripped my chest.
"Preparations for the Creation Festival are underway," the general continued. "You and your team will guard the palace. Since you have led your border patrol squad with exemplary discipline, we are appointing you to a squad leader position without any additional evaluations."
The words struck like lightning.
"You and your team will be responsible for guarding the front of the palace and securing the entire palace grounds. You will be on duty for five days. On the second day—tomorrow—the ceremony begins. During this time, you and your team will ensure the safety of all participants and the smooth execution of the event."
The lieutenant quickly flipped through his list.
"Due to the significance of this mission, we are assigning a one-hundred-fifty-man team under your command."
One hundred and fifty men…
My body tensed, my blood buzzed with adrenaline. This was a great honor. They were entrusting an entire squad to me. A chance to prove myself.
And a massive obstacle.
If I was leading the palace's security… how was I supposed to get where I truly needed to be?
The plan was already beginning to take shape in my mind. I had to find a way. Because now that I was here… I couldn't afford to fail this mission.
The dull hum of the canteen still surrounded us, but Chloe and I didn't stop. We walked with determined steps toward the larger table, where a group of twenty people sat—the exact number needed at the border.
I placed two hundred francs on the table. Every eye turned toward us.
"This is what you'll get if you take on border protection for the next week."
A young girl looked up at me, curiosity flashing in her dark eyes.
"Do you accept or not?" I asked firmly.
They hesitated. I could see them weighing their options, thinking, calculating. That's when Chloe stepped forward and shrugged.
"Oh, come on! It doesn't matter where they assign you. You have to work anyway, whether it's here or elsewhere. At least this way, you'll get some extra money."
They still didn't move. At first, I stared at them in disbelief, then rolled my eyes impatiently and calmly took the money back.
"Alright." I was about to turn to the next table when a man spoke up.
"Fine. We'll do it."
I stopped, then slowly smiled.
"See? That wasn't so hard," I said with a wide grin.
As we left the table, Chloe nudged me.
"Told you! A little extra incentive can get you anything."
We laughed, then headed toward David's table. He was already waiting for us with a broad grin, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.
"We'd like," I began, glancing at those around him, "you and your acquaintances to join Clarissa's convoy. We leave for her tomorrow, and she'll need personal protection—not just on the journey but also at her house while she's away. Half of the team will stay at her home, and the other half will ensure her safety here at the palace."
I looked at David and the others.
"So, what do you say?"
A man immediately burst out.
"Hell yeah!"
The group laughed.
"I'm tired of the border and the quiet fog anyway. Narcissus is probably braiding a wreath for himself out of boredom," a girl chuckled, and soon, the entire table was filled with laughter.
I exchanged a satisfied glance with Chloe, then nodded.
"That's settled, then."
In my room, I fastened my wrist guards with quick movements. The black fabric fit snugly against my skin as I went through my usual routine: securing protective gear, checking my equipment, positioning my weapons. Energy coursed through me, my muscles ready for action.
I stepped out into the base's main square. The assembled soldiers stood in silence, their eyes fixed on me. The dark mass of protective suits made it seem as if even the walls of the base were watching.
I stepped onto a platform and surveyed them from the height. The plan was already crystal clear in my mind.
I took a step forward and straightened my posture.
"Welcome, everyone!" My voice rang clear in the open space. "I'm Avarka, and for the coming days, I will be leading your operations."
The crowd remained motionless, waiting for instructions.
"We are departing for the palace in a convoy. I will assign the areas you need to assess. We will proceed as trained, following every rule and law."
My gaze swept over them, analyzing their stances, the intensity of their focus.
"Upon arrival, we will secure the area. Every corner of the palace will be inspected. We won't leave a single spot unchecked. If you detect any disturbances or unauthorized individuals, report to me immediately."
The silence was almost tangible.
"Everyone, check your equipment. You need the appropriate weaponry for any situation, whether energy-based or traditional arms. Defensive positions will be designated, and we will monitor the movements of all guests. No one is to remove their communication device."
Every pair of eyes remained locked on me as I began assigning roles.
"We will work in three shifts. The first team rests from ten to midnight, the second from midnight to two, and the third from two to four. After that, we will all be on our feet, as the field inspection begins at dawn."
I scanned the group for a moment.
"If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately. The responsibility now falls on us. Understood?"
"Yes, ma'am!" the crowd answered in unison, their voices echoing against the walls of the base.
As I climbed into the first vehicle, I took a deep breath. My weapons were secured, my hand resting calmly on the pistol strapped to my thigh. The engine rumbled to life, and the convoy slowly began to move.
Through the window, I watched the road unfold before us, and for a brief moment, a strange thought crossed my mind—I felt strong, confident, leading a team.
Why couldn't I just stay in this life? Why couldn't I focus on just this?
But I dismissed the thought immediately. I couldn't forget my main goal. If we didn't investigate, if we didn't uncover the truth, war would become inevitable.
A single box could throw everything into chaos.
And that was something we couldn't allow.
Dawn crept in silently, as if the world itself wished to remain hushed before the approaching events. The night had passed surprisingly smoothly, though it hadn't been easy to check on each team individually.
The palace was now dressed in festive splendor. Silk ribbons fluttered through the garden, their delicate waves dancing in harmony with the breeze. The entire space was tastefully adorned, as if an invisible enchantment had woven itself through every detail. Champagne flutes gleamed on the tables, and a steady stream of people bustled about, ensuring that everything was flawless.
The palace had always been breathtaking, but now… now it felt different. As if it had shed its usual warlike, austere presence, revealing a hidden, more sensual beauty beneath. The lights casting their glow against the towering walls, the scent of the garden, the tranquil expanse of the land—everything radiated peace, love, and a rare kind of magic.
I paused beside a grand white vase overflowing with narcissus flowers. The wind carried their fragrance to me—fresh, like spring itself, filled with life.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
The voice was deep and cool, yet something about it sent a shiver down my spine. I didn't need to turn around to know who stood behind me.
"The narcissus symbolizes spring—the rebirth," he continued. "Just as important to you as those two white roses, isn't it?"
I turned slowly, locking eyes with a pair of striking emerald-green irises. The moment our gazes intertwined, a strange, undeniable heat coursed through me, as if even my blood had started to hum with something unspoken. My breath hitched, but before I could summon a single word, the small device in my ear crackled to life.
"Avarka! Avarka, do you hear me? It's Chloe."
I looked up at the ruler before me, giving him a composed nod.
"If you'll excuse me, duty calls."
I didn't wait for a response. I simply turned and strode away, my pace firm, almost urgent. I refused to look back. Pressing a hand to my earpiece, I checked my surroundings before responding in a hushed voice.
"I'm here. What's the situation?"
"I'm inside the house. I repeat, I'm inside the house."
"There's no need to repeat yourself, Chloe. I can hear you just fine."
"Clarissa has departed with one part of the convoy, David leading the way. Meanwhile, we're already inside."
I stopped abruptly.
"What do you mean, 'we'?!" I asked, confusion creeping into my voice.
Before Chloe could reply, another voice chimed in from the background—one that made me close my eyes with exasperation.
"Oh, my god, what an atrocious interior! Who in their right mind would choose wallpaper like this? It's an absolute disgrace to interior design!"
Elis.
I sighed.
"What is she doing there?" I asked Chloe.
"Honestly? No clue."
"You really thought you could leave me out of the fun?" Elis interjected cheerfully. "Now, hand me that device."
"Don't just snatch it from my ear—" Chloe protested, but it was too late.
"Hello, my dear!" Elis's voice came through the line with smug amusement. "Did you really think you could just waltz in there? These Nephilim—or as I prefer to call them, winged wannabe action heroes—use security systems you wouldn't figure out in a week. So, you're welcome!"
I exhaled deeply. Annoying as she was, she had a point.
"Fine. But be careful."
"Of course! We'll check in soon."
The line went dead.
I resumed walking, making my way through the main square, ensuring every team was in position. More and more guests had begun arriving. The shimmering fabrics of their elaborate attire caught the soft morning light. It was the day of the Angels' Gathering.
In the crowd, I suddenly spotted two familiar figures—Clara and John. As they approached, Clara's radiant smile greeted me, while John looked impeccable in a pristine white suit. Everyone was dressed in white, yet each had a subtle, unique accent of color.
"I'm proud of you, leader." Clara's voice was warm as she placed a soft kiss on my forehead.
I hesitated for a fraction of a second.
"Thank you."
"Are the preparations to your liking?" John asked.
"Everything is going smoothly."
"Elis will be here soon," Clara added. "She just had a little… issue. With her outfit."
A smirk flickered across my lips.
"Ah. With her outfit, of course."
But there was no time to dwell on it. Duty called once again.