Blade institute: the unseen prophecy

19

Ethan gave her a sympathetic smile as she approached. "Rian, huh?" he said, trying to keep the tone light. "That's going to be... interesting."

"Interesting isn't the word I'd use," Evangeline muttered, rubbing her temples. "More like a disaster waiting to happen."

Sam, always the practical one, tilted her head thoughtfully. "Maybe it's not as bad as you think. You and Rian are the best fighters here. If you can find a way to work together, you could be unstoppable."

Evangeline raised an eyebrow. "You really think we can just magically get along after all the crap that's gone down between us?"

Ethan shrugged, glancing toward where Rian was gathering his gear. "You've got two days. And it's not like you have a choice. Headmaster made it clear—this is about more than just completing the mission. Maybe this is exactly what you two need to finally work through whatever's going on."

Evangeline crossed her arms, skeptical. "And what if we don't? What if we end up at each other's throats?"

Sam placed a hand on her shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "Then you figure it out. Look, we all need you two to be on the same page. The rest of us can't afford to have the two best fighters distracted or divided. You're more alike than you think, you know. That's probably why you clash so much."

Evangeline sighed, feeling the weight of their words. She knew they were right, but it didn't make it any easier to swallow. The thought of spending two days in close quarters with Rian, of having to rely on him, of him relying on her—it made her stomach churn. But there was no getting out of it. The Headmaster had made that clear.

"Okay," she said finally, her voice resigned. "I'll do my best. But I can't promise we won't end up killing each other before this is over."

Ethan grinned, giving her a playful nudge. "Just try not to, alright? We kind of need you both alive."

Evangeline managed a weak smile in return, but the knot of anxiety in her chest remained as she headed back to her room to pack.

She chose her gear carefully, ensuring everything was in place. Her usual combat attire was set aside in favor of something more comfortable but still functional—dark, form-fitting pants and a sleek, black top that offered ease of movement without compromising on style. The top hugged her curves in a way that was both practical and subtly alluring, something she was keenly aware of as she pulled it on. It was a small act of defiance, a way to remind herself that she was still in control, even if everything else felt like it was spinning out of it.

With her gear packed and ready, she headed to the weapons room. She found Rian already there, sharpening his blades with a look of intense concentration. He didn't acknowledge her as she entered, but she could feel the tension radiating off him in waves.

Evangeline ignored the knot in her stomach and moved to gather her own weapons. She selected a pair of daggers, their weight familiar and reassuring in her hands. As she secured them to her belt, Rian finally spoke, his voice low and devoid of its usual warmth.

"You need to get your head straight, Evangeline." His words were harsh, cutting through the silence like a blade. He didn't look at her as he spoke, his focus still on his weapons. "This isn't a game. Out there, you hesitate, you get distracted, and we both end up dead."

Evangeline bristled at his tone, her temper flaring despite herself. "I'm well aware of what's at stake, Rian. I don't need you to lecture me."

He glanced at her then, his eyes cold and unreadable. "Then start acting like it."

With that, he turned and headed for the door, his movements quick and efficient. Evangeline stared after him, a mix of anger and frustration bubbling up inside her. She clenched her fists, resisting the urge to throw something at his retreating back. Instead, she finished gathering her things and followed him outside, where the car was already waiting.

The drive was long and silent. Rian focused on the road, his expression stoic, while Evangeline stared out the window, her thoughts a chaotic swirl of emotions. They stopped only for gas and food, exchanging curt words when necessary but otherwise keeping to themselves.

As the miles passed, exhaustion began to take its toll on Evangeline. The tension, the fear, and the anger all coiled together, wearing her down until she couldn't keep her eyes open any longer. She drifted off, the hum of the engine and the monotonous landscape lulling her into an uneasy sleep.