Infernal Moon ⋮ ᴏɴɢᴏɪɴɢ ⋮

〝⋟›∔‹⋞〞𝔐 𝙾 𝙾 𝙽 𝚅 𝙸 𝙸 𝙸

     Everyone was celebrating something trivial for Kanha. Aidrielle playfully teased their Elder, who chose to remain unfazed. Alexei and the quiet guy joined in the laughter and merriment. Kanha couldn't help but observe this eccentric group of friends, puzzled by what had sparked such joy.

     As a newcomer to the academy, Kanha and her fellow first-timers were unaware of the real aim behind this mock mission. Each year, participation in this competitive arena is mandatory for all new recruits, regardless of their preferences.

     They weren't just ordinary students, and Stone Edge Academy was anything but a typical school. In fact, it transcended the concept of a school altogether. The academy stands as a fierce battleground, not a gentle haven. Every individual who enters is trained as an assassin. At the core of this institution is their belief that equality reigns among all. However, not every heart can uphold that belief over time.

     This mock mission served as a crucial test of whether their hearts truly resonated with the spirit of the academy. While every assassin is equal at sea, death is never explicitly acknowledged. The academy sought not an assassin with a feeble or deceitful nature, but rather allowed fate to select those worthy of survival. The weak would succumb to death while the strong would endure, and those with unwavering resolve would reap their just rewards.

     Also, the Andla Lagoon was never truly a lagoon. Those who truly understand its meaning choose silence, while those who carry it in their gaze seek to conceal its splendor. It is part of a partnership program initiated by the academy, linking those who possess and discover it through a coveted token that offers a variety of rewards.

     The man who dubbed Kanha 'Bambi' was no stranger to this elaborate charade. He and his friends are seasoned players in a game of pretense. Aware that he holds the coveted token nestled within the depths of his Andla Lagoon, he made the choice to reveal it to her. This decision stirred a thunder of chaos and a whirlwind of unforeseen complications.

     "I once thought your eyes were blank, but I now realize..." a gentle voice came from her direction. Rather than turning to face him completely, she tilted her gaze toward him.

     That smile and knowing voice felt oddly recognizable to Kanha. Now that she was reminded, she couldn't help but wonder how Roselda was doing on this mock mission. Given her naivety, Kanha questioned whether Roselda would uncover the truth about Andla Lagoon.

     She dismissed the thought of why Roselda mattered to her at all. With Kanha brushing off her concerns, she shook her head and turned her focus back to the group. Raizen saw her action as a sign of rejection, yet he couldn't help but smile as his curiosity about her intensified.

     Kanha kept to herself, and Raizen could easily pick up on her detachment from the world around her. Recognizing her introverted nature, he felt a strong urge to connect and discover more about her. As he contemplated how to initiate a conversation, his attention was drawn to her wound, igniting an idea in his mind.

     He subtly searched through his trouser pockets, unsure of where he'd stashed it. When his fingers brushed against something in his back right pocket, Raizen pulled it out with a grin.

     He started to say her name but paused, choosing to ask her something different instead, "...Is it alright if I?"

     Kanha finally shifted her attention to Raizen. She regarded him for a fleeting second before directing her gaze to his outstretched palm where a lone band-aid rested.

     When Kanha didn't provide a clear response to his gesture, Raizen took it as a sign of acceptance. His grin grew wider as he ripped open the package, unveiling a band-aid. Just as he was about to place it on her, Kanha swiftly turned her head, snatching the band-aid from his grasp instead.