ALICE

I sit on a sturdy operation table made of wood, with various medical instruments on a smaller table in front of me, and I stare at the glass bottles of remedies and tinctures on the shelf next to one of the small windows. "There we go." Maia smiles as she finishes wrapping the bandage around the top of my head, its antiseptic scent lingering in the air.

I place a hand on the wound, grimacing at the touch as pain throbs. "Is it going to leave lasting scars?" I turn to look at Miche, who is lying on the other operating table, strapped down and still unconscious from sedation. Luckily he survived the ordeal, now I just have to make sure he does time enough for what he did to me.

"You'll still look pretty with scars." The medical instruments clink as Maia packs them into a small bag, raising a brow as she stares. "What? It's okay. I care about my looks too." I turn my face away as she moves to stash it in an empty section of the bookshelf. "Do you need anything else?"

"Something to alleviate the pain?" She reaches for the cabinet that is filled with various herbs, ingredients, salves, and vials. Packing a few of the small vials before offering them to me. "Thank you." I hesitantly reach for the pack. "I've grown accustomed to facing resentment for what some perceive as vanity."

"Aren't we all?" My brows raise in surprise. "It won't leave scars, don't worry. I hope I don't see you here again tomorrow; you're the first person to show up two days in a row." My heart sinks at the comment; I should've shrugged the pain off. Now everyone is going to think I am fragile. "Anything else?"

"I have everything I require." I get up and walk towards the door, hiding the pack of vials under my overcoat before opening the door and heading to the Captain's office. Walking past the stares and barely audible whispers, Carla's words flashes in my mind but I ignore it. They are free to doubt me but I know I deserved to be here.

"How are you feeling, Lieutenant?" Marvin's small green eyes watch with concern as I reach the lounge at the end of the hallway.

"Perfectly fine." I move to sit right next to Carla, who has a small mirror in hand looking at the bruise on her cheek. "What about you, Carla?" A smirk tugging at the edge of her lips as she puts away the mirror, turning to look at me with a frown.

"This bruise is nothing, but my back sure hurts."

"It was unintentional." A slight raise in my voice as a frown escapes me, heart burning with anger. I doubt the kick hurt more; Carla is just getting on my nerves as always. "I apologize for that. I should have exercised more caution." I keep my voice calm and low.

"Yes. Caution, what you did was reckless." Carla crosses her arms, and I turn my face away in frustration refusing to meet her stare. "Could've gotten us killed out there." I meet her stare, jaw tight as my muscles tensed.

"Come on now." She turns to Reiner, and my hand clenches into a fist, inhaling deeply before I relax my hand as I let out a long subtle exhale. "The fight was happening regardless, did you see me in action? I sure showed those bastards." He smiles proudly as he stands up, flexing his muscles and laughing to which Percy shakes his head.

"Firelights." They turn their attention to me. "Any information about them?" I fold my arms, and they shake their heads. "How did you come to know that criminal? And what did he mean by 'Imperial hounds'?" I focus my attention on Percy.

"It was a long time ago, back when we were kids." Percy shrugs. "To them, Enforcers are just thugs in uniform but that's not important. I'll talk to him again to try get some more information. I am sure he is willing to talk when no one is around." He smiles confidently.

"At least we have a name, a gang name but that's still something to go on." Reiner crosses his arms as he thinks, his usual gentle expression turning to a menacing frown. "You trust this Miche?" Percy nods.

"It's imperative that we uncover every detail about these Firelights."

"Why should we?" Carla places a hand on her hip with a smirk. "We did our job; you made your report and it ended right there. So why are we pursuing these Firelights?" She places both hands on her hips challengingly.

"What are you talking about Carla? The Captain said." Percy stops himself before turning to face me. "The Captain did tell you to find them, didn't he?" I turn my face away, should I lie? I never said the Captain gave orders; I simply told them to track down the men responsible. I shake my head. "What?"

"Does it matter? We need to find the Firelights and arrest them. They're criminals." I remind them of our duty, with or without orders they are criminals who endanger citizen's lives and possessions, we have a responsibility to arrest them.

"She decided to work us overtime of her own volition." Carla's voice teeming with anger and frustration. "She tricked us!"

"Tricked you?" I turn to face her. "I never mentioned it was the Captain's orders; you made that assumption." She raises a brow challengingly. "I have the right to issue commands—it was under my authority. Do you refuse it?" A slight rise in my voice. "Are you questioning my authority?"

"I think we're all worked up right now." Reiner's voice low. "We should discuss this tomorrow." I inhale deeply, not wanting to let my emotions get the better of me.

"You're just trying to save face, trying to prove something." Carla approaches. "Keep us out of it." She crosses her arms, staring at me with a fierce expression, and Percy slides between us, palms out by his shoulders as he faces Carla.

"We're a team, aren't we?" Whatever gesture Percy made to Carla is enough to make her back off, causing her to turn her back and walk for the exit. Percy turns to face me. "I am sorry about that Lieutenant."

"You don't owe me an apology, but she certainly does."

"But she won't." He clasps his hands together, eyes pleading as he smiles awkwardly. "She's too proud, but she'll get over it eventually. Let me talk to her." I turn my face away to see Connor leaving the Captain's office; it is time for me to see the Captain, and I approach his office, inhaling deeply to calm my anger that is like flames threatening to consume me.

"You keep getting hurt, Lavellan." I turn to look at Connor, standing tall and slender as he crosses his arms with a condescending smile that makes me feel small and insignificant. "You should stick to playing that violin of yours, at least you're good at it." His striking green eyes stare intently in amusement, and he runs a hand through his long, flowing blonde hair that he ties back into a ponytail. The strands he pushes back hang freely on his forehead again.

"Watch it, Connor." He has always been a bully, three years older than I am but is only a year senior of mine in the military, and the best cadet of his intake. "Unless you want to be beaten by a girl again."

His smile turns into a deep frown as he inches closer towards me. "Stay behind a desk where you belong." His tone was harsh, his hands splaying against my epaulettes as if to straighten them. "You act like you have something to prove, but all you do is prove how incompetent you are." He leans his face close to my ear. "Save yourself from further embarrassment." He whispers softly before bumping his shoulder against mine as he walks past me.

The faint smell of ink greets me as I push open the door; Captain Reinhart sits behind his wooden desk, stacks of parchment, inkwells, as well as pens for writing clutter his desk, and behind him hangs the crest of the Enforcers. I render a crisp salute as I stand before his desk. "Captain." He leans his back against his chair and I relax my stance. "Here to report the incident."

"I've heard what happened; I don't need details." His gaze flickers to the bandage around my head before meeting my gaze. "What were you doing in the Outer Districts?"

"I was gathering information on the Arsonists."

"I don't need trouble, Lavellan." His voice harsh, clipped. "You know how things are with the locals; you made things worse."

"They are criminals."

"I don't care what they are." My eyes wide in surprise, lips parting in disbelief. "Let those Lumians deal with their own; whatever they do is none of our concern." His stern gaze bores into me, intensifying the knot in my chest. "If you want to gather information, do it quietly. And properly." I bow my head low. "You're off the field until I deem you are fit for such duties."

"I can handle it." He does not respond. I place a palm over my heart, calming myself and regulating my tone. "This won't happen again, I promise. Captain." I bow my head low.

"You're off the field!" My jaw tight, lips parting to protest but he cuts me off before words could escape them. "You have your order; obey it." He stares intensely with sharp blue eyes." My jaw tightens, it is not fair of him; I deserve to restore my reputation by capturing those Firelights yet I don't have the energy for a screaming competition.

"Captain." I stand in attention, rendering a crisp salute before turning to walk out of the office, but it is not over yet for me, I will not let this dishonour ruin me, and I will find those Firelights. Whatever it takes.

CHRISTIAN

The Lavellan family is old and prestigious, a family that prides itself on its warrior heritage, still wealthy though the other families prospered while they stagnated. The darkwood furniture is beautiful and expensive though old but well maintained; I get off the sofa and approach the window to see her walking through a path meticulously lined with colorful flowers.

My brows furrow as I notice Alice coming in with a bandage wrapped around her head; such a delicate flower does not belong in the ranks of the military. The gardeners bow their heads low as she passes, stopping before the pond to look at her school of koi fish. The fountain in the middle of the pond is that of a woman with water flowing out of her vase; it gives the impression that she is pouring water into the pond.

The old butler greets her; they talk briefly, judging by their interaction it is fair to say that they are close. She moves to enter the mansion with a smile but it withers as he notices her father standing by the door. And I push open the window slightly. "What happened to your head?"

"It's not as dire as it may appear."

"I cautioned against enlisting, and now we see the repercussions."

"I am fine." Her voice is low though frustration is evident in her tone.

"Christian awaits your company in the guest room." Her father drops the subject, not wanting to press the matter further. "Make him feel comfortable and welcomed." She turns her face away but does not say anything. It makes me wonder if she actually likes me, or simply tolerating me for her father's sake. "The Winter Festival is approaching, I-"

"Father, you're well aware of my aversion to social events. Balls, in particular."

"Your presence is expected." I lean closer to the window to get a better look; his voice remains low but firmer. "There's no room for debate on this matter." Every young man or woman wants freedom, though we are all restrained by expectations and unspoken rules. How long will her fire last? That youthful rebellion?

"Seems like nothing ever is." A slight raise escapes her voice, and a frown appears on his face. "I'd rather not delve into it." She turns her face away again, folding her arms high on her chest. "May I be excused?" A chuckle escapes me; my father would have sent me flying across the room if I had her attitude. But Lord Lavellan simply moves off to the side to let her pass.

A few moments later the door opens, and a smile escapes me; I expected she would take her bath and change into something, or at least appear presentable but she meets me in her messed-up uniform, hair unkempt from whatever scuffle she got herself into. But her oval-shaped face still appears fresh and gentle. "I suppose our little competition is on hold?"

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, I sincerely apologize." She approaches before sitting on one of the chairs, staring intently at me with those innocent dark brown eyes of hers; they are deep-set and shaped like an almond. "Once everything is settled, I'll make sure to provide you with a definite date." She smiles, a small, subtle yet alluring smile.

"I have to wonder, why would someone like you enlist in the military?" I sit across from her, crossing one leg over the other with my arms rested on the armrest. "I hear you are as talented as your mother with the violin. Wouldn't it be better to pursue something more appropriate?" Her gently angled brow raises.

"Something more appropriate?" A defensive tone in her voice; I have struck a nerve. Her patience wears thin with the terrible day she is having. "Do you doubt my ability as an Enforcer?" Her thin lips turn into a frown, gaze intensifying as I fight back my smile. If this is her fiercest expression, I doubt even a young boy would tremble; she is a kitten who thinks herself a lion.

"You are beautiful like a rose, and often roses are presented without their thorns." I lean forward, resting my elbows on my thighs as I rest my chin on clasped hands. "I like wild roses better; clipping their thorns is taking away a part of them. I have no desire to change you, I am merely curious." I smile.

Her expression softens, flustered. "Privilege carries a profound responsibility. The nobility is obligated to safeguard those unable to protect themselves, to champion justice, and maintain law and order for the greater good. Embracing the role of an Enforcer is the embodiment of these duties."

It doesn't seem like she is lying, and at the same time, it doesn't feel like she is telling the whole truth. "I heard you were the Officer in charge at the time of the arson."

"I am." Her frown returns, chest rising and falling as she takes a deep breath, and I fight back my smile. A whirlwind of emotion plagues her heart. "And I will find those responsible." Her eyes determined, against all expectations she enlists as an Enforcer and is now deadset on proving herself. How better to steal her heart if not by indulging in that desperation of hers?

"And I will help you; I have information on these Firelights." Surprise is apparent on her face; she must find it odd that a man like me would know anything of the Lower City. To her, I am surely just another ignorant noble, drunk on inherited wealth and power, a privileged fool. But I am much more, so much more than she could imagine. The goings-on of the Lower City are always my business. "I wish to strike a bargain."

"A bargain?" A soft chuckle escapes her, tone laced with surprise.

"I wish to have the first dance with you during the ball."