THE SUN'S RAYS had barely even begun to lick the grounds of the earth when Devora had awoken from her slumber. She was in deep sleep, her mind still hazy with exhaustion when she sat up. If it weren't for the noise that had resounded in the room, she would've preferred to sleep in a little later, stealing just a few more moments before officially rising for the day.

Rubbing her eyes, Devora allowed them to slowly adjust to the light provided by the half-risen sun. She glanced across the room, scanning the space for the source of the commotion. There, in all his glory, was a disheveled and sweat-soaked boy sneaking into the toilet of their shared room, closing the door as quietly as he could behind him. Nathan hadn't noticed Devora's keen eyes on him just yet.

With her nose scrunched up and the skin on her nose bridge wrinkling, Devora pushed away her blankets. Her feet fell to the floor but she didn't stand nor did she plan to. Instead, she patiently waited on her bed for Nathan to emerge. Thoughts were racing through her mind, searching for any possible reason why Nathan had been out so early. Or out this late.

The clock that sat on her side table barely even read at half-past six in the morning. The sun was just starting its journey up to the peak of the sky, the orange and yellow glow still hidden away beneath the horizon. Forcing herself off her bed, she trudged towards the windows. Her sleep-deprived bones ached with each step she took but she moved on like the warrior she was trained to be. No matter how many hours of rest she stole at night, it never seemed to be enough.

She took a seat by the large windows, leaning her head against the glass as her eyes began to chase the sun.

In so many more ways than one, the old Devora Evans her parents knew was long dead. She had been weak back then, too pathetic to survive in a cruel and harsh world where killing was as common as having breakfast in the morning. With each passing day, Devora buried her old self little by little deep into the ground. If she had anything to say about it, she would rather it never resurface.

Unfortunately, it was more difficult said than done. On some nights, Devora would still find herself by the window like this morning, eyes scanning the sky for a sign. At night, without the bright light of day, the stars were clear to see. Those stars were her first friends, ever-constant constellations and a never-changing factor that provided her hope now as it did back then.

Things change, they always do. But the stars will never betray her like time will.

A small click of the lock broke Devora out of her daydream, slamming her harshly back into reality. Her eyes snapped up, head flitting over to face the source of the sound. Her roommate's figure slowly emerged from the bathroom, their gazes colliding when Nathan looked up and away from the ground.

Even with the distance between them, Devora could see surprise ridden in Nathan's eyes, wide and round as his mind searched for an explanation he could use. Then, he lightly cleared his throat, taking a step forward as the tense silence between them shattered.

"Did I wake you?" He asked. Within a few strides, he was by Devora's side. His long legs always made traveling quick and easy.

Shrugging her shoulders, Devora turned back to the window. The sun was clearer now, the full circle within view in the short time she had looked away. Time crawled on sometimes but at other times, it went by exceedingly fast.

"No," she replied. "I'm just an early riser. Unfortunately."

Devora caught sight of Nathan's reflection on the glass window, his nose wrinkling in doubt. Nevertheless, the conversation returned to the state of fruitless silence.

She found comfort in it, though. Using the reflection as an aid, she scanned the features on Nathan's face, looking for a sign. What she found was the realization that Nathan seemed awfully at peace this morning. Sometimes, he would awake with a frown. Other times, his lips might be quirked in excitement. However, today, he was simply nonchalant. She couldn't read him any further than that.

Of course, Devora knew that he wasn't truly completely relaxed. Nathan was simply good at using his handsome features to hide his woes and worries, just like any good assassin was.

"What about you?" Devora asked, choosing to break the silence between them. "What are you doing up so early. I saw you coming in from the door."

Immediately after those words had left her mouth, Devora cursed herself to the darkest depths of hell. The way she phrased the question sounded as though she was speaking from a position that was of importance to him. For example, like a family member or a lover when in fact, she was just a really nosy friend.

"I was out." When Devora turned back with a raise of her eyebrows, Nathan coughed lightly into his fist. "At the gym. With Candice," he clarified. Immediately, even though she didn't know why, her heart fell at the mention of Candice's name. "Training."

"I see." Devora's lips formed an 'O' shape before standing to her feet, lightly pushing past Nathan as she made her way towards the bathroom to wash up.

Without another word, she shut the door behind him, not noticing Nathan's confused expression that trailed after her figure.

♕♕♕

"In exactly five days, including today, Battlefield Arena will officially return. There have been rumors going around that some rebels within the company would choose to strike then. That is why all of us will have to be ready to counter their plans. Cain gave Devora and me an assignment. To protect him and his son at all costs." Nathan paused while he was in the middle of his explanation, eyeing those who were present. "We were told to recruit you four for this operation as well."

On Devora's right, Dallas wrinkled his nose in a disgusted manner.

"Pfft," he scoffed sarcastically. "Gee, I wonder why would they want to attack the boss of the company that made us all into cruel cold-hearted monsters."

Unamused by his reply, Nathan shot Dallas a short glare before turning his attention back to the rest of the team.

"Travis, Leah, you two will be on the lookout, acting behind the scenes if you must. I don't want you both handling any upfront conflict since our enemies' experience far outweighs yours. However, if anything goes wrong, Leah, you'll take the position of our sniper. Make sure to have ammo with you at all times. Travis," the teenager looked up once his name was called by Nathan, "Help take care of your sister and take out the rogues."

To the far left of the room, Leah nodded once, a harsh determination on her face. Travis, on the other hand, reached out. His fingers found his younger sibling's, gripping it tightly.

"Dallas, you and Candice will be protecting Julius Cain in the viewing box. You both are our most experienced fighters and I wouldn't trust anyone else with this." Gesturing to Candice, Nathan continued, "However, my guess is that since you didn't manage to fight in the previous match, they're going to pitch you up with someone. So Dallas, brush up your training in the next couple of days. Candice might not be able to help you in time if our enemies attack during her match."

With a mock salute, Dallas grinned broadly.

"Aye aye, captain!" He chirped.

Candice, contrarily, was as silent as stone. The blonde bombshell didn't reply and it didn't seem like she was planning on giving one. Instead, her gaze was fixated on the ground, her face stoic.

Nathan's gaze lingered on Candice for a second more than usual. His expression betrayed none of his thoughts. Watching him, Devora felt the pit in her stomach grow. It raged and bubbled within her, a feeling she couldn't quite put the name on due to how foreign it felt. In the end, she brushed it aside, huffing softly under her breath.

After a few moments, Nathan finally tore his eyes away. His gaze found Devora's, growing soft as he gave out the last set of instructions.

"Dora, you and I will be in charge of Markus. He seems pretty attached to you, after all. So I thought it would be best if you're the one taking care of him."

With the mention of the little boy Devora had grown ever so fond of, she smiled.

"Not a problem, then." She nodded in acknowledgment.

With all the plans set, Nathan clapped his hands together once before a broad, vibrant grin appeared on his face. He sighed, resting his hands on his hips.

"Alright then, folks. Hopefully, this will be all for the rest of the year. No more fights and troublesome missions after this. After all, Julius Cain now owes us a life debt."

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