"In the best interest of preserving peace within Navarre, no more than three cadets carrying rebellion relics may be assigned to any squad of any quadrant."

—Addendum 5.2, Basgiath War College Code of Conduct

"In addition to last year's changes, marked ones assembling in groups of three or more will now be considered an act of seditious conspiracy and is hereby a capital offense."—Addendum 5.3, Basgiath War College Code of Conduct

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As I lay sprawled across the creaky, narrow bed in the dimly lit barracks, a restlessness stirred within me, like a whispered secret only I could hear. It was an itch that couldn't be scratched, a nagging sense that something – or someone – awaited me outside those drab, stone walls. The name "Viloet" echoed like a siren's call, drawing me inexorably towards the door.

I let out a deep sigh as my gaze fell upon Viloet's empty bed, the rumpled sheets and abandoned pillow a testament to their hasty departure. "Oh, for the love of all that's holy," I muttered under my breath, tossing off the coarse blanket and swinging my legs over the side of the bed.

Rhiannon's peaceful slumber nearby seemed almost mocking, her gentle snores starkly contrasting the turmoil within me. I knew she wouldn't stir; she was lost in her world of dreams. With one final glance at her serene face, I slipped out of the doorway and into the deserted corridor.

The soft murmur of two teachers' conversation drifted from the front of the classroom, their words indistinguishable but their presence unmistakable. It didn't matter who they were; all that mattered was that they didn't see me. I moved with stealthy precision past them, avoiding detection as if by magic.

Once clear of the keep's confines, I surrendered to my instincts, allowing them to guide me through the crisp night air toward Viloet's elusive presence. The chilly breeze carried an essence of Viloet on its currents, leading me across the stream and into the darkness beyond.

As I emerged from beneath the keep's looming shadow, my eyes scanned the landscape until they landed on Violet – perched high atop a towering tree like some arboreal sprite. My heart sank with exasperation as I clenched my fists in frustration.

"Oh damn it," I cursed under my breath before bounding across the stream in one fluid motion. As I reached the base of Viloet's tree sanctuary, I hissed up at them through gritted teeth: "Viloet, what in Malek's name are you doing?!"

Down at me with a mix of shock and annoyance. "Oh, for the stars, don't do that, Emberlyn!" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.

I shot back, my tone laced with a hint of reprimand, "You shouldn't be out here after curfew. What happened to the rule-loving girl I knew when we were kids?" Viloet's eyes rolled heavenward as she retorted, "Since when was I the one who followed the rules? It was always you and Dawn anyway." She waved dismissively, adding, "I can't talk now. Go back."

I hissed a final warning—"Stay hidden"—before melting into the corridor's darkness. My dark hair and attire allowed me to blend seamlessly into the shadows as I waited.

It wasn't long before Riarson appeared, his piercing onyx eyes scanning the area with an unnerving intensity. His sharp features seemed chiseled from granite as he called out, his voice low and commanding, "Oh, come out, Emberlyn. I know you're there." My heart skipped a beat as I jumped at his words.

How did he know? The question echoed in my mind like an unspoken challenge.

With a deep breath, I lifted my chin defiantly out of the shadows. My green eyes locked onto Riarson's onyx orbs, our gazes clashing like opposing forces. "What do you want, Riarson?" I demanded, my voice steady despite the turmoil brewing within me.

You are to be after curfew. Tell me, Nightshade, do you love breaking rules?" He leaned in, his voice taking on a menacing tone. And perhaps with a certain someone lingering in the shadows?" My instincts flared, and I bared my teeth at him before catching myself. He was my leader, and I knew better than to show aggression toward him. He could do anything against me and justify it; I couldn't even offend him without risking consequences.

I took a deep breath and schooled my features into a mask of nonchalance. Crossing my arms over my chest, I unwittingly pushed my breasts up slightly as I said, "So what if I'm out here? A girl is allowed to get some air." My tone was laced with a hint of defiance, but I kept it subtle. Riarson's eyes seemed to bore into me, searching for any sign of deception or weakness.

Riarson's gaze lingered on me, his eyes roving over my body as if searching for any signs of guilt or deception. "Mhm, sure you are doing that," he said, his tone dripping with skepticism. "I saw you sneak out." His eyes seemed to strip me bare, taking in every curve and dip of my body in my flight suit.

My skin prickled under his intense scrutiny, and I felt a flutter in my chest as he spoke. "You will be a fine Rider if you keep this up, trust me." His words sent a shiver down my spine as he smiled, his eyes glinting with an unsettling intensity. For a moment, I felt like a small prey caught in the sights of a predator.

As he turned to leave, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The way he looked at me and spoke... it was almost as if he could see right through me. And then, I saw the flicker of his eyes towards Viloet's hiding spot in the tree above. My heart skipped a beat as I realized Riarson knew she was there all along.

I'll see you around, Nightshade," Riarson said, his voice dripping with an air of superiority as he vanished into the darkness, leaving me alone under the tree. I sighed and shook my head, my eyes rolling toward Viloet's hiding spot.

"Come down," I called out to her, and she scrambled down the tree trunk, holding a cluster of lavender berries in her hands. "Really? That's what you're here for?" I asked, snorting as I surveyed the berries strewn about on the ground. She shrugged, "For my ach tomorrow." I hummed in amusement, "Nice thinking ahead."

I grabbed her arm and led us back to the barracks, trying to process what had just happened with Riarson. His words still lingered in my mind - "You will be a fine Rider if you keep this up, trust me." What did he mean by that? And how did he know Violet was hiding in the tree? The questions swirled in my head as we walked back to our quarters, the darkness of the night seeming to press in around us like an ominous presence.

"Are you okay?" Violet asked, her voice barely above a whisper once we had settled in. I looked over at her, meeting her unwavering eyes, and sighed. I drew the duvet up to my ears, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over me. "I'll be fine once I get some sleep. You don't get much more sleep than the rest of us."

I turned my back on her and drifted off to sleep, trying to push the encounter with Riarson out of my mind. The darkness seemed to close around me, but I was too tired to fight it. My eyelids grew heavy, and I let myself succumb to the fatigue.

As I slipped into unconsciousness, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Riarson's words still lingered in my mind, echoing like a warning: "You will be a fine Rider if you keep this up, trust me." What did he mean by that? And why did it send a shiver down my spine?