**Many Days Later at the Night Wing Sect**
The sun had long set on the Night Wing Sect, but for Ria, it felt like it had been an eternity since she'd seen the light. Once a respected scientist and member of Team Aka, her title had been stripped, and she was now an ordinary civilian, shunned and despised by nearly everyone. Only Sam remained by her side, offering silent support. Even Tate, who had once been a mentor and a leader she admired, couldn't bear to look at her.
Ria toiled as a community worker, always under the watchful eyes of the sect's guards. Her presence was a constant reminder of the failed mission, and the people around her made sure she felt their contempt. One particularly spiteful day, a former rival poured a drink over her head. Ria endured the humiliation in silence, her mind replaying Will's last words.
---
**In the Sect Leader's Office**
Tate sat at his desk, surrounded by the weight of his responsibilities, when a familiar voice broke the silence.
"It's been far too long, brother."
He didn't need to look up to recognize Zamira. "What do you want, Zamira?"
"Can't a sister just visit her little brother?" she replied, her tone laced with false sweetness.
"In your case, there's always an ulterior motive," Tate responded coolly.
"Smart as always." She sauntered in and perched on his desk. "I heard about your sect's failed launch. I must say, I expected more from you, brother. Father already knows."
Tate sighed. "I'm guessing that's why you're here."
"You know I'm a woman of my word, and so are you. Just stripping her of her title isn't enough for such a treasonous act. An exile seems more reasonable."
"An exile is too cruel," Tate protested.
"And since when do you care about anyone's welfare?" Zamira retorted.
"We aren't even sure if the crash was due to a glitch in the system," Tate argued.
"The crash site has been under tight investigation, and there were no survivors. Our scientists rechecked the system's database and found the problem. You said the system was indestructible, meaning it could have survived the crash. There's nothing more to discuss."
"I'm not sending Ria to exile, and that's final," Tate declared.
"Is that how a sect leader rules?" came a deeper, more authoritative voice from the entrance. Tate turned and saw his father, a member of the board. "I could overlook a failed launch attempt, but diverting from the rules for a mere girl is simply unacceptable."
Tate had always feared and respected his father. Unable to defy him, he reluctantly agreed to the board's decision.
---
**At the Park**
Ria continued her community service, her mind haunted by memories of Will's final words. Later, she was taken to a cell to await her trial. Tate, meanwhile, slipped away to a secret passage near the sect's border. As the doors opened, he found Will, shirtless and bandaged, looking out of the building's large window.
"I see you're still up so late," Tate said quietly.
"You said I'd be able to leave once I fully recovered," Will replied.
"The time still isn't right. The crash wasn't a coincidence, and revealing that you're alive could make things worse. The best option is to stay hidden," Tate insisted.
He had secretly saved Will after visiting the crash site, with only his most trusted subjects knowing the truth. Will pressed on, "So, how did the meeting with your father go?"
Tate lied, "He was just checking on the sect."
Back in her cell, Ria clutched the necklace around her neck, drawing strength from it.
---
**At the Trial**
Days passed, and the trial finally came. Ria stood before the council, and the verdict was unanimous: exile. She turned to Tate with pleading eyes, but he looked away, agreeing to the council's decision. She was taken into custody, led out by the guards as Tate clenched his fists. Zamira watched, pleased with herself.
"You did the right thing, brother," she said smugly.
---
**In the Woods**
Ria was loaded into a tech carriage and driven to the sect's border. She was forced out as the doors closed. Desperately, she banged on the door, but it was futile. The carriage teleported away, leaving her alone. Ria fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
"Please, don't leave me here," she cried, her voice echoing through the empty forest.
🥺
👘❣️Manesta.