The words fell like an inescapable sentence. Marcus opened his eyes wide with panic, his body convulsing in another fit of trembling. A fresh stream of urine ran down his legs, and Number 13 released him with a disgusted grimace.
"Ugh, disgusting!" he shouted, stepping back.
Seizing the moment, Marcus dropped to his knees and, through tears, began to beg.
"Please! Don't kill me! I won't say anything, I swear! I can be useful—I know business... I can work for you!"
Number 14 drew a knife, eager to carry out the order, but the leader stopped him.
"Wait. This could be fun," said Number 12 with a twisted smile. He produced a bottle containing a dark, viscous liquid that seemed to pulse inside the container. "If you want to join us, prove it."
Marcus, terrified and confused, stared at the bottle in horror.
"W-what?"
The leader leaned in close, gripping Marcus's trembling hands around the bottle. He whispered, his tone as cold as steel:
"Kill them. Your friends."
Marcus swallowed hard, his mind swirling in chaos. Tears filled his eyes as he looked at the bottle, trembling even more.
"B-but…"
Number 12 gave him no time to think.
"I don't have time for your doubts. If you want to live, do it. Now."
With a broken voice, Marcus responded:
"O-okay…"
His steps were slow and heavy as he approached his unconscious friends, who lay scattered on the ground after the explosion. Each movement was accompanied by the laughter of the hooded figures, who watched the scene unfold like a macabre game. With his face drenched in tears, Marcus forced each of his friends to drink from the bottle. He couldn't bear to look into their eyes as he did it, but the sound of their faint breaths would haunt him forever.
When he finished, he stumbled back to Number 12, trembling.
"I-I did it…"
The leader smiled, patting him on the back.
"Good."
He tossed Marcus a black cloak and a mask.
"Put them on. We're leaving."
Marcus hesitated for a moment, glancing back at his friends. But he quickly shook his head, trying to block out his thoughts. He donned the cloak and mask, hiding the tears that continued to fall.
"What about the girl?" asked Number 14, pointing to Elise, who lay unconscious on the ground.
The leader didn't hesitate.
"Kill her."
Marcus reacted immediately.
"Please, no! She didn't see anything! She's unconscious!"
Number 12 grabbed him by the throat, lifting him effortlessly.
"Listen carefully, insect. You're alive right now because I allow it. Remember your place."
Between sobs, Marcus begged,
"She's my fiancée. At least… let me say goodbye to her. Please."
Surprisingly, the leader burst into laughter.
"Fine. Then do it yourself." He handed Marcus a knife with a challenging look. "Show me what you're worth."
With trembling hands, Marcus took the knife and approached Elise. His breathing was ragged as he leaned over her. Just as he raised the weapon, a distant shout echoed through the forest.
"Guards! Over here!"
Number 12 clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Damn it. Let's go."
Without hesitation, the hooded figures began to move, vanishing into the trees like shadows. Marcus dropped the knife and hurried after them, his mind a whirlwind of fear and confusion.
When the forest fell silent, Elise opened her eyes slowly. She had been awake the entire time. With effort, she sat up, her gaze falling on the knife discarded on the ground. Then, she looked in the direction Marcus had fled, a determined expression forming on her face.
The next day...
Sunlight filtered through the hospital windows, illuminating the room where Luther slept soundly. He stretched and yawned deeply as he sat up, groaning when the morning sun hit his face directly. Begrudgingly, he shuffled to the window and slammed it shut. That's when his gaze fell outside.
Down in the gardens, a flurry of activity unfolded: students and professors moved about, loading carriages and preparing for departure. Luther's eyes widened as he remembered.
"Damn it, damn it, damn it!" he exclaimed, clutching his head in panic.
Without wasting a second, he dashed down the hallway. As he ran, he passed other students who greeted him casually.
"Morning, Luther!"
"Hey, Luther! Ready for today?"
He waved nervously, too focused to respond. At a corner, he almost collided with Elise, who was walking leisurely with a pensive expression. She raised an eyebrow as he rushed past.
"Uh, hi?" she called after him, noticing his frantic pace.
Luther didn't stop to answer. Elise watched him go, clearly confused.
"What's wrong with him?" she murmured to herself as he disappeared down the corridor.
Finally, Luther reached his room, bursting in and hurriedly throwing on his clothes. His outfit was a mess, and it took several attempts to button his shirt properly. Grabbing his belongings haphazardly, he bolted back outside.
In the central courtyard, still panting, he saw the group already assembled and ready to depart. Elise spotted him and walked over with a teasing smile.
"Well, looks like someone had a rough morning."
Luther sighed, shaking his head as he caught his breath.
"Don't tease me…" he muttered between gasps. "I completely forgot we were leaving today!"
Elise chuckled softly.
"Always so scatterbrained, aren't you?"
Before Luther could reply, a hush fell over the crowd. Princess Selene had arrived, flanked by royal guards. Her presence commanded immediate respect. She walked to the front of the group, her movements graceful and authoritative. Draped in a blue cloak embroidered with golden designs, she practically glowed in the morning light.
"Today," she began, her voice clear and firm, "marks a new chapter in your lives. The academy will not be an easy place, and though you represent your families, you will depend on no one but yourselves. Every step you take will reflect your effort, your courage, and your determination."
Luther listened intently, her words igniting something deep within him. His hands clenched into fists, his gaze fixed on the princess, filled with determination.
Elise noticed his expression and smiled, holding out her hand to him.
"Shall we?" she asked gently.
Luther glanced at her hand, and after a brief pause, he smiled.
"Let's go," he said, taking her hand firmly.
Together, they walked toward the line, boarding one of the large carriages that would take them to the academy. The other students whispered among themselves, but Luther barely noticed. His eyes were fixed on the horizon as the carriage began to move, marking the start of a journey that would change their lives forever.