The next morning, Elara woke before dawn. Pulling on her running shoes, she stepped into the crisp morning air, her breath visible in the cold. Plugging in her earphones, she started her jog, pacing herself for a longer route than usual. Each step echoed her determination.
After an hour, she returned home drenched in sweat, her heartbeat steady yet strong. Without pause, she moved to her backyard training setup. Elara practiced punches, her fists pounding the makeshift bag with precision. Then came push-ups, sit-ups, planks, and stretches until her muscles quivered with effort. She worked until her body felt alive—driven by her growing resolve.
A maid interrupted her focus. "Miss Elara, breakfast is ready."
Elara grabbed a towel to dab at her forehead, muttering, "Finally."
---
Downstairs, the atmosphere was lighter than usual. Her father prepared to leave for work, while Arthur and their mother chatted casually.
"Dad's leaving early," Arthur said, glancing at his sister as she slid into her seat.
Their father adjusted his tie and looked at her. "Make sure you're not slacking, Elara. The exam is coming up, and you'll have to earn your spot. No favors, no shortcuts."
Elara nodded firmly. "I don't need favors, Dad. I'll do it on my own."
Satisfied with her response, her father picked up his briefcase. "Good. See you all later."
"Have a good day, Dad," Elara called after him, a faint smile on her lips.
After he left, Arthur leaned back in his chair. "Mom, Elara, let's head out today. We haven't had a proper family outing in forever."
Their mother's eyes lit up. "That's a wonderful idea! We'll make a day of it."
Elara gave her brother a wary look. "Arthur, do you have an ulterior motive?"
"Maybe." He grinned. "But mainly, I just want to spend time with you two before my next assignment."
---
An hour later, Elara found herself back upstairs, reluctantly letting her mother pick out her outfit.
"Mom, why this?" she groaned, eyeing the brightly colored dress her mother had chosen.
"You've been dressing so plainly lately," her mother said with mock sternness. "Always look your best. You're my princess, after all."
Resigned, Elara slipped into the dress, paired with matching accessories and shoes. When she walked downstairs, Arthur looked up and smirked.
"Well, don't you look adorable," he teased.
Elara shot him a withering look. "Say that again, and I'll ruin your day."
"Feisty as ever," Arthur chuckled.
---
Their first stop was the amusement park. The lively atmosphere was infectious, with laughter and music filling the air. Elara tried to enjoy herself, letting her mother's enthusiasm and Arthur's playful antics distract her.
But as they passed the carousel, Elara froze. Her chest tightened as a dark memory surfaced. Eight years from now… this place becomes a crime scene. She could almost see the cold, lifeless body of the victim sprawled by the ride—a scene she had failed to prevent in her previous life.
Her fists clenched at her sides. Not this time. I'll grow stronger. I'll catch them before they can even start.
Arthur's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Elara? You okay?"
"I'm fine," she lied, forcing a smile.
Their mother noticed the tension and quickly intervened. "Let's head somewhere else. There's an entertainment center nearby. It'll be more fun."
Elara nodded, silently grateful.
---
At the entertainment center, the mood lightened again. They bowled, played VR games, and even tried karaoke. For a while, Elara let herself relax, laughing as Arthur dramatically pretended to sulk after losing at bowling.
But even amidst the joy, her resolve only grew stronger. This time, I'll be ready.
That evening, as the family returned home, Elara felt the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her. She excused herself early, slipping into the solitude of her room. The moment the door clicked shut behind her, she felt the familiar surge of determination.
Sitting at her desk, she opened her notebook, the pages already filled with scribbles and plans. Her hand moved with urgency, jotting down new goals—training schedules, tactical exercises, everything that could give her an edge. But her thoughts kept drifting back to the amusement park, to the body that would soon lie cold beneath the lights.
I won't let it happen this time.
The words echoed in her mind, steadying her resolve. She clenched her fists, imagining the killer, the fear that gripped the city when they struck, the unsolved case. The detective inside her flared to life again.
But this time… she wouldn't be a helpless bystander.
She stood up from her desk and moved toward the window, staring out at the sprawling view of the city. I'll train harder. Faster. Smarter.
The sounds of her family downstairs were muffled, but in that silence, a new kind of clarity began to take root. She wasn't just preparing for a military exam anymore. She was preparing to take down something far more dangerous.
The past was closing in on her—its shadow was always there, always looming. But now, she had the strength, the will, and the knowledge to rewrite it.
A soft knock on her door broke her thoughts. "Elara?" her mother called softly.
With a deep breath, Elara pulled herself together and turned from the window. "Yes, Mom?"
"We're having dinner. Join us when you're ready."
Elara's lips curved into a faint, quiet smile. "I'll be down soon."
But as she sat back down, pen in hand, her gaze lingered on the pages she'd filled. Her training wasn't just about surviving the academy. It was about something bigger. The weight of her mission was clear now.
This time, I will not fail.
Author note
Hii hii my darling readers,trust you are having a good day..please do well to like and comments, add to collection and please recommend to your friends,as an author what we want the most is support to boost us and our writing speed,so please support this author as a new author what I want the most is active readers not just viewers,I love you guys.. thank you.