(Evelina's POV — Tactical Training Center, Private Centre)
The door sealed shut behind me with a heavy metallic hiss, trapping the air in a cold, oppressive stillness. The world outside faded—gunshots, footsteps, and voices were muted into ghosts behind concrete walls.
My trainer stood there.
Rowan Arcturus.
The Fifth Male Lead.
The man whose entire character route revolved around protecting Sera with absolute, terrifying loyalty—and killing anyone who threatened her.
Including Evelina Hartgrave.
My spine prickled.
Rowan's steel-grey eyes locked onto me, unreadable as a blade fresh from the forge. He didn't blink. Didn't shift. Didn't breathe wrong.
He simply stood there. A wall disguised as a man. The instructor beside me stepped back slightly—as if instinctively avoiding proximity to a predator.
"Rowan," he said, "this is your trainee for the next seven days."
