"What do I do?" she asked herself, rubbing her face in despair.
"What have you done, Lilith? You are a murderer."
"No, no, no, Nex," Lilith cried, tears streaming down her cheeks. "It was not intentional. I didn't mean to do any of this. Please, Nex, you have to believe me. It's not my fault."
"Oh really, Lilith? But you just murdered Lyra in cold blood. How could you even be capable of such a thing? I might be your friend, but I won't conceal evil. I am reporting this straight to Sensei Moran," he said with a serious face as he turned and walked away. "I am so sorry, Lilith."
"No, Nex, please! Not discipline Sensei Moran! Please, Nex, don't do this to me. I might get expelled or even worse, serve a worldwide punishment. Please, Nex!" Lilith fell to the floor and sobbed uncontrollably, crying her eyes out to Nex, but all her pleas fell on deaf ears as he left her there alone.
"Oh no, no, no!" she screamed into the palm of her hand out of frustration. Why was all this happening to her? Why did she make the terrible mistake of hitting Lyra? She lowered her forehead to the ground in a bow, crying desperately to the earth, begging it to open up and swallow her whole. She just couldn't understand what was going on anymore. She remained like that until she heard a very familiar voice call her name.
"Lilith?"
"Andreas!" She turned around and saw him standing a few steps away. She ran toward him and immediately embraced him, crying profusely into his chest.
"What's the matter?" he asked with genuine concern in his voice.
"Andreas, I killed someone," she managed to say through her outburst.
"You what?" He was at a loss for words. "Who was it, and why?"
"Her name is Lyra," she sniffed. "She was a bully and really annoying. She attacked me first, and I was only defending myself. I didn't mean to kill her, Andreas, I swear!"
"It's okay, Lilith. I believe you completely. Did anyone see you?"
"Yes, Nex! He just left to report me to Sensei Moran, the disciplinarian. My time here is completely over," she burst into tears again. "Andreas, please help me. I don't want to be kicked out of this institute. It has been my dream since I was young. Please help me!"
"It's okay, Lilith. No one is sending you out of this institute. I promise you that," he assured her as he hugged her tightly. "Where is Lyra?" he asked, his eyes darting around.
"Over there," Lilith pointed to Lyra's lifeless body.
Andreas walked over and stared at Lyra for a few seconds. He knew it wasn't wise to reveal his true strength to Lilith now, but he had no choice. He had to save her from this situation, and the only way was to breathe life back into the dead Lyra. No! he told himself firmly. Lilith must never know what he was truly capable of—for her own good. So, he decided to send her away.
"Lilith, go to your room and get your first aid kit. I think she's still breathing," he said with such seriousness that Lilith had no reason to doubt him.
"Really? She is?" Lilith's face lit up with hope. "I'll go now!" She rushed out immediately, not wanting to waste a second.
Good. Andreas turned back to Lyra's body. He raised her head slightly and opened her mouth. Then he leaned over and breathed into her, his breath of life jolting her back to consciousness before he left to find Lilith. There was no use staying—she wouldn't have seen him to say thank you. Not that he wanted any appreciation; he did it only for Lilith.
*cough*
Lyra coughed deeply as she slowly opened her eyes. She sat up slightly, looking around, trying to recognize the place. But nothing was familiar. She was brushing the sand off her dress when a voice called out nearby.
"Lyra?"
"Oh, Nex!" she smiled sweetly. "There you are." She walked closer and saw he was not alone; Sensei Moran stood with him. "Good evening, Sensei," she greeted, bowing politely. The sensei looked shocked to see her.
"Good evening, Lyra," she managed to say. "How are you?"
"Well, Sensei, I am doing very fine." She maintained her smile.
"Were you by any chance attacked by anyone?"
"No, Sensei, I'm perfectly fine."
"But—" Nex was utterly confused. "Lilith killed you. You were—"
"Enough, aspiring ranger Nexine," Sensei Moran interrupted with anger. "You accused your fellow aspirant of murder and must bear the consequences." She turned away sternly, clearly disappointed in Nex.
"Bye, Nex," Lyra waved as she made her way back to the hall, completely oblivious to Nex's words, leaving him standing there, confused to his core.
*
"First aid box. First aid box, where are you?" Lilith was losing her mind as she frantically searched for her first aid kit. Finally, she found it under her bed and thanked her stars. She grabbed it and dashed toward the door.
"It's already too late for that," Andreas said calmly from her bed, where he lay seeming peaceful. "I saved her already, and she's gone back to the party."
"Really?" Lilith turned around in disbelief.
He nodded.
"Thank you so much, Andreas. You're really the best."
"You're very welcome, Lilith," he smiled. "Now, it's time for you to get some rest. Your training begins tomorrow."
"Of course." Lilith went into the bathroom and had a long, refreshing bath. She recalled everything that had happened earlier and how horribly Nex had let her down. He was really a douchebag, she thought with a sigh. But Andreas had perfect timing to save her. He was indeed a darling, she thought with a smile.
Before long, she was out of the bathroom. She had dressed in there because she no longer felt comfortable changing in front of Andreas, and he understood, sometimes excusing her. She sat before her mirror and let down her wet hair, letting it cascade over her shoulders. She stared at her reflection for a few seconds before making her way to bed.
Andreas gave her space to lie down, and they shared the bed.
"Thank you so much, Andreas, for today," she whispered gratefully before closing her eyes and embracing the darkness.
"You're welcome," he said softly.
He looked at her innocent, sleeping face with deep affection but quickly jolted back to reality. He had a mission, and he must not be distracted. He stood to leave her room to get some fresh air outside, pecking her gently on the forehead—but was caught off guard by what she muttered in her sleep.
"I love you, Andreas."
"You love me? You love me?" …