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Episode 10 – Whispers, Wounds & Warnings
Tara paced slowly down the dimly lit corridor, her mind a whirlpool of thoughts. Maybe… Principal Z is my father? The idea clung to her like a stubborn shadow. Jisa was his assistant. What if they used Mr. Rayan's plan to kill me? But… I'm not sure.
She shook her head slightly, trying to push away the heaviness. I don't have to be sad. If he wanted me dead, there must be a reason.
Suddenly, the hallway door swung open, and Principal Z stepped inside. His eyes widened when he saw her.
"What are you doing here, Tara?" His voice was tense, measured.
Startled, Tara straightened up. "Sir! I… I was just looking for a part-time job at school."
Principal Z studied her for a moment, then nodded. "I see. You can assist in the nurse's room. Go talk to Doctor Han." His tone softened.
"Sure, sir." Tara nodded, confusion swirling in her chest as she walked away.
I don't know what's going on… but I do need a job. Maybe working in the nurse's room won't be so bad.
Later, in class, Tara sat beside Rose. Nadia was noticeably absent.
"Nadia said she wasn't feeling well," Rose whispered.
Before Tara could respond, the classroom door burst open and a girl, all energy and excitement, hurried in.
"A new teacher has joined! Everyone, to the auditorium!" she called out.
"Is she the new assistant to our principal?" Tara asked.
Rose smiled. "Maybe. I know her — we were in the same section before. Her name's Zoya. She's super chatty and cheerful."
Tara nodded slowly. "Ohh… okay."
In the auditorium, Miss Nyla stood on the stage, radiating warmth as she addressed the students.
"Welcome, students. Please give your attention to Principal Z."
The lights dimmed slightly as Principal Z stepped forward, his voice steady and commanding.
"Good morning, students.
You are in a school where worthy soldiers and responsible citizens are shaped for the nation.
For the past 100 years, our institution has served with great honor and excellence.
There is no place for betrayal here. I have always strived to maintain strict discipline within these walls.
However, due to certain circumstances, one of our teachers had to depart.
In their place, we welcome a new teacher — Mr. Cyrus Throne.
I invite him now to say a few words."
Mr. Cyrus stepped forward, scanning the crowd with a calm confidence, as if he knew every secret.
"Hello, students. I'll do my best to be a good teacher, a guardian… and maybe even a friend."
Students stood in lines. Arib took Tara's hand, squeezing it gently as they whispered.
"Are you sad about Mr. Rayan?" Tara asked softly.
"A little," Arib admitted. "But… he did wrong. One thing's clear — he didn't hurt you."
"Actually… he couldn't."
"Okay, forget that. What about your father? Did you find anything?"
"Yeah…"
The meeting ended, and students began to disperse. Tara shared what she'd seen in Principal Z's office.
Rose's voice was certain. "I'm damn sure he's your father."
Tara frowned. "How can you be so sure?"
"That picture, Tara," Rose said simply.
Arib nodded. "You should talk to him. I'll go with you."
"We'll go," Rose agreed.
Just then, Neel appeared.
"Go? Where?" he asked.
Arib grinned. "Let's go to class, Neel."
Neel turned to Rose. "Hi. Did you have breakfast?"
Rose rolled her eyes. "F*** off."
Tara held up a hand. "Just two minutes…"
She and Arib sneaked back into the empty auditorium. Arib leaned in, attempting a kiss.
Tara laughed softly. "Let me focus! What about Neel?"
Arib smirked. "We can trust him."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. I'll tell him that Principal Z might be your father. We need confirmation."
Tara frowned. "Okay. But why would he help us?"
Arib's grin widened. "Not to help us. He just wants to get close to Rose."
Tara chuckled. "Hah… okay, let's go."
Meanwhile, Neel and Rose walked down the corridor.
"Why are you always so serious?" Neel asked.
"Why are you always clueless?" Rose shot back.
Neel shrugged. "Okay… what do you like? I'll become that."
At the training ground, Arib and Neel arrived late. Mr. Cyrus was already there.
"Someone thinks they can be late? Are they that good?" Mr. Cyrus challenged.
"It's not like that, sir," Arib answered.
"Let's see. Go to the ring — you and Neyon."
The crowd roared as Arib and Neyon faced off, swords drawn.
Neyon lunged, electric energy crackling from his weapon. Arib parried smoothly and countered.
Clang! Steel met steel, sparks flying.
Neyon gritted his teeth. "You're slower than before."
Arib smirked. "And you're still all talk."
The duel intensified. Neyon aimed a sharp strike at Arib's waist. The blow landed, and Arib staggered, blood seeping through his training gear.
Mr. Cyrus ignored the foul. "Someone take him to the nurse's room."
---
In the nurse's room, Dr. Han quickly wrapped a bandage around Arib's waist.
"What happened? Quick!" he demanded.
Neel scowled. "That was against the rules. I feel something's off about Mr. Cyrus."
Arib grimaced. "What can we do?"
Dr. Han shook his head. "Arib, take rest. Don't leave."
He organized the medical supplies.
Neel looked up. "Doctor, don't you think you need an assistant?"
Dr. Han smiled. "I've already got one. She'll come after class."
---
Miss Lipy's class buzzed as Tara arrived at the training ground.
"What are you doing here?" Mr. Cyrus asked sharply.
Neyon smirked. "Sir, she practices with me. She has sword-related powers."
Mr. Cyrus nodded slowly. "I see…"
They began practice. Neyon glanced at Tara with a sly grin.
"Today I fought your boyfriend."
"What? Who?" Tara asked, surprised.
"He's in the nurse's room now."
"Isn't it against the rules to injure someone?"
Neyon shrugged. "It was an accident."
Tara's thoughts raced. What the hell happened in training? Neyon injured him? That wasn't a mistake... it was intentional. He crossed the line.
Her fists clenched tightly as she quickened her steps, eyes glowing faintly red — rage simmering just beneath the surface.
She didn't notice the heat rising off her skin — but Neyon did.
---
Tara entered the nurse's room.
Arib smiled despite the pain. "Hey… I'm okay, alright?"
Tara's voice was sharp. "Okay? You're bleeding, idiot!"
She stormed over, then paused, biting her lip.
Dr. Han watched with a knowing smile. "You care a lot."
Tara's voice softened. "I was scared, you know…"
Arib smiled gently. "I'm fine now… because you're here."
Tara looked away, hiding a small smile.
"Shut up."
Dr. Han chuckled. "You two seem like a couple."
Arib grinned. "Yeah, we are."
Tara playfully hit him.
"Ouch! What?!"
Dr. Han smiled. "Aren't you the girl who came earlier?"
"Yes, sir. I'll assist you from today."
Arib winked. "I'll come for check-ups… every day."
---
In a dark room, flickering candles cast long shadows. A mysterious figure chanted quietly over an ancient book.
Outside, strange creatures stirred, their eerie sounds echoing from deep within the forest — approaching the school..