---
The dorm room was wrapped in silence, shadows cast by the moonlight filtering through the curtains. Suddenly, a knock echoed softly against the door.
Rose frowned, sitting up on her bed. "Someone at night? Why now?"
Nadia's eyes flickered uneasily, a flicker of dread tightening her chest. Is it... the police? she wondered, biting her lip.
Tara moved to the door. "Let's see. Who is it?"
She opened it to reveal a slim girl with long, wavy hair, dragging luggage and books behind her.
"Hi," Tara greeted cautiously.
The girl smiled faintly. "Hey. I'm Zoya."
Recognition flickered across Tara's face. "Yeah… I've heard of you."
Without waiting for an invitation, Zoya stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room with an air of casual confidence. "Hi, roomies! I'm your new roommate."
Rose blinked, surprised. "We weren't informed about any new roommate."
Zoya shrugged nonchalantly. "Then talk to the warden."
She set her bags down, already rearranging her belongings.
"Need help?" Tara offered.
"Sure. Help me with these books, please," Zoya said.
Nadia narrowed her eyes. "Why move in at night?"
Zoya gave a vague shrug. "Busy earlier."
Tara reached for a bag, but Zoya's sharp voice stopped her. "Don't touch that."
Tara hesitated but let it be.
Her phone buzzed suddenly. A message from Arib made her smile, and she quickly typed a reply.
"Who's that?" Nadia asked quietly, glancing at the screen.
"Just a friend," Tara answered calmly, though Rose smirked knowingly. Nadia caught the unspoken truth—Arib was more than just a friend.
"Any update about the lawyer?" Tara asked Rose.
Rose nodded. "My mom arranged one."
"Good. We have to be at court soon."
Rose teased, "Does Arib know?"
"Yeah. He's coming too."
"Alone?"
Tara grinned. "Expecting someone?"
"Why would I?"
"He's not that bad."
"Not my type."
Tara laughed softly. "He's good at training... and funny too."
Rose waved her off.
Tara's mind drifted to darker thoughts. She didn't kill Jisa… I didn't. But Jisa died for me. That's the truth. But should I be punished for it?
From her bed, Zoya's voice cut through the quiet. "Tara, are you going to court the day after tomorrow?"
Rose frowned. "How do you know?"
Zoya smiled faintly. "I asked her."
Tara nodded. "Yeah, I am."
Zoya's smile was warm. "Good luck."
---
The next day, the sun was pale as Tara finished her class and walked toward the training field. Neyon spotted her immediately.
"Feeling better?" he asked.
"Yeah. Why? Heard something?"
Neyon glanced at her red-tinged eyes and remained silent.
"Nothing," he said finally.
Arib arrived with his usual confident stride. "Tara, train with me today."
Neyon said nothing but watched, knowing how fiercely Tara guarded Arib.
A commanding voice interrupted them. "Would you like to learn from me? Cyrus Throne."
Tara nodded. "Sure, sir."
Arib pouted in mock jealousy.
"Let's have lunch later, okay? Bye."
---
In the training ring, Cyrus Throne's tone was cold and probing. "So… what happened to you? I heard you were in a coma."
Tara's mind raced. Is that why he wants to train me?
"Answer me," he demanded.
"Sorry, sir. It was an accident."
"After your 'accident,' Mr. Rayan was fired."
"I didn't know that…"
"Tell me the truth. I don't want to get fired because of you."
Anger simmered inside Tara, but she said nothing.
"Silent now? Didn't your parents teach you manners? Maybe they didn't have any either."
Her eyes flared red. Flames roared to life, wrapping around her hair like a fiery halo.
With a sudden, fierce strike, she summoned a blazing sword and cut through the air. Cyrus Throne was thrown to the ground with a heavy thud.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Students froze in shock.
Arib rushed forward, gripping her tightly. "Tara, what did you just do?!"
The flames flickered and died down as she calmed herself.
She stepped forward and bowed her head in apology.
"We'll… talk later," Cyrus said, struggling to rise and walking away.
"That was intense… but kinda cool," Arib grinned.
"I can't control it, Arib. Everyone near me is at risk."
"You'll learn. I promise."
---
Later, by the pond, the breeze was cool and soft. Tara stared into the still water, lost in thought.
Arib slipped an arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry. Everything will be okay."
She rested her head on his chest. "I still don't know what to say to my father… or what to do."
"We'll figure it out. Together."
"What about your father?"
"I'll fix it."
"You can share everything with me…"
Arib kissed her forehead gently. "I know, baby."
But even as he said it, his eyes betrayed a hidden tension—he wasn't ready to share everything, not yet.
From a distance, Nadia quietly snapped a photo of the pair. Without hesitation, she sent it to Mr. Rayan.
Later, on the phone, Mr. Rayan and Nadia spoke in hushed, urgent tones.
---
The next morning, Tara and Rose sat quietly in the car. Arib and Neel climbed in behind them.
Rose grumbled. "Again?"
Neel, cheerful as ever, waved. "I'm here to help Tara! Hi, Taraaa!"
"Hi, Neel," Tara smiled.
Tara and Arib settled into the back seat.
Neel turned to Rose. "You just focus on driving. I'll give Tara emotional support. Tara, have you had water today?"
Rose muttered, "You being quiet would be the best support."
Neel whispered, "If you weren't here, I would've been her lawyer. I've basically done a law degree through Netflix."
Rose rolled her eyes. "Whatever."
---
The grand courtroom was a cavernous space filled with murmurs and tension. Light spilled through stained-glass windows, painting colorful patterns on the polished floor.
Justice Armon Vale banged his gavel. "Court is in session. Case E-792: The State vs. Tara Fireborn. The accused is charged with the murder of Jisa. Let the hearing begin."
The prosecutor, Mr. Kairon Vell, rose smoothly. "Your Honor, the evidence is clear. Tara used a fire-forged weapon. Seventy percent of Jisa's body was burned. This was not self-defense—it was murder."
The defense lawyer, Mr. Samuel, interrupted. "Objection! My client acted in self-defense. Jisa attacked first. Tara was protecting herself."
Justice Vale called for order. "Prosecution, your first witness."
Nadia entered the courtroom. Her eyes met Tara's briefly, but she quickly looked away.
Tara's mind raced. Was she supposed to be here?
Neel whispered beside her, "Nadia is the villain."
Rose snorted quietly. "You really need to stop watching so many movies."
Arib was silent, eyes sharp and observant.
Mr. Kairon Vell addressed Nadia. "What happened the night of Jisa's death?"
Nadia's voice was steady. "Jisa attacked Tara. Tara had no choice but to defend herself."
"Then why did Tara flee the scene?"
Nadia answered calmly, "She was taken to the hospital."
Mr. Kairon Vell looked toward the court. "She fled. This wasn't self-defense; this was murder."
The defense lawyer objected again. "Objection! We don't have proof of murder. Tara was defending herself."
Justice Vale declared, "The court will reconvene in seven days. The defendant remains in custody."
Tara stood silent, the weight of the trial pressing down on her shoulders. Nadia left the courtroom without looking back, her testimony leaving more questions than answers.