NEXT DAY
INT - EVAH'S ROOM - 9 AM
Evah couldn't sleep. Despite never seeing what happened after Major General Erion's order for her to close her eyes, the gunshots still echoed in her mind, like a soundtrack to her nightmares. The adrenaline, which had surged through her body during the mission, didn't fade. Instead, it crept back in, an uninvited guest she couldn't shake. Before, she thought her life couldn't get worse. But it had.
Now, she had no job, no purpose. Worse, she was afraid to even step outside. But she couldn't spend another day like this. She literally couldn't afford to. Her family, clueless about the chaos that had engulfed her life, depended on her. Yet, she had no intention of letting them know what had really happened.
The emptiness of her thoughts was broken by the sharp ring of her phone. It was Yuka. Automatically, Evah answered, forcing a smile onto her tired face.
"Can I visit you there? Why does it have to be on the other side of the world?" Evah whined, her voice light but tinged with the familiar sadness they both felt.
"Yes, but... the doctor advised that it's better if I meet visitors after I'm halfway through my recovery. They said the environment will help me heal." Yuka smiled softly, putting on the best act she could, trying to lift Evah's spirits.
The screen showed her lying in a hospital bed, her phone placed beside her.
"I'm fine, stop crying! It's so weird, you know?" Yuka giggled, though her eyes held the weight of their shared history.
Despite herself, Evah's tears fell. Yuka knew how much she hated crying, and she knew how badly Evah carried the burden of everything that had happened.
"If I'd realized it earlier…" Evah's voice trailed off as she stared blankly out the window, her thoughts distant.
"Evah! For the hundredth time, it's not your fault. If not for you, I would be dead right now. Stop stressing me out, okay?" Yuka's voice took on a more serious tone. "How about you go to the Major General and thank him for what he's done for us?"
"He's part of the Grand Covenant Order. I don't trust them. He's a bad person, and he almost left you there," Evah snapped, her frustration surfacing.
"Well, he had to be strategic. It's not always a simple decision to make." Yuka's tone softened, her weakened body barely able to move, but her words were firm.
Evah rolled her eyes, muttering to herself. Right, journalists and law enforcement are both supposed to be heroes. Great. They all promise to save lives, don't they?
"Promise me you'll always answer my calls, okay?" Evah's voice was urgent, a mix of protectiveness and fear.
"Of course, stop blaming yourself!" Yuka spoke more seriously now, her tone filled with emotion. "Sadly, I might not be able to continue my career in this condition, but I'm so thankful I'm alive. Someone literally risked their life for me. Evah, you're the sweetest thing I have!" Yuka laughed softly, trying to keep things light.
Back then, Yuka's giggle would've brought a smile to Evah's face, but now it just made her feel more guilty. Yuka was enduring so much, yet she still tried to keep everything upbeat.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Who?" Yuka looked up, puzzled for a moment.
Evah's brow furrowed. No one knows where I live except Yuka. I never invite anyone over...
"Maybe your family?" Yuka suggested, her voice teasing.
"I never told them where I live. I'll call you later," Evah said quickly, ending the call.
She pulled herself out of bed, still wearing a short tank top and shorts, and walked over to the monitor displaying the security camera at the front door.
What the—? The screen was black.
She tried again. Still nothing.
Is it broken?
"Who is it?" she called out, but there was no reply.
She hesitated, then made to turn back to her bed, but the knock came again.
No, this was getting ridiculous! Evah's frustration flared. She dashed to the door, her heart pounding, ready to throw every ounce of her anger at whoever was on the other side.
INT- ERION'S OFFICE- 2 PM
"Hello! What brings you here?" Erion entered the room, a stack of black folders in his hand. He approached with a smile, his presence calm, but Evah could feel the irritation bubbling up as she sat rigidly in her chair, glaring at him.
He was grinning.
Don't act innocent, you jester! Her thoughts screamed at him. With sharp eyes, she could almost kill him with a glance.
Erion closed the door behind him and moved to his desk, continuing to beam at her, unaffected by the venom in her stare.
"Do you want some coffee or tea?" He asked casually, almost as if they were having a pleasant conversation.
He slid the folders into a drawer, not bothering to look at Evah.
"You asked your minions to kidnap me," she said, her voice cold, never leaving his gaze.
"First of all, don't call the Grand Covenant Order 'minions.' You might get jailed for that," Erion said with mock concern, shaking his head.
Two-faced traitor!
"Second," he continued, "I didn't kidnap you. I'm here to help you." He walked closer, flashing her a smile. "I apologize that you had to be escorted here, but this is for your safety. I understand that the trauma from what happened is still with you, and it'll take time to process."
His voice softened, but Evah wasn't buying it. His sudden kindness felt like a mask, and she refused to be fooled by it.
"We'll support all the therapy you need. Like Miss Iekami, you'll be given a card to access all the medical assistance necessary," he added. Yuka had mentioned this to her, but Evah hadn't expected to receive the same support, especially since her injuries were minimal.
Evah's gaze remained fixed on Erion, her expression cold and uninterested in his words.
"But more importantly..." Erion stood and walked over to a shelf, retrieving one of the files. The bright sunlight streaming through the window illuminated the room, making the dark folder stand out against the otherwise warm atmosphere.
He opened the file with a deliberate motion.
"Evallithyia Arsenault," he began, scanning the pages while pacing around her.
"Twenty-five years old, with a younger brother and mother in the province of Philpan. Graduated at the top of her class, and won eight Originator conventions. Impressive." His tone dripped with sarcasm, clearly dismissing her accomplishments.
As he read aloud, his eyes flicked to Evah, the mockery in his gaze apparent.
"Worked, or should I say, 'worked' as an Originator Staff for five years at a private company. A rather famous one, too." He raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on her.
"Five years, and no promotion? Really?" His voice was thick with disdain, his words mocking.
Evah's jaw clenched. Shut up. You don't know anything about me. The bitter thought surged in her mind, but she didn't respond. His taunts only amplified the self-doubt she already harbored.
Her eyes burned with frustration. How dare you judge me, just because you're higher ranked?
Yuka had told her that this man was the Major General of Y'Ruen. She had always imagined someone older, perhaps middle-aged, with a commanding presence and an almost terrifying authority. That was the kind of person who held such a position. Every Zone had men like that—unyielding, hardened by years of power. So how could someone so young possibly have risen to such a rank? The role was more than just a title; it was a nearly impossible achievement, reserved only for those who had fought their way to the top through treacherous political maneuvering and military brilliance. It was like becoming the president of a nation—except with the weight of law enforcement across the entire land. It was the highest position, one most people could only dream of. But she tried to reason with herself: everything was a political dynasty, everything was corrupt, and she was certain he was no exception.
Beneath her anger, there was an uncomfortable pang of jealousy. She realized with a jolt that the man accompanying him in the warehouse was one of the highest-ranking officials in the Grand Covenant Order.
She bit her lip, silencing the seething emotions inside her.
She wasn't entirely sure of Erion's age, but there had to be only a slight gap between them. How can he be a Major General at such a young age? she thought bitterly. Probably connections...
The room was adorned with gleaming medals and prestigious glass awards. Even if she hated to admit it, she couldn't help but envy his success.
"Why waste your time there?" Erion asked, dropping into his desk chair, his voice laced with condescension in Evah's eyes.
"Your inventions could have saved countless lives by now, if you hadn't wasted so much time with that worthless company." Erion's gaze shifted from the folder, locking onto Evah with an intensity that made his words cut deeper.
"I'm sure your ideas were just overshadowed by some rich kid, right?" Erion said casually, a lopsided smile tugging at his lips.
Stunned, Evah blinked, unsure if she'd heard him correctly. She shot him a confused look.
"I checked the records of your inventions. They're impressive. But then you stopped when you joined that company. Who would've thought you'd throw it all away?" His smile twisted into one of mocking amusement.
"Are you complimenting me or insulting me? Pick one!" She snapped, her patience unraveling. "That's it, I'm leaving!" She stood, turning toward the door.