Evah shot to her feet, her chair scraping loudly against the floor—though no one seemed to notice the noise.
She couldn't breathe. The weight pressing against her chest was too much.
Sitting there, pretending everything was fine—it felt impossible.
All she wanted now was a way out. Any way out.
The celebration carried on, untouched by the weight of her unease.
Erion stood near the front, exchanging pleasantries with guests. His smile was polite, practiced. Around him, laughter floated like smoke.
"How was the service, Erion?"
The voice came from a broad, bald man with a neatly trimmed silver beard—Major General Julio. He wore a similar uniform, though his medals were fewer. An old friend of the Mcquides, and someone Erion had known since boyhood.
"Tiring," Erion replied, smiling. "But fulfilling."
Almost done, he reminded himself. Just a little longer.
"Doesn't he look sharp in uniform?" his father chimed in, raising his glass.
"He certainly does." Julio grinned, then turned slightly. "Actually, I was hoping to introduce my daughter."
"By all means, compare!" his father chuckled.
Erion turned just as Julio called out, "Maria!"
A girl in a flowing pink dress approached, eyes locked on Erion like he was a fairytale prince.
"You remember her, don't you? You two used to run around this hall as kids!"
"Of course," Erion said smoothly, bowing his head. He gave her the kind of smile expected of him—nothing more.
But his attention slipped.
Across the hall, just beyond the crowd—a white dress disappearing through the exit.
His expression faltered for half a second.
Bunny?
ZONE 7 – CALI'DUS, 8PM
EXT. UNIVERSITY BLOCK – OUTSIDE PERIGO
"Free samples! Come try them—only while supplies last!"
The old woman's voice rang over the sidewalk, bright and sharp. She stood outside a narrow shop, her frail frame wrapped in a colorful shawl. A plastic tray full of luxury beauty products sat at her side.
A swarm of young women rushed toward her, wide-eyed and excited. In times like these, no one gave anything away for free—especially not high-end cosmetics.
"Please form a line!" shouted a man in his forties, likely her son. "Everyone will get a sample. No pushing."
The crowd buzzed with chatter and laughter. This had been happening for days, and the hype only grew stronger.
Inside the store, the woman continued handing out small, delicately wrapped containers. She smiled with every customer—but watched each girl carefully, as if measuring something behind their faces.
"Which one do you like, dear?" she asked a shy girl near the counter.
"Anything is fine. Thank you," the girl replied, blushing under the woman's gaze.
The old woman leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. "You're very pretty. Have you ever thought of modeling?"
The girl's eyes lit up. She stammered, "R-Really?"
"Yes, yes." The woman ducked behind the counter and pulled out a thick stack of business cards. "My son's an agent. He's always looking for fresh faces."
She slipped the girl a card and added an extra sample to her bag.
"Call if you're interested, alright?" she said with a wink.
The girl walked out beaming.
AR'SIA – GARDEN BESIDE THE PLAZA, 8PM
EXT. GARDEN COURTYARD
The garden was breathtaking at night.
Evah wandered along the path, drawn toward the soft glow of string lights weaving through flower-laced trellises. Tables sat scattered among trimmed hedges, but she bypassed them all and settled near the pond at the far end.
Small Koi fish stirred below the surface, illuminated by a gentle waterfall spilling from a stone fixture. The breeze brushed against her skin, cool and calming.
She pulled her knees in and watched the ripples, letting herself feel still.
"Miss, it's cold out here."
The voice startled her.
She turned. The young man from earlier—the one who brought her the drink—stood a few steps away, smiling again. This time, his tone felt more casual, more curious.
Evah gave a polite smile in return, not wanting to seem rude.
He stepped closer, hands in his pockets. His complexion was lighter than most people at the estate, and there was a certain elegance to the way he stood.
Maybe he's a guest from one of the noble families, she thought.
"Not enjoying the party?" he asked.
Evah hesitated. "No—it's not that," she replied, forcing another small smile. "I'm just not used to events like this."
"You don't have to lie," he chuckled. "Let's be honest—who actually enjoys these things?"
That made her blink. She wasn't sure if he was joking, or if there was something bitter beneath his tone.
"Well," he added, "maybe the girls hoping to marry Erion. But someone like you... you don't care about that, do you?"
There it was—veiled jealousy. And yet, it almost amused her. It reminded her of how she'd disliked Erion too.
"Do you want to get out of here?" he asked suddenly, glancing at her from head to toe.
The question dropped like a stone in her chest.
Her spine stiffened. His tone had changed—just enough to sound off. And yet... it wasn't fear that made her pause.
It was his expression.
He had gone pale.
He wasn't looking at her anymore—he was staring at her hand.
Evah followed his gaze and raised her hand slowly.
"Do you know what this means?" she asked, genuinely curious. Nova never told me. Just that I should never take it off.
The man's face drained of color.
"I—I'm sorry!" he blurted, stepping back.
Then he turned and bolted, disappearing into the shadows of the plaza without another word.
Evah sat frozen, her hand still lifted.
She looked at it, turning it over under the garden light. Nothing had changed.
What was that?