Aisha adjusted the buckle of her uniform in front of the mirror, watching as her reflection returned a tense, practiced smile. With each breath, she tried to calm the storm of emotions within her. The summons to the headmaster's office hadn't surprised her—but finding her father, Darían, waiting there was a blow she hadn't braced for.
—Miss Aisha, they're expecting you —announced the secretary with a professional nod.
She stepped inside, forcing herself to remain composed. Darían sat beside the desk, a cup of coffee in one hand and a stack of documents in the other. His cold, calculating demeanor contrasted with the unexpected warmth in his voice.
—Aisha… my daughter.
The almost gentle tone threw her off. Surprised, Aisha clenched her fists and forced herself to respond politely.
—What a pleasant surprise to see you, Father… after so long.
Darían set the cup down and slid the documents across the desk toward her.
—You need to read this. It's time you understand your place in all of this. You are my daughter, my legacy, and the plan for your life has already been set.
Aisha held her breath as she read. Every word felt like a reminder that her life was nothing but a chessboard where Darían moved the pieces at will.
—What's next, Father? —she asked with dry sarcasm—. Am I the next sacrifice for the good of the Community?
The name Sanathiel stood out repeatedly in the document. Aisha looked up, fury flashing in her eyes.
—Sanathiel? Is that what this is? You're sending me to hunt him?
Darían kept his composure.
—Aisha, this isn't about hunting. It's about survival. You are special, and the Community needs someone who can balance and stabilize the chaos to come.
Before she could reply, the door opened—and to her horror, Ibrahim entered with his usual smug confidence.
—Him? —Aisha exclaimed, stepping back—. Father, how can you trust him?
Ibrahim gave a shallow bow, clearly savoring her distress.
—Aisha, dear lady, this isn't about trust—it's about convenience. I'm here to ensure you fulfill your duty… as your shadow.
Aisha threw the documents to the floor and marched toward Darían, her eyes ablaze.
—If this is what being your daughter means, then I'd rather be nothing to you.
Darían stood and gestured firmly to the chair.
—Sit down. This isn't a request—it's an order. The Red Moon mission is in your hands, and I will not accept failure.
Silence choked the room. Aisha's eyes landed on the photos spread across the desk—of Varek and Ishana. Her fingers twitched. She could hear her pulse pounding, each beat like a war drum.
She stared at Varek's frozen expression on the page. "No," she thought, "I won't let him pay for this."
—You decide, my daughter, who will take your place if you refuse —Darían said coldly.
Aisha looked over the documents again, each word binding her tighter to a fate she never chose. Finally, she inhaled deeply and took the pen.
—I'll sign. But hear me, Father: if anything happens to Varek, or if you betray me again, there won't be a single corner of this world you can hide from me.
Darían gave a cold smile. And just as she turned to leave, he murmured:
—Deep down, you know you always end up doing what I want.
As she left the office, Aisha felt the weight of her decision sink into her bones. This mission wasn't just dangerous—it was a carefully laid trap by her father. Outside, Ibrahim waited with a rare serious expression.
—Are you ready, Miss Aisha? —he asked, holding a blue rose between his fingers.
—No —Aisha replied, looking away—. But I will be.
As they walked together, her father's words echoed in her mind: Choose with wisdom, not with anger.
The Red Moon would not wait, and neither would fate.
The training began with an intensity that tested even her mental and physical limits. Each day, Aisha honed her combat skills and strategic mind. Agility or strength alone wouldn't suffice; she needed to learn to manipulate, eliminate, survive. Ibrahim, ever-present like a shadow, monitored her progress—always breathing down her neck, lacing helpful advice with venomous sarcasm.
—You have potential, Aisha. But your heart will betray you if you don't learn to control it —he had warned during a training session as she struck the target dead-on.
Aisha brushed off his words, but they lingered in her mind. With new contact from her Snova cousins, she expanded her network—but they remained wary, uncomfortable with her ties to Ibrahim and House Björn.
Upon returning to the academy, she reunited with Varek. His warm smile gave her a fleeting sense of peace.
—You've changed, Aisha. What's going on? —he asked, gently taking her hand, violet eyes filled with concern.
Aisha longed to share her truth, but the burden was too heavy. She smiled faintly, brushing his cheek with her fingers.
—I'm fine, Varek. With you by my side, I always will be.
Unaware of the storm inside her, Varek pulled out a delicate chain engraved with their initials.
—I want you to have this. So you remember our promise —he said, placing it around her neck with shy tenderness—. Together until one of us dies.
His words, sweet and sincere, felt like a curse disguised as a vow. Aisha choked back the lump in her throat as he embraced her. Then, in a whisper barely audible:
—I really like you, Aisha. You should know that.
That night, sleeping in his arms, she let herself imagine another life—free of her father's web and Ibrahim's shadow. But by morning, reality returned. Ibrahim stood waiting, as always, blue rose in hand.
—Do you ever tire of showing up at the worst times? —she snapped, yanking the flower from his hand.
—It's my special talent —he grinned—. But today, I'm here for something important.
He stepped closer, invading her space. The air between them thickened. Aisha tensed but stood her ground.
—Aisha, the Red Moon mission isn't just a task. It's your fate. And within it lies your mother's shadow… and your father's legacy.
—What are you talking about? —she asked, brushing off his hand in disgust.
—Your mother faced the same decisions. She did it with a strength you've yet to awaken. Maybe you should learn from her.
Her jaw tightened, fury burning in her chest. But before she could retort, Ibrahim handed her a photo of Zaira.
—Think about what this mission really means, Aisha. Not just for you, but for everyone who's already fallen.
The weight of the photo was unbearable. Zaira stared at her from the past, those eyes quietly accusing.
Later, back in Darían's office, Aisha froze at the sight of Varek. Her heart dropped. Without thinking, she ran to him, grabbing his arm.
—Varek, get out of here. Now!
—I don't understand, Aisha —he said, confused.
—My daughter… you've arrived earlier than expected —Darían said, eyes fixed on hers.
Her hand trembled, but she didn't let go.
—I'll explain later, I swear. But you need to go.
—No.
Varek removed her hand and gripped it tightly.
—Your father runs the protector training school. That's the truth. And you never trusted me.
Aisha saw Darían glance at his watch. Her instincts screamed. She stepped forward.
—You're not supposed to be here. You're supposed to be part of this —Darían said, locking eyes with her before she turned to Varek.
—GO!
—You're not alone. You're my family.
—GO! —she shouted. Varek recoiled, brow furrowed, jaw clenched in silent rage. His hands trembled before he let go.
—You never believed me… or my love. You'd rather sell yourself for money.
Aisha barely breathed as the elevator doors closed with a metallic clang that sounded like a final sentence. The trap had closed. No escape.
She entered the office. Signing the document meant accepting the mission that would alter the course of her life—but it was also her only shot to dismantle her father's plans from within.
—I'll sign it —she said, staring down Darían—. But remember: if anything happens to Varek or Ishana, I will find you. No matter where you hide.
Darían gave a cold, satisfied smile.
—The Red Moon does not wait. Prepare for what's to come.
When she left the office, Ibrahim stood waiting with an unusually serious expression.
—Ready for what comes, Miss Aisha?
Aisha nodded. Her resolve was stronger than ever.
—This mission will change everything —she whispered to herself.
The Red Moon was rising. And with it, the promise of a reckoning.Aisha knew the path ahead was riddled with danger, but she also knew:
She was ready.Whatever it cost.