The moment Anastasia D'Argent stepped onto the training field. The atmosphere changed like someone had flipped a switch.
The students weren't laughing or talking anymore. Every eye turned to her.
She stood tall in the center of the field, arms folded, her black coat fluttering slightly in the wind.
Her crimson eyes swept over the class slowly, like a predator sizing up a herd.
The usual energy and chatter vanished. Even the loudest. Most carefree students suddenly stood up straighter.
"Instructor Hale is unavailable today," she said, voice smooth but with a sharpness beneath it. "So you're stuck with me."
Some students actually looked relieved. A few even smiled quietly to themselves.
Instructor Hale's training was infamous. Endless drills, brutal sparring, and no mercy. Compared to him. Anyone else seemed like a blessing.
But then Anastasia smiled.
It wasn't the kind of smile that made you feel safe.
It was the kind of smile that made your stomach twist.
