Inside the academy infirmary.
The hologram screen flickered above, broadcasting the chaos from the Red Line stronghold flames bursting across the ruins, Kael weaving between fire and lightning as Radger loomed ahead.
Lucia sat at the edge of the cot, clutching her worn-out white bunny. One stitched ear dangled limply as her eyes fixed on the screen.
"…Dad," she said softly. "Did I make a mistake?"
Azmat seated near the window, arms crossed. He glanced at the broadcast, then turned to her.
"You did."
Lucia lowered her eyes. She knew he'd say that. Still, hearing it hurt.
"I'm so stupid."
"You are," he replied without pause.
She didn't flinch. Her hand only clutched the bunny tighter.
"I just… I thought if I trained them… if I followed how Kael taught Arthur— we'd grow closer. Like maybe he'd see I was trying."
She exhaled slowly, voice unsteady.
"I thought it would help him. Help us."
Her eyes lifted again toward the broadcast. The screen now showed the map.
