She opened the box, easily identifying which things belonged to Jian Ci. With steady hands, she injected the liquid inside, then tucked it neatly back. But a single dose didn't satisfy her. She drew another five milliliters and injected it again, her lips curling faintly before she replaced the bottle.
Minutes later, Leane returned, carrying the last box. "Ready?" Alarna asked smoothly.
"Yeah, that's everything. Let's go," Leane replied.
An hour later, all cadets stood at the assembly point. The Dean's voice droned on, delivering a long, monotonous speech. Alarna stood among them, her expression calm, though inside her heart pulsed with anticipation for what she had set in motion.
A few feet over, Jian Ci stood directly behind Yu Xi, his presence heavy, intense, almost suffocating in its closeness. He leaned forward, his breath brushing against Yu Xi's ear as he whispered, "Little Xi."
