Training Room - 3:17 PM
The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting harsh shadows across the training mats. Adrian's breath came in short bursts, sweat already cooling on his neck. The marker ink from Yuki's "death" still stained the floor near the wall, a dark reminder.
Aveline stood in the center, perfectly still. Marker in her right hand, loose and ready. Her eyes tracked him with predator focus.
Adrian gripped the training knife tighter. The wooden handle was slick with sweat.
One good hit. That's all I need. Just one.
He circled left. She didn't move, didn't shift her weight, just watched.
He feinted right, then lunged forward with everything he had, blade arcing upward toward her jaw. Fast. Committed. Desperate.
Aveline's hand shot up in a blur.
CRACK.
Her marker met his knife mid-strike, parrying it with such force that Adrian's grip faltered. The knife jerked from his hand, spinning through the air before clattering across the floor, far out of reach.
Aveline's lips parted. "Dead. Your knife—"
"I'm not dead yet," Adrian snapped, chest heaving, adrenaline spiking.
She stopped. Tilted her head slightly. The faintest flicker of interest crossed her features. "Interesting."
She lowered the marker. "Hand to hand, then."
Adrian didn't wait. He rushed forward, fist driving toward her chin, no technique, just raw aggression.
Aveline ducked smoothly, slipping inside his guard. Her hand snapped around his wrist like a vice, twisting it behind his back in one fluid motion. Pain shot up Adrian's arm, white-hot and immediate.
He grunted, throwing his elbow backward blindly. By luck or instinct, it connected with her ribs, not hard enough to hurt her, but enough to force her to release the lock.
Adrian wrenched free, dropped low, and drove forward, aiming for her midsection.
Aveline's forearm came down like a steel bar, stopping him cold. The impact rattled his teeth.
He stumbled back, vision swimming for a moment. But he couldn't stop, not now.
He pivoted, feinted another low drive, then sprang upward with everything he had left, throwing a wild haymaker at her head. For a split second, he thought he'd closed the distance.
Aveline dropped.
Not a crouch, a full, controlled descent. Her shoulder hit the mat, arm bracing her weight. Her legs swept forward in a devastating arc, catching both of Adrian's ankles mid-leap.
His world tilted violently.
He crashed face-first onto the mat, air exploding from his lungs. Stars burst across his vision. Before he could push himself up, before he could even think—
Cold fingers tangled in his hair and yanked.
His head snapped back, neck fully exposed. Vulnerable. Aveline's other hand pressed against the base of his skull, not hard enough to hurt, but with absolute control.
The marker touched his throat.
Adrian felt the cold tip drag slowly across his skin. Left to right. Deliberate. Complete.
"Dead."
The word was soft. Final.
Everything went silent except for Adrian's ragged breathing.
Aveline released him and stood in one smooth motion, as if the entire fight had required no effort at all.
"You improvise better than Yuki," she said, voice clinical and detached. "But the ending doesn't change."
Adrian pushed himself up slowly, face burning. The marker ink was already drying on his throat, a cold, humiliating brand.
"You overcommit," Aveline continued, watching him struggle to his feet. "You telegraph your moves two seconds before you make them. If you want to survive in the field, stop thinking you can predict me. Stop assuming patterns where there are none."
She offered her hand.
Adrian ignored it, forcing himself upright on his own. His legs shook.
"You lasted longer than most would," she added, almost as an afterthought. "That counts for something."
Adrian wiped sweat from his face, tasting blood where he'd bitten his cheek during the fall. "How long?"
"Forty-three seconds."
Christ.
"Yuki lasted twelve."
Adrian exhaled slowly, trying to find some scrap of dignity in that comparison.
Aveline turned away, collecting the training weapons. "Adequate for survival. Not for winning." She glanced back. "But survival is what matters. Remember that."
Basement Range - 3:40 PM
"You can fight hand-to-hand," Aveline said, already descending the concrete steps to the basement. "But most encounters won't be close-range. You need firearms."
The shooting range stretched before them, paper targets hung at varying distances, walls scarred with years of bullet impacts. The sharp tang of gunpowder hung in the cold air.
Aveline handed Yuki a Glock 9mm. "Feet shoulder-width apart. Dominant foot back. Knees bent slightly."
Yuki's hands trembled, the weight of the gun unfamiliar and threatening.
"Two-handed grip," Aveline continued, adjusting Yuki's fingers with clinical precision. "Support hand under the grip. Thumb forward. Arms extended but not locked, slight bend at the elbows."
Yuki nodded, swallowing hard. Her finger found the trigger.
"Breathe," Aveline instructed. "Exhale slowly. Then squeeze—don't pull."
Yuki squeezed.
BANG.
The recoil exploded through her arms like a shockwave. She flinched violently, stumbling backward, almost dropping the gun.
"Oh my god!" Her ears rang, the sound still echoing in her skull.
Aveline's voice cut through the noise, calm and unbothered. "Again."
Yuki raised the gun with shaking hands.
BANG.
She flinched again, eyes squeezing shut involuntarily. The shot went wide, missing the target completely.
"I can't—"
"You're anticipating the recoil," Aveline interrupted. "Stop. Let it happen. Fighting it makes it worse."
On the third shot, Yuki's grip slipped. The gun kicked back dangerously, nearly flying from her hands.
Aveline moved immediately, stepping behind Yuki and closing her hands over the smaller girl's trembling fingers. Her touch was ice-cold steady, unyielding, precise.
"Tighter. Like this." Aveline adjusted the grip, her breath steady against Yuki's ear. "The gun is an extension of your body. Absorb the recoil through your arms and shoulders, not your wrists."
Yuki felt goosebumps rise despite herself. "Okay..."
"Breathe. Exhale. Squeeze." Aveline's voice dropped lower, almost hypnotic. "Imagine it's a BB gun. Plastic. Harmless. Just a game."
Yuki squeezed the trigger.
BANG.
The bullet clipped the target's outer ring.
"I hit it!" Genuine surprise lit Yuki's voice.
"Good." Aveline released her and stepped back. "Again. Ten more shots."
By the tenth round, Yuki's flinch had diminished to a slight twitch. Her stance was steadier, breathing more controlled. Her arms burned with fatigue, but she managed a small, proud smile.
"I think I'm getting it."
"You're adequate," Aveline said. "Keep practicing."
Adrian's Turn:
Aveline handed Adrian the same pistol. This time, she kept her distance, no physical contact, just cold verbal instructions.
"Stance. Fix it. Elbow in. Sight alignment. Breathe."
Adrian's first shot hit the target's inner ring.
His second was closer to center.
By his fifth, he'd found a rhythm.
"Better than I expected," Aveline observed. "You've shot before?"
"NPU training," Adrian replied, squeezing off another round.
"It shows." She crossed her arms. "But you're still too tense. Relax your shoulders."
He didn't relax, but he kept hitting targets.
By his final shot, most of his grouping was in the center rings, competent, if not expert.
Aveline collected the weapons without comment. "That's enough for today."
Indoor Pool - 5:00 PM
"You're both a mess," Aveline announced, surveying them with clinical detachment. Marker ink, sweat, exhaustion written across both their faces.
"The mansion has a heated indoor pool in the east wing. Warm water aids muscle recovery." She turned toward the kitchen. "Go. Dinner in one hour. Don't be late."
Adrian blinked. "You're... giving us free time?"
"You've trained enough. Overworking leads to injury." Her tone was matter-of-fact. "And you're useless to me injured."
Yuki was already sprinting toward the changing rooms before Adrian could respond.
Steam fogged the glass ceiling. The heated pool glowed with underwater lights, casting rippling patterns across the tiled walls.
Adrian sat on the edge, feet dangling in the warmth. Yuki floated on her back, eyes closed, a small smile on her face.
"Oh my god," she sighed. "This is heaven. I thought my arms were going to fall off."
Adrian touched the marker line on his neck absently. Still visible. Still cold.
Yuki drifted closer, opening one eye. "You okay?"
"She killed me. Twice now."
"She got me too." Yuki's voice went quiet. "That marker to the eye... for a second, I really thought I was dying."
Adrian clenched his jaw. "She smiled. When she 'killed' you. I saw it."
"I didn't. Eyes were shut." Yuki paused. "But... she's keeping us alive. Teaching us. That has to count for something, right?"
"Her hands are freezing," Adrian muttered. "Even by the fire. That's not normal."
"Yeah, that was weird."
Yuki splashed him lightly. "Stop overthinking. Just... be here. We're alive. We're warm. That's enough for now."
Adrian finally slid into the water beside her. They floated in silence, letting the heat unknot their battered muscles.
Kitchen - 5:52 PM (Aveline's Perspective)
Knife. Carrot. Celery. Onion. Rhythm and precision.
Water boiled. Bread toasted. Soup simmered.
They're adapting faster than expected. Adrian's combat instincts are solid. Yuki learns quickly when fear doesn't paralyze her.
Aveline paused, knife hovering.
They might survive. If I let them.
Distant laughter echoed from the pool area, faint but unmistakable.
Her grip on the knife tightened fractionally before she resumed chopping.
Enjoy it while it lasts.
Dining Room - 6:10 PM
Three bowls of soup. Fresh bread. Butter. Water. The fireplace crackled nearby, casting warm light across the table.
Yuki ate ravenously, too exhausted for manners. "This is really good. Thank you."
Aveline: "Mm."
Adrian watched her for a long moment before speaking. "Why are you doing this?"
Aveline looked up. "Doing what?"
"All of it. Training. Feeding us. Keeping us alive."
She set down her spoon. "Because you'll need it."
"For what?"
Her eyes met his, flat and emotionless. "For what's coming."
Yuki's spoon paused mid-air. "What's coming?"
Aveline's tone was casual, almost bored. "The apocalypse."
Adrian stared. "You're serious."
"If NPU doesn't secure the samples quickly enough—if Adrian and I fail to retrieve the enhancement serum and the antidote the infection spreads beyond containment. Society collapses. The apocalypse happens regardless." She took a bite of bread. "Better to be prepared."
Yuki forced a nervous laugh. "You're joking."
Aveline's gaze didn't waver. "Do I look like I'm joking?"
The laughter died.
"You're not coming with us on the mission," Aveline said to Yuki.
Yuki's face fell. "But I'm improving—"
"You flinched. Multiple times. That hesitation gets you killed in the field." Not cruel. Just factual. "You stay here. Train. Survive."
Yuki deflated. "Oh."
Aveline's mouth curved slightly. "Besides, people are still hunting for you. You probably have a bounty on your head by now."
Yuki's eyes widened. "What? How much?"
Aveline leaned back, considering. "I'd bet a hundred dollars it's... a million. Maybe more."
"A MILLION?!"
Aveline's expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Relax. I'm guessing."
Pause.
"Or maybe I'm not."
Yuki stared, trying to read the truth. Adrian watched, equally uncertain.
Aveline stood, retrieved a bottle of vodka from the cabinet, Russian label, expensive, and poured herself a glass. She drank without flinching.
Yuki eyed the bottle. "Vodka? At dinner?"
"Yes. I'm Russian"
Adrian tried for levity: "You're half-Canadian too."
Aveline's stare was flat. "The Russian half drinks."
She held up the bottle. "Want some?"
Yuki shook her head immediately. "No. I don't drink."
Aveline looked at Adrian.
After a moment, he nodded. "Sure. Why not."
She poured and slid the glass across. He sipped.
Fire scorched his throat. He coughed violently.
"Jesus. That's like drinking fire."
The faintest hint of amusement touched Aveline's features. "That's the point. It keeps you warm"
Adrian rasped, "Or kills you."
"Only if you're weak."
They drank in silence.
Aveline drained her glass. "Tomorrow, knives. Get rest."
She left.
Yuki whispered, "She just told us the apocalypse is coming and gave you vodka."
Adrian set his empty glass down. "And she might be right."
Yuki's voice went small. "At least we're alive. For now."
Living Room - 7:15 PM
The fire crackled. The mansion's chill pressed against the windows.
Yuki shivered, arms wrapped around herself. "It's freezing upstairs. I can't sleep in that room tonight."
Adrian glanced at her. "What do you want to do?"
"Bring my bed down here. By the fire."
Adrian stood. "Alright. Let's do it."
Upstairs - Yuki's Room:
The bed was heavier than it looked.
Adrian grabbed one end, Yuki the other. They lifted.
"Jesus," Adrian grunted. "How much does this thing weigh?"
"Just—lift!" Yuki strained.
They managed three steps before nearly dropping it.
"Wait—wait—" Yuki gasped.
Aveline appeared in the doorway, vodka glass still in hand. She assessed the situation with mild amusement.
"Move."
She set down her glass, walked over, and lifted the entire bed frame by herself, one hand on each side, and carried it down the stairs as if it weighed nothing.
Adrian and Yuki exchanged stunned looks.
"What the hell," Yuki whispered.
They followed her downstairs.
Living Room - 7:30 PM
Aveline set the bed down near the fireplace with ease, then walked to an old radio on the shelf. She clicked it on.
Static crackled, then a voice emerged:
"—government crews are working around the clock to clear major roadways. The snowstorm is expected to subside within forty-eight to seventy-two hours. Residents are advised to remain indoors and conserve heating fuel—"
Aveline turned the volume down slightly. "At least the roads will clear soon."
Adrian nodded. "Good to know."
Aveline finished her vodka. "I'm going to bed. Don't burn the house down."
She disappeared upstairs.
Adrian lingered for a moment. "You good?"
Yuki nodded, already under the blankets. "Yeah. Go sleep. You look dead."
Adrian smirked faintly. "Thanks."
He headed to his room.
Living Room - 11:47 PM
Yuki lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The fire crackled softly. Shadows danced across the walls.
But the silence was too loud. The emptiness too vast.
No Adrian nearby. No Aveline.
Just her.
Her heart beat too fast. Every creak of the mansion made her flinch.
What if someone breaks in? What if—
She couldn't do this.
She threw off the blankets and padded upstairs, barefoot and quiet.
Aveline's Room:
Yuki knocked softly. Once. Twice.
The door opened. Aveline stood there in a black tank top and loose pants, hair down, vodka glass in hand. Her expression was unreadable.
"What."
Yuki swallowed. "I—I can't sleep. Alone. Down there."
Aveline stared at her for a long moment.
"Please?" Yuki's voice cracked slightly. "Just... stay with me? I don't feel safe."
Silence.
Then Aveline sighed, drained her glass, and set it down. "Fine."
Training Room / 12:03 AM
Aveline lay on the outer edge of the bed, maintaining careful distance. Back straight, arms crossed over her chest, staring at the ceiling. Yuki curled under the blankets on the inside, facing the fire.
"Thank you," Yuki whispered.
Aveline didn't respond.
Within minutes, Yuki's breathing evened out. Sleep claimed her quickly.
Aveline stayed awake longer, jaw tight, eyes open, hyper-aware of every sound in the mansion. Eventually, exhaustion won. Her eyes closed.
Living Room / 6:42 AM
Yuki woke slowly to the crackle of dying embers and early morning light filtering through the windows.
Something felt... different.
Warmth. Weight. Against her stomach.
She blinked groggily, looking down.
Aveline had shifted in her sleep, somehow ended up curled at an awkward angle, knees bent uncomfortably toward her chest, body twisted. Her head rested against Yuki's waist, face pressed into the blanket covering Yuki's stomach.
One of Aveline's hands was loosely curled near Yuki's hip, fingers barely touching the fabric of her shirt.
Her breathing was soft. Even. Peaceful.
Yuki's breath caught.
She's... she actually...
Aveline cold, ruthless, terrifying Aveline looked small like this. Vulnerable. The hard lines of her face had softened in sleep. Her hair fell messily across her forehead.
And she was warm. So warm.
Yuki didn't dare move. Didn't want to break whatever fragile thing this was.
Her heart hammered in her chest, but not from fear this time.
She came down here. Stayed with me. Even though she didn't have to.
Yuki's hand hovered uncertainly over Aveline's hair for a moment before she carefully, gently, let it rest there. Barely touching. Just... there.
Aveline shifted in her sleep, a soft exhale escaping her lips. Her head moved, snuggling closer, pressing more firmly against Yuki's stomach, seeking warmth. Her hand unconsciously tightened slightly on Yuki's hip.
Yuki's heart nearly stopped.
Oh my god. She's... she's actually—
For the first time since this nightmare began, Yuki felt truly safe.
Thank you, she thought, not daring to say it aloud. Thank you for staying.
She closed her eyes, letting herself sink back into the warmth, and drifted back to sleep.
Living Room / 8:15 AM
Adrian descended the stairs, yawning, rubbing sleep from his eyes. The mansion was quiet except for the faint crackle of the fireplace. He needed coffee. Maybe food. Definitely—
He stopped dead at the bottom of the stairs.
By the fireplace, tangled together on Yuki's makeshift bed, were Yuki and Aveline.
Yuki was curled on her side, blanket half-kicked off. Aveline was pressed against her, head still resting on Yuki's stomach, one arm draped across Yuki's waist, their legs somehow intertwined. They looked like... well, like lovers.
Adrian blinked. Then a slow grin spread across his face.
"Well, well," he said loudly, leaning against the doorframe. "How are the two lovebirds doing this morning?"
Yuki's eyes flew open. She blinked groggily, confused then froze as she registered the position they were in.
Oh no. Oh no no no—
Her face flushed bright red. "We're not— this isn't—"
Aveline stirred, making a low, annoyed sound in the back of her throat. Without opening her eyes, her arm tightened around Yuki's waist, pulling her closer, refusing to let her move.
"Are you asking to be shot?" Aveline mumbled, voice rough with sleep, still pressed against Yuki's stomach. "Because that's what it sounds like to me."
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Are you threatening me while cuddling?"
Aveline cracked one eye open, sharp even half-asleep and fixed him with a glare that could freeze blood. "Yes."
Then she closed her eye again and settled back against Yuki, clearly intending to go back to sleep.
Yuki couldn't help it. Despite her embarrassment, despite everything a small, genuine smile tugged at her lips.
She's protecting me. Even now.
Adrian watched this exchange, his grin fading slightly into something closer to annoyance. "Seriously?"
"Seriously," Aveline muttered without moving.
Yuki met Adrian's eyes, still smiling softly. "She's warm."
Adrian stared at them for a long moment, then huffed and turned toward the kitchen. "Fine. Whatever. I'm making coffee. Don't get too comfortable."
As he disappeared into the kitchen, Yuki glanced down at Aveline, whose breathing had already evened out again.
"Are you actually asleep or just messing with him?" Yuki whispered.
No response.
Yuki sighed, but she didn't move. Didn't try to pull away.
For just a little longer, she let herself stay warm.
Kitchen 8:20 AM (Adrian)
Adrian slammed the coffee pot down harder than necessary.
Lovebirds. Right.
He didn't know why it annoyed him. It shouldn't. They were just... sleeping. Close. Whatever.
But the way Aveline had pulled Yuki closer — the way Yuki had smiled
Since when do they—?
He shook his head, pouring coffee with more force than required.
Focus. We have bigger problems. Like the apocalypse. And the mission. And—
From the living room, he heard Yuki's quiet laugh.
Adrian's jaw tightened.
Great. Just great.
Living Room / 8:25 AM
Yuki felt Aveline shift again, finally pulling away and sitting up. Her hair was a mess, eyes still heavy with sleep.
"He's jealous," Aveline said flatly, stretching her arms above her head.
Yuki blinked. "What?"
"Adrian. He's jealous."
"Of what?"
Aveline glanced at her, expression unreadable. "Figure it out yourself."
She stood, rolled her shoulders, and walked toward the stairs without another word.
Yuki sat up slowly, still processing.
Jealous? Of what? We were just—
Her face flushed again as she remembered how tangled they'd been. How warm Aveline had felt. How safe.
Oh.
She buried her face in her hands.
This was going to be a long day.