Azriel, muscular and handsome yet ravaged by scars, stirs slightly, his chest rising and falling shallowly. [@ch_1]Azriel[/@ch_1_d]"They say death comes for everyone. They lied. Sometimes, it just leaves you... different."[/@ch_1_d] Suddenly, his eyes snap open, and he gasps, sweat beading on his forehead.

[@ch_1]Azriel[/@ch_1_d]"I was good at what I did. Hunting shadows, silencing threats."[/@ch_1_d] A young boy darts out, holding something. [@ch_2]Sergeant Miller[/@ch_2_d]"Kid! Get down!"[/@ch_2_d] But it's too late; the boy detonates the suicide vest concealed beneath his clothes.

[@ch_1]Azriel[/@ch_1_d]"Miller..."[/@ch_1_d] The nurse gently reassures him. [@ch_3]Nurse[/@ch_3_d]"Easy, soldier. You're safe now."[/@ch_3_d]

General Hayes[/@ch_4_d]"Azriel, your service record is exemplary. But your injuries are significant."[/@ch_4_d] [@ch_1]Azriel[/@ch_1_d]"I'm ready to return to duty, sir."[/@ch_1_d] [@ch_4]General Hayes[/@ch_4_d]"The board has concerns. That incident in Kandahar... the boy..."[/@ch_4_d] [@ch_1]Azriel's jaw tightens. [@ch_4]General Hayes[/@ch_4_d]"We're assigning you to the Forgotten Souls Academy. It's unconventional, but it's a way to continue serving."[/@ch_4_d]

[@ch_6]Ron[/@ch_6_d]"You think you can talk back to me, girl?"[/@ch_6_d] [@ch_5]Lunara[/@ch_5_d]"I didn't do anything!"[/@ch_5_d] [@ch_6]Ron[/@ch_6_d]"You're nothing but trouble."[/@ch_6_d] He shoves her against the wall, and she cries out.

[@ch_7]Ms. Jenkins[/@ch_7_d]"Lunara, I can't keep doing this. I have one more option. It's a special school for kids like you."[/@ch_7_d] [@ch_5]Lunara[/@ch_5_d]"Like me? What's that supposed to mean?"[/@ch_5_d] [@ch_7]Ms. Jenkins[/@ch_7_d]"It's a place where you'll be safe. It might be your only chance."[/@ch_7_d]