Darkness

"I don't know why sleep never crosses my path. It's weird not to sleep. Ever since the darkness wrapped around me, sleep eludes me. Inhaling deeply, Mariline decides to roam around the institute. It's quite dark... The moonlight shines perfectly, serving as a natural lamp. As she crosses one hall after another, she halts at the sound of a growl. She listens intently, drawing closer.

Strangely, she feels no fear. Tracing the sound, she emerges from a cave. The air is thick with the scent of thick trees. The growl sounds familiar. Then she hears a whimper, a sound filled with pain. It's different, unfamiliar. Without hesitation, she rushes over and discovers a wounded wolf. How did it get here? The institute assured her that no wild animals were permitted. She gently strokes the wolf, and it eases beneath her touch. It's still in pain, but it seems to find solace in her presence.

"What should we do about your wound? It looks really bad," she wonders aloud as she touches the injured area. Unexpectedly, white sparks emanate from her hand, entering the wolf's wound. Fear grips her. Where did this power come from? Looking down, she witnesses the wounds miraculously healing. The wolf gazes at her gratefully. But now, she wonders if the wolf intends to harm her in return, now that it no longer needs her help. Rising slowly, she prepares to retreat, but the wolf pounces on her. Unaware of her newfound strength, her hands instinctively grab its neck as it lunges.

"So, you seek to repay good with evil, huh?" Mariline growls, her eyes darkening further as she squeezes tightly. The wolf weakens, eventually falling unconscious. She releases her grip, watching it collapse before swiftly retreating to her room, ensuring no one sees her. The next day, as she steps out of her room, she heads straight to Adrenia and Marley, with Rojal standing alongside.

"Ah, there she is... Did you witness his expression yesterday? He was clearly jealous," Adrenia excitedly remarks, while Marley and Rojal burst into laughter. However, Mariline feels uneasy. She doesn't want anything to do with Liveda anymore.

"Queen Mother has brought in a new mastermind. You're supposed to pretend to suffer from a heart disease," Rojal declares, grinning brightly.

"What? No way. I'm not sick, and I won't pretend for that jerk... I'm done with all of this," Mariline asserts, intending to walk away. But Marley holds her hand, preventing her departure.

"You love him, Mari, and you will do it whether you like it or not," she states firmly. Mariline chuckles coldly, realizing the truth in her words.

"Alright, everyone. Let the game begin," Adrenia exclaims excitedly. They proceed to the classroom, where sword fighting awaits. Mariline has lost all hope.

"I'll be entering my grave after this class," she whispers, prompting Rojal to burst into boisterous laughter, capturing the attention of the entire class.

"Aw, you two are so adorable together. The best couple ever," Rojal exclaims, jumping with excitement and clapping her hands. Amidst the commotion, Mariline hears Liveda muttering curses under his breath. Somehow, her sister manages to put on an act, feigning happiness. Yet, Mariline notices a change in expression as soon as she spots Roberto fuming. He stands beside Liveda, and their eyes meet. Darkness floods over Mariline, and she smiles broadly, though feeling light-headed. Eventually, she collapses into Rojal's waiting arms. Panic fills him, and he rushes her to the institute hospital, with Marley, Adriana, Carmalo, and Roberto following close behind. Liveda attempts to join them, but Rojal stops him at the door, urging him to stay away.

"Who is her family here?" the doctor inquires, and everyone rises, their faces etched with concern and confusion.

The doctor clears his throat before speaking gravely. "I regret to inform you that we've detected a tumor in her heart, and it's rapidly deteriorating her condition. Time is running short." Marley's face drops, along with those of Adriana and Carmalo.

Roberto appears devastated. From outside the room, Liveda overhears the doctor's dire words and is consumed by an overwhelming sense of despair. Tremors course through his body, and gradually, he undergoes a transformation. His features shift, his claws lengthen and sharpen. When the others turn to look, their jaws drop open in disbelief, except for Roberto, who swiftly rushes towards his best friend, delivering a punch so forceful that it renders Liveda unconscious. Marley gasps, shocked by Roberto's actions. How could he do such a thing? She's sure this thought runs through her mind. After all, she knows her best friend well.

"Berto, what have you done?" Marley asks innocently.