Chapter 75: Thank You for Your Help Today
Evelyn's POV
Conrad's eyes locked on me, waiting for my answer. I swallowed hard, organizing my thoughts.
"I think our biggest weakness was not having a backup plan," I said, meeting his gaze directly. "When the smoke bombs hit, we realized how fragile our strategy was. We could've stationed people on the ground to distract the instructors and reduce those bomb launches."?
I took a quick breath before continuing. "Or maybe had team members cross first, then turn back to cover the others. Bottom line is we stuck too rigidly to the original plan when we should've adapted."
Conrad nodded, exchanging a meaningful glance with Taric that I couldn't read.
"Interesting," Taric's voice cut through the silence. "So why didn't anyone try stopping us from launching those bombs? We fired at least thirty times, and you all just stood there watching your teammates get blasted."
I bit my lip, stopping myself from saying "because you never told us we could," which would sound pathetic. Training was always about figuring out the unwritten rules.
"Who came up with the paired strategy Team Three used?" Conrad asked, scanning our group.
Seraphina immediately straightened up. "As team leader, I approved the tactical adjustment."
Hunter shook his head with a slight smile. "It was actually collective thinking. Sometimes new recruits bring fresh eyes that help us see what we're missing. Execution wasn't perfect, but the concept was solid."
"Spoken like a true commander," Taric said, almost smiling. "Alright, anyone covered in that chemical crap, go shower. Everyone else, clean up and get to lunch."
The squad dispersed with synchronized "Yes, sir" responses.
"That was freaking amazing!" Sophia bounced up beside Mark and me, smacking my shoulder excitedly. "When you climbed over Mark to shield his eyes? I nearly lost it! So smart!"
"Just reacted on instinct," I shrugged, downplaying it. "His vision was completely shot, and those cables were getting slippery as hell. We needed someone who could actually see where we were going."
I wrinkled my nose, touching my hair. "God, this smoke reeks. I need a shower ASAP."
"Go ahead. I'll save spots in the cafeteria," Sophia promised, her eyes still sparkling with an enthusiasm that somehow survived even the Sentinel mark's emotion-dampening effects.
At the dorm level, Mark pointed toward the stairs. "Fifteen minutes at the main staircase. Don't be late, shorty."
"Like you're not the one who takes forever," I rolled my eyes, rushing to grab my stuff before heading to the bathroom.
Despite scrubbing like crazy, I couldn't get rid of the acrid smell completely. Annoyed, I dried off, threw on clean clothes, and hurried to the meeting spot. Mark was already waiting, looking and smelling much fresher than me.
"You smell like you just crawled out of a dumpster fire," he smirked.
"Shut up," I shoved him lightly. "This crap needs like three washes to come out. And I'm starving, so move it."
The cafeteria buzzed with activity. Sophia had saved us seats, with Cyrus sitting quietly beside her. She waved frantically when she spotted us approaching with our overloaded trays.
"Damn, look at all that food. Finally listening to Ori's advice?" Cyrus remarked, his face expressionless though his eyes held a hint of amusement.
"Whatever," I pretended to be irritated. "Next time there are smoke bombs, block them yourself. Don't expect me to save your ass."
"About that," Mark's tone suddenly turned serious. "Thanks for the help today. I would've been stuck on those cables forever with that smoke in my eyes."
I looked down at my food, uncomfortable with the gratitude. "I should've asked before invading your personal space like that. Just acted on instinct without thinking if you'd be comfortable."
"Don't be stupid," Mark shook his head, grinning. "You saved the whole team. And honestly," he winked, "I don't think any guy here would mind having you that close, Sentinel mark or not."
Sophia giggled. "Look who's flirting now! So obvious."
"I'm not!" Mark and I protested simultaneously, then caught each other's eye and burst out laughing.
Just as we were settling into our meal, the cafeteria doors swung open. A man in an elegant suit walked in, immediately drawing everyone's attention. The room fell silent as he scanned the space, his purposeful stride indicating he was on a mission.
"I'm looking for Evelyn," he announced, his voice carrying across the quiet room. "I have instructions from Luna Queen Selena."
I felt every eye turn to me and reluctantly stood up, walking toward him. I tried to steer him outside for privacy, but he seemed determined to stay put.
"I'm Evelyn," I said quietly, aware of the eavesdropping ears all around us.
"Luna Queen Selena requests your presence at the royal residence this Saturday at six in the morning for formal attire fitting. Transportation will be arranged, and the Queen will join you for breakfast," he handed me a gold-embossed envelope with the royal seal. "I was instructed to deliver this personally."
I took the envelope, surprised by its weight. "Thanks."
"Until Saturday, Miss Evelyn," he gave a slight bow before turning on his heel, leaving the cafeteria buzzing with whispers.
I returned to our table clutching the fancy letter, Sophia practically vibrating with excitement.
"Open it already! The suspense is killing me!" she urged. "The Queen never contacts trainees directly. This is huge!"
"Chill, I'm opening it," I carefully broke the seal and pulled out a thick card decorated with silver patterns. Inside was elegant silver script that screamed royalty.
I read quietly:
"Dear Evelyn,
You are formally invited to accompany Prince Alistair to the Alpha King's Annual Council Dinner next Saturday evening. A car will collect you Saturday morning to bring you to the royal residence in preparation for the evening's events. Considering the activities will continue until late, you are excused from training on both Saturday and Sunday.
I look forward to our reunion and selecting appropriate attire together. I hope your adjustment to Aegis City is proceeding smoothly.
Yours,
Luna Queen Selena"
I looked up to find three shocked faces staring back at me. Sophia broke the silence first.
"Holy shit! You're going to be Alistair's date? This is insane!"
"It's not a date," I corrected quickly. "It's just a formal thing."
"From what I know," Cyrus added calmly, "the Prince has turned down every companion request for the past three years."
"How'd you pull this off?" Mark asked, eyebrows raised.
"We met in Polaris City," I explained, shrugging. "We're just friends. He probably picked me because I'm already here and it's convenient."
As we discussed the unexpected invitation, a cold voice cut in from behind me.
"So that's why you're here? Using royal connections to get special treatment?"
Seraphina stood at our table, her eyes flashing with undisguised hatred.