The air in Luna Everyloon's office was cool, laced with the scent of faint lavender perfume.
Themoonlight filtered through tall windows, casting long silver streaks across the marble floor.
Luna stood near her desk, arms crossed, hips angled slightly. Her violet eyes glimmered, watching Luther as he sat, calm and unreadable."You're sure it was him?"
she asked, voice low.
"Yes,"
Luther replied. "That presence... it was twisted. Familiar. He's inside Eden.
Somewhere close."Luna sighed.
""And your solution?""
We ask my grandfather to approve a class dungeon trip E- rank.
Just intense enough to make things interesting.
Far enough from campus for me to move freely."She raised an eyebrow. "Using an official field test as bait? You've gotten sneakier.
"Luther gave a faint grin.
"You're the one who taught me the value of subtlety.
""You know," she said, "your grandfather gave me full blessing.
Practically sang my praises.
"Luther chuckled.
"Of course he did. You're his favorite. He always says, 'That Luna's wasted on myidiotic grandson. All he brings me is stress and white hair.
'"Luna laughed, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "He's not wrong. You've driven that poor man to drink heavy.
""He was already drinking before I learned to walk.
""He said, 'If Luther doesn't end me, the demons will.' Then muttered something about retiring early and letting Luna run the academy.
"Luther smirked. "He should retire. He's pushing seventy, you know."Luna rolled her eyes. "And he looks forty. Probably still stronger than you.""That's what pisses me off," Luther murmured, his voice suddenly softer. "He's almost seventy, but looks like he could lead an army. That damn white hair makes him look regal, too. Meanwhile, mine just makes people stare."Luna smiled gently. "It suits you. Besides... white hair's sexy when you're not seventy.
""I'll let him know you said that," Luther teased."Oh, don't. He already thinks I'm after his pension. Said Luna.
"Luther laughed. "Back in the old world -- a hundred years ago -- people were lucky to live pasteighty. Now, if you're strong, you push two hundred.""Krav will easily hit that. Maybe more.""He says he's staying alive just to make sure I don't break the world.""He's not wrong. I've tried.""You sure you're ready?" she asked. "For this? For us?""I've been ready," Luther said. "Since the day you smacked me in training and told me to stoplooking at your ass.""You were sixteen.""And you were twenty-two.""You're eighteen now.""And you're still looking at me like I'm your next mission.""I'm your mission, idiot.""Best mission I've had."She kissed his forehead -- brief, warm, firm."Go. Plan your trap," she whispered. "Then come back to me when it's done."Later that night, Luther passed by the training halls. In one, he saw the main cast sparring together.- Levi was pushing hard against Samuel, forcing a close-range duel.- Valeria was guiding Aurora through footwork and defensive moves.Aurora's body was covered in light bruises, but she kept standing -- golden hair shining like a star.Luther watched in silence.They'll be strong. With the right push...He walked on, the halls quiet behind him.One month. One dungeon. One traitor.Let the hunt begin.