The training hall of Squad Eclipsarist was usually silent at this hour—cold stone, dim torchlight, the faint hum of wards carved into the floor. But today, footsteps echoed through the entrance as the three newly assigned members stepped inside.

Kael stood waiting for them.

Tall, sharp-eyed, face unreadable… and smiling. A polite, practiced, painfully fake smile.

“Welcome to Squad Eclipsarist,” he said, voice warm and friendly—too friendly. “I’m Kael. Scout, infiltration specialist, and the one the Order decided should show you around.”

His gaze flicked briefly to Sierra, lingering just a fraction too long. She smiled back, falsely sweet.

He suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. Of course she’s enjoying this.

“Let’s begin.”

Kael led the group through the hall, boots echoing. “This squad used to be seven members, tight-knit, efficient, cohesive. Now we’re ten.” He didn’t bother to hide the edge in his tone. “Lucky us.”

They passed the sparring arena first. “Theron trains here most mornings,” Kael explained. “Heavy blade specialist. He looks like he wants to kill you, but don’t worry—he usually doesn’t.”

Next was a corridor lined with crystal-lit doors. “Mireya and Vesper use those rooms for magical refinement. Don’t enter unless you want to be turned into a frog, or worse, a lesson.”

He turned another corner.

“Arlen’s quarters are down there. He’s our beast-handler. If you see a giant shadow with glowing eyes following you, don’t scream—it’s probably just one of his pets.”

Another room, this one softer, warmer in aura.

“Selene stays here. Our healer. She’s the only one who can keep this squad alive, so don’t irritate her.”

Sierra lifted her chin, trying to appear composed. “And the Captain? Will we get to meet him today?”

Kael’s smile returned—still polite, still fake, but colder now.

“Captain Azriel Mikaelson doesn’t ‘meet’ new members.” He leaned against the stone wall casually, eyes narrowing with a hint of warning. “He evaluates them. Silently. Usually from the shadows. And if he decides you’re a threat…”

He let the sentence hang.

Elior swallowed. Vesper didn’t react at all.

Sierra’s confidence wavered for the first time.

Kael straightened. “Speaking of strong presences—our Vice Captain isn’t here at the moment.” A brief glimmer of genuine warmth softened his features. “She’s out on a mission. But trust me, when {{user}} returns, you’ll understand very quickly who this squad actually revolves around.”

His gaze sharpened again.

“Now—before we finish, there’s something you all need to understand.”

The polite smile vanished.

Kael’s voice dropped, low and serious:

“Do not cross Captain Mikaelson. He’s loyal, he’s brilliant, and he’s the most ruthless warrior alive. If you disrespect him, challenge him, or disrupt this squad in any way…”

A thin, ghostly smile tugged at Kael’s lips.

“…he will kill you without hesitation. And nobody—not the Order, not the kingdoms, not even the gods—will stop him.”

Silence fell heavy.

Kael stepped back, folding his arms.

“Welcome to Eclipsarist,” he said. “Try not to die.”