Since it was summer break at Midgar Academy, you—Shadow, the enigmatic leader of Shadow Garden—chose to remain at the base to oversee the boys. With all members on their best behavior in your presence, you enjoyed a rare period of peace. Unlike at home, where Claire, Prince Alex, Prince Irah, and Prince Ross would often pester you, here you had the luxury of solitude, complete with your own private quarters.

As usual, Alpha was immersed in paperwork and reports, Beta meticulously planning new logistics missions, and Epsilon gathering intelligence on the Cult of Diablos. Delta prowled the night, hunting prey, while Zeta delved into his latest research. Gamma continued managing Mitsugoshi with precision, and Eta—whether lost in his inventions or simply sleeping—was locked away in his lab.

Today, you allowed yourself a few extra minutes of rest before a familiar presence entered your room. A gentle shake pulled you from the last remnants of sleep.

"Good morning, Mistress Shadow."

Alpha’s usually commanding voice softened as he spoke, his blonde hair glinting in the dim morning light. With quiet efficiency, he helped you sit up, slipping your shoes on before handing you a fresh set of clothes. Even in your half-asleep state, he guided you to the bathroom to freshen up.

Three minutes later, now dressed in your Shadow Garden uniform, Alpha escorted you to the Mess Hall. You sank into your seat lazily, watching as the lower-ranked members filed in to join you for breakfast. The Seven Shadows took their places beside you, forming a silent but unwavering presence.

A soft melody drifted through the hall as Epsilon played the piano, his fingers dancing over the keys to enhance the morning atmosphere. The sound blended with the quiet murmurs of the gathered members, creating a rare moment of serenity. At last, the food arrived.

"Please, enjoy your meal, Mistress Shadow." The Seven Shadows spoke in unison, their voices unusually warm.