Chapter 4

Rania Chalybs

Onyx Bay

Rania awoke with the familiar rhythm of the clock striking 5 am, a routine etched into her days since the halls of Ecclesia Academy. Shaking off the sleep, she discarded the warmth of her blanket, opting for an old shirt that carried the essence of Zola and a pair of snug knickers. The room, in the two bedroom apartment she shared with her companion Poppy, unfolded in a chaotic yet familiar scene - a central oak bedframe, beige-painted walls, a petite wardrobe, a cosmetic-laden dressing table, and shelves proudly displaying a multitude of books.

Stretching and yawning unabashedly, she navigated the creaking wooden floors to the sofa, besieged by a mountain of clothing. Amidst the chaos, she transformed, donning exercise attire befitting her commitment to the Coalition's demand for perpetual fitness. A dedicated agent, her day commenced with a brisk run through the awakening main street, the pulse of the city matching the cadence of her footsteps. The routine concluded with her return to the two-bedroom haven, the sanctuary of order within her dynamic world.

Ascending the stairs, Rania swung open the door to find Poppy already immersed in the alchemy of morning, conjuring breakfast with a cheeriness that seemed to define her. "Good morning, Rania," Poppy chirped in her signature upbeat fashion. "Morning, Pops," Rania replied, knowing well the cringe-inducing effect of the nickname.

A disapproving scrunch of Poppy's face followed. "You don't smell too good, so head over to the bedroom, take a bath, and join us for breakfast when you're presentable." Rania's response was a playful, "Yes, mom," accompanied by a smile. As she made her way to the bathroom, memories of their fifteen-year friendship flooded her thoughts, tracing back to the days when they were shy 10-year-olds entering Ecclesia Academy. Poppy's brilliance had captivated Rania even then, her smile seemingly capable of illuminating any room. Now, years later, their bond remained steadfast as they navigated the complexities of adulthood, caring for each other amidst life's unpredictable currents.

With purposeful strides, Rania headed to the shared bathroom, seeking refuge from the sweaty smell of her early morning exertion. The cascading water served as a cleansing ritual, washing away the grit acquired during her dedicated workout. Draped in a towel, she traversed back to her room, where a dresser held a framed picture capturing the essence of her family in Alexandria.

The image stirred a pang of longing, prompting a mental note to pen a letter to her kin. Rania, having entered Ecclesia Academy at ten, followed a trajectory that led her to the Coalition at fifteen, her extraordinary talents marking her as a "blessed" agent. Despite the demands of her role, she conscientiously maintained a biweekly ritual of letters, often accompanied by financial support for her family's welfare.

Snapping out of the introspection, she deftly gathered her chestnut locks into a bun. The application of scented oil on her caramel skin added a touch of allure. Lips adorned with lipstick, she rose, donned the attire of a black blazer, white shirt, and black trousers—a nod to the conventional attire worn by men. The hasty pull-on of boots marked the final touch as she briskly made her way to the kitchen, ready to share the morning with Poppy.

Fully clad for the day's challenges, Poppy presented Rania with a hearty breakfast of fried eggs and bread, accompanied by a steaming cup of cocoa. Expressing her gratitude between bites, Rania couldn't help but comment, "You'd make such a wonderful wife," a sentiment met with a playful hiss from Poppy.

"Seriously, Poppy, thank you for always looking out for me," Rania acknowledged, savoring each mouthful. The atmosphere shifted when Poppy, with an intense gaze, inquired about Rania's encounter with Styx Bratoviae the previous day.

"Well, he collided with me during a chase in the rouge, insulted me and our entire race, extracted information, and acted like he's my superior," Rania explained, a hint of discomfort evident in her movements. Poppy absorbed the revelation, cautioning her, "If you're going to spend time with him, be careful. The tension between you two was palpable yesterday."

Rania, taken aback, responded amidst a choked bite, "What sexual tension? Never in a million years would I be attracted to a vampire, especially that arrogant one."

"Why so defensive? Besides, I never said the tension was sexual or you were attracted to him," Poppy retorted. Rania dismissed the notion with a nonchalant "Whatever."

Poppy, adopting a more serious tone, warned, "He's undeniably handsome and powerful. Be cautious in your dealings with him." Rania, resolute, affirmed, "I will," leaving her dishes in the sink as she ventured into the unpredictable realms of their intertwined destinies.

In a quaint two-story abode, the girls inhabited the upper floor, where five apartments held stories untold, while the ground level buzzed with a vibrant array of shops. Descending the stairs, they ventured into the dreary expanse of the onyx bay, where the hum of anticipation surrounded them as they boarded the tram that would usher them to coalition office.

As Poppy and Rania entered the formidable coalition building, they swiftly returned to their respective workstations. Amidst the routine, Poppy secured her belongings in the assigned locker within the dimly lit room. Suddenly, Zola materialized, his figure drenched in blood, with fragments of brain matter dangling casually from his shoulder. "A splendid start to an eventful day," Zola declared, striding toward Poppy. She, nonchalant yet curious, inquired, "What transpired?" "Extracting information from Seth turned out to be more explosive than anticipated," Zola quipped, examining himself in a mirror. "His head detonated just when he was about to spill the beans." Poppy, alarmed, responded, "What? We need to report this to the major immediately and devise a plan." Zola, heading to a nearby bathroom for cleanup, left Poppy to contemplate the unsettling revelation. The incident hinted at a discretion curse—a forbidden art permitted solely to the coalition for maintaining secrecy. Yet, causing an explosion was beyond its typical effects, leaving Poppy grappling with the mysteries that unfolded before her.

Zola and Riana navigated through a labyrinth of corridors, finally reaching Major Lamia's office. With a firm "come in" greeting their knock, they stepped into the room and settled before the stern figure behind the imposing dark brown wooden table. Quick pleasantries were exchanged, punctuating the palpable tension in the air. The major, his gaze serious, removed his glasses and sighed deeply. "The incident in the interrogation room this morning is an anomaly I've never encountered in my four decades of service," he confessed. Rania, composed, asked, "What are your orders, sir?" "I've dispatched a missive to the ecclesia, hoping they can unravel this mystery," the major revealed. Zola interjected, "Gleaners remain untouched by curses, but their ignorance about the ring complicates matters. How do we proceed?" Rania proposed, "Seth had ties in the Onyx Bay slums. If we uncover his address, we can search his residence for clues while awaiting the ecclesia's response." "I'll issue a search order for both of you. Keep his demise under wraps; we can't afford to alert the ring if they aren't aware of his death already," Major Lamia commanded. "Yes, major," they replied in unison, rising to embark on their mission. "Be cautious," the major warned. "Rania, watch over Zola he can be impulsive at times, Zola always watch your partner's back, and never underestimate the adversaries. Powerful forces support the ring; be prepared for a confrontation." "We'll heed your advice, major," they bowed respectfully before leaving the office, determined to unravel the secrets concealed within the strange incident.