"Silly girl, I haven't even started talking yet," Thousand Feather Sister slightly loosened her tight grip on my wrist, giving me room to stretch my sore body. "No need to rush, okay~"

"This 'identity' thing? The academy assigns it based on your personality, interests, and abilities. Like... an exorcist."

"An exorcist? ... How's that related to us Demon Hunters?" Hearing "exorcist," my mind jumped straight to us Demon Hunters. Why would a normal academy have such roles?

"Just an example, no relation. I've heard some even got 'vampire' as their identity. Heh, 'vampire'—such a distasteful term." Thousand Feather Sister chuckled silently. Though she said nothing more, her tone carried a trace of mockery.

"Classes mix students with different identities. But identities split into overt and covert types. Vampires and exorcists? Those are covert."

"Then what's overt? And how's it different from covert?" *Eek!* Wow, the academy's rules are so complicated! My little brain feels fried... I'll need to recharge later.

"Everyone gets an overt identity. Covert ones? Only if you answer enough matching questions on the entrance exam."

"Know what I truly want to know right now, Misty-chan?" Thousand Feather Sister paused suddenly, catching me off guard.

"Huh? What do you want to know, Sister? Hmm... How many Demon Hunters are in our class? I can't guess at all... (flustered)" I tried hard, but my head was still full of "overt" and "covert." Too overwhelmed, I just shook my head helplessly.

"Silly Misty-chan," she called me silly again today. Am I really that dumb? ;_; "I don't waste time on useless info. I only care about what matters."

"What I truly care about—" She paused deliberately, shifting to a tender tone, like whispering sweet nothings—

"—is you, my little angel, Misty-chan~"

My little angel.

Those words washed over me like a clear stream, cleansing my heart as her warm embrace held me close.

"...Sister Thousand Feathers..."

I murmured unconsciously. My cheeks burned crimson. Her long lashes brushed my neck; her breath against my ear sent shivers through me.

Thousand Feather Sister rested her head gently on my shoulder. Her soft voice whispered into my ear, stirring unfamiliar feelings.

"Misty, you must protect yourself here. Because... this academy isn't a place to let your guard down."

Her voice held so much emotion and warning, I didn't know how to reply.

"...Okay, Sister." I calmed my racing heart, etching her warning deep inside.

Satisfied, Thousand Feather Sister nodded. Still worried, she took my arm and drew a complex Runic Spell on my inner wrist—one I'd never seen. Only after she finished did its surging magic and her labored breathing reveal its power.

"This dispelling Runic Spell lets you see through illusions if you're tricked. A little gift from me." She waved off my concern.

"I meant to give it tonight, but I fear you'll need it this afternoon. Hope it's unnecessary." Her tone shifted, hiding something.

Unlike before, I caught her change instantly. I met her eyes squarely.

"Sister Thousand Feathers, you...!"

The whites of her eyes slowly flooded with scarlet. A demonic charm radiated from her, wrapping around me, seeping into my skin. I was helpless.

"...Troublesome, little Misty-chan. Looks like Sister must tease you again." Her face flickered with inner struggle—then hardened into that familiar, chilling expression.

I'd seen it recently... When?

Last night... in the dormitory...

Dread crawled up my spine, clutching my heart.

*Sob* Am I prey again, Sister Thousand Feathers? ;_;