Zorala stepped out of Diapolde's office and into the long open hall that led toward the docks. The air felt heavy , and the papers in his hand heavier than their weight. His steps were slow, and uncertain.
Outside, a ship was already waiting.
Ravva stood on its edge, his red suit bright against the blue sea, his cape with the 29 stars and white stripes flowing in the wind. His blond hair glowed in the sunlight, and his black eyes were filled with confidence. He lifted his hand and called out with a wide smile.
"Zorala!"
Zorala looked up at him. His face didn't carry the same energy. There was something sad in his eyes.
Ravva noticed immediately.
In one smooth motion, Ravva jumped down from the boat and landed in front of him. "What's wrong, Zorala?" he asked, his voice lighter than his eyes.
Zorala hesitated, then spoke quietly. "I… I can't come with you, Lieutenant."
Ravva frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Without a word, Zorala held out the papers.
Ravva took them and began to read.
Zorala spoke as he read. "Captain Diapolde wants me to manage Centauro and..."
Before he could finish, Ravva's expression changed.
Cold.
Sharp.
He crumpled the papers slightly, then threw them hard onto the ground.
Without saying a single word, Ravva turned and began marching back toward Diapolde's office.
Zorala quickly bent down, picked up the papers, and straightened them in his hands. He stared at Ravva's back as he disappeared into the hall.
For a moment, he didn't move.
A voice called out from a nearby boat.
"We're ready to leave, sir."
Zorala looked once more in the direction Ravva had gone.
Then, slowly, he turned away.
He stepped onto the boat as it was hovering on the sea.
The engine started, and the boat drifted forward, cutting gently through the ocean as it moved away from the shore.
Zorala stood at the edge, holding the papers close to his chest, eyes fixed on the distant building.
Far behind him...
Ravva marched down the hall toward
Diapolde's office.
No smile.
No laughter.
Only a serious face, burning with anger.
The chapter ends.