Aria's POV

Kira stepped into the corridor with the kind of confidence that came from months of Academy training, her posture shifting to match the authoritative bearing of someone who belonged there.

"Security Team Beta-Seven," she announced to the Academy guards, her voice carrying the crisp authority I'd heard from faculty members. "Basement levels cleared and secured."

I held my breath, listening through the partially open door as three guards responded to her approach.

"Agent ...