Krista stirred beneath the soft sheets, her senses gradually pulling her from the depths of sleep. The sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains, casting a warm glow across the opulent room. She blinked slowly, her mind foggy.

Morning already? No—judging by the angle of the light, it was well past noon. She allowed herself a languid stretch, savoring the luxurious comfort of the bed. This was a far cry from the cramped, dingy quarters she was accustomed to.

A persistent knocking echoed through the room, pulling her fully into the present. She sat up abruptly, her heart skipping a beat. Who could that be? Instinctively, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and was about to bounce toward the door when she caught herself. Wait. She wasn't Krista right now. She was Lieutenant Graves, a stern and composed officer. She needed to act the part.

Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and ran a hand through her tousled hair, smoothing it back. She adjusted the uniform she had meticulously donned the night before, ensuring every button was in place. Adopting a serious expression, she approached the door and opened it with measured calm.

Standing before her was a tall man with dark hair and a face etched with the scars of countless battles. His red eyes held a sharpness that seemed to pierce right through her. Captain Ironclaw. Up close, she noticed the rugged handsomeness beneath the hardened exterior. Perhaps if time had been kinder, he might have been considered attractive.

"Yes? What do you need?" Krista asked in a formal tone, doing her best to mimic the authoritative demeanor expected of a lieutenant addressing a subordinate.

Ironclaw raised an eyebrow before a sly grin spread across his face. Without warning, he gave her a hearty shove, pushing past her into the room. "Is that any way for a lieutenant to greet his captain?" he chided, his tone light but teasing. "You forget your manners overnight, Graves?"

Krista felt a bead of sweat trickle down her temple. "Apologies, Captain," she replied, attempting a curt nod. "I was just... caught off guard."

He chuckled, surveying the room with a casual air. "I've been trying to reach you all morning. You weren't answering my calls."

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Her mind raced for an excuse. "Ah, yes. Must have lost it during the skirmish with the Blighted yesterday," she said, forcing a sheepish smile. "Things got a bit hectic."

Ironclaw studied her for a moment, his gaze scrutinizing. "You always were a bit careless with your belongings. If your subordinates found out how you’re really like, they’d laugh for hours," he remarked. "But no matter. I wanted to congratulate you on capturing those suspects. Word around HQ is that you're becoming quite the hero." He clapped her on the shoulder with enough force to make her stagger slightly. "Keep this up, and you might just overtake me one day."

She let out a nervous laugh. "I couldn't have done it without your guidance, sir. And, of course, the power of my Divine Relic."

He smirked. "Humble as ever. That's what I like about you, Graves!"

Seizing the opportunity, Krista ventured cautiously, "Speaking of Divine Relics, Captain, I was curious—what exactly do yours do again?"

Ironclaw's expression shifted to one of confusion, his eyes narrowing. "You're joking, right?" he asked, searching her face. "You, of all people, should know that. Are you feeling alright?"

She swallowed hard. "I'm fine, sir. Just took a nasty blow to the head during the confrontation. Memory's a bit fuzzy."

Concern flickered across his features. "Perhaps you should visit the medical wing. Can't have my lieutenant operating at less than full capacity."

"I'll be sure to do that," she assured him. "Just need to tie up a few loose ends first."

Ironclaw nodded slowly. "Well, make it a priority. In the meantime, don't forget about the Convergence Meeting this afternoon."

"The... Convergence Meeting?" she echoed before she could stop herself.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "The monthly briefing with the Commander. All captains and their lieutenants are required to attend. Honestly, Graves, you really did get your bell rung, didn't you?"

She forced a chuckle. "Seems that way. Thanks for the reminder, Captain. I'll be there."

As he turned to leave, Ironclaw cast a sidelong glance back at her. "It's at 1400 hours sharp. Don't be late. I don't want my unit looking sloppy in front of the Commander." He pointed a finger at her in a mock stern gesture. "And get that head checked."

"Yes, sir," she replied, offering a salute.

When the door closed behind him, Krista let out a long breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. That was close. She mentally kicked herself for the slip-ups but couldn't help feeling a surge of excitement. The upcoming meeting could provide valuable information. Perhaps she'd learn more about these Divine Relics—and whatever else the Peacekeepers were plotting.