The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 42

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**

**SIX YEARS AGO**

Alessa, clad in her stark red uniform, marched purposefully down the long, echoing hallway, flanked by her fellow students. The air was thick with anticipation and anxiety as they approached the imposing gates of the arena. This was not just any day; it was the day of their crucial task, a rite of passage that loomed over them like a dark cloud.

Inside the arena, a sea of students awaited their arrival, buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Alessa could feel the weight of their gazes, a mix of expectation and judgment.

Beside her, Aliyah clasped Alessa’s hand with a reassuring grip, her thumb gently stroking the back of Alessa’s hand in a rhythmic motion. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered, her voice a soothing balm against Alessa’s racing heart. “No matter what happens, I’m here for you.” Alessa managed a small nod, though uncertainty gnawed at her insides.

As they reached the gate, they were met by a group of students in stark black uniforms—the final participants in this grim contest. Each of them held a knife, glinting ominously in the dim light, and they began to distribute these weapons to Alessa and her peers.

When Alessa received her knife, she felt its cold weight in her hand, and her heart raced even faster. What was she supposed to do with this?

“It’s okay,” Aliyah repeated, her eyes wide with concern yet filled with determination. “Whatever your task is, I’ll help you through it.” Alessa’s mind swirled with questions, her thoughts racing as she tried to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

Then, with a loud creak, the gates swung open, and Aliyah released her grip, giving Alessa an encouraging nod. Together, they stepped into the arena, the roar of the crowd washing over them like a tidal wave. Alessa’s eyes widened as she took in the sheer size of the place; there were over a thousand students, all watching with bated breath. The realization hit her like a punch to the gut—this was far bigger than she had ever imagined.

On a raised stage, Alessa spotted Madam Olga, flanked by four other teachers, their expressions stern and watchful. The presence of so many educators only heightened the sense of dread that filled the air.

“Welcome to your first task of the year,” Madam Olga’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. The students erupted into cheers, but Alessa and her fellow participants remained silent, fear gripping their hearts like a vice.

“To advance to the next rank, you must complete your task,” she continued, her tone unwavering.

The anticipation in the arena was palpable as everyone hung on her next words. Alessa’s hands trembled, her mind racing with possibilities.

“To move to the next rank, you need to fight someone,” Madam Olga declared, her voice echoing ominously.

“To death,” she added, and a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, including the other students.

“What?” Alessa’s voice quivered, panic rising within her.

“In thirty minutes, you must kill at least one person. If you fail to do so, you will be killed. And remember, you cannot assist anyone else. Good luck.” With that, she took her seat, leaving a stunned silence in her wake.

Aliyah turned to Alessa, her expression a mixture of fear and concern. Alessa forced a smile, but tears threatened to spill from her eyes as the weight of the situation crashed down on her.

“It’s okay,” she whispered, trying to convince herself as much as Aliyah.

The sharp sound of a bell rang out, signaling the start of the chaotic ordeal. A massive screen flickered to life, counting down the time.

Without hesitation, the arena erupted into chaos as students lunged at one another, fueled by fear and desperation. Alessa took a step back, her heart pounding. What was she going to do?

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“Aria!” Thane’s voice echoed through the building as he searched frantically for her. Every corner he turned felt like a dead end, and anxiety clawed at his insides.

“Aria!” he called again, his voice rising as he made his way to the underground parking lot, the shadows stretching ominously around him.

Minutes passed as he scoured the area, but just as he was about to give up, a door caught his eye—next to the one he was about to enter.

“Equipment room,” he read aloud, curiosity piquing his interest.

He tried the handle, but it was locked. Odd, he thought. With determination, he kicked the door repeatedly until it finally gave way.

His breath caught in his throat as he stepped inside, his eyes widening at the sight of Aria lying motionless on the floor.

“Aria!” he shouted, rushing to her side, panic surging through him.

“Aria!” He tapped her cheek gently, desperation clawing at him as she remained unresponsive. He placed his fingers on her neck, relief flooding through him as he felt a faint pulse, but it was weak. She had been unconscious for far too long.

Without a second thought, he scooped her up into his arms and dashed back into the building, urgency propelling him forward.

Once on the ground floor, Alessa’s gaze fell upon Thane as he entered, cradling Aria.

“Aria!” Alessa cried, rushing to Thane’s side, her heart racing.

“Her pulse is weak,” Thane said, urgency in his voice. “We need to get her to a hospital.”

“Come on, Aiden!” Alessa called, grabbing Aiden’s hand as they hurried after Thane towards the exit, fear igniting their every step.

**AN HOUR LATER**

Alessa sat by her daughter’s bedside, watching her sleep peacefully, a stark contrast to the chaos of just hours before. Tyler, Bryan, and Aiden filled the room, each of them tense with worry.

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