The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 63

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**

**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**

**SIX YEARS AGO**

“Thank you,” Alessa expressed gratefully as Aliyah assisted her in fastening the straps of her vest. The fabric felt reassuringly snug against her body, a small comfort in the midst of the chaos that was about to unfold. Aliyah flashed a supportive smile, her eyes sparkling with determination, before handing Alessa a teaser gun.

“Are you ready?” Aliyah inquired, her voice steady yet laced with excitement. Alessa nodded, a mix of anxiety and anticipation swirling within her. Together, they made their way down the hallway, joining the throng of students who were gathered in anxious clusters, their chatter a blend of curiosity and trepidation.

As they approached, Alessa noticed the children from the other building standing opposite them, their expressions mirroring the uncertainty that hung in the air. What were they about to face? What did this training entail?

Madam Olga, a figure of authority who commanded respect, stood between the two groups, her posture straight and her gaze unwavering. A few moments prior, she had instructed them to don their vests and arm themselves with the teaser guns, her tone brooking no argument.

Once everyone had assembled, Madam Olga cleared her throat, her voice booming to capture their attention. “Listen closely, everyone. This is the simplest training you will ever encounter. Your task is to survive for thirty minutes without being shot by a teaser. Each of you must protect a child; if that child gets shot, you fail. If you get shot, you fail. If you fail, you start over and must navigate the maze to reach the end within the time limit. Fail to do that, and there will be consequences. Do you all understand?” Her voice rose with authority, echoing off the walls.

“Yes, ma’am!” the students chorused, their voices tinged with a mix of enthusiasm and fear.

“Any questions?” she probed, scanning the faces before her. Silence enveloped the group, although Alessa could sense the myriad of questions swirling in their minds. They were too intimidated to voice their concerns, a palpable fear hanging heavy in the air.

After a few tense moments, one brave student finally raised her hand, her voice trembling slightly.

“Yes?” Madam Olga acknowledged her.

“Does it hurt?” the girl asked, her eyes wide with trepidation.

Alessa felt a wave of relief wash over her; that was precisely the question she had been yearning to ask.

Madam Olga stepped closer, her demeanor unyielding as she extended her hand. The student hesitantly placed the teaser gun into Madam Olga’s palm. In a swift motion, Madam Olga fired, and the girl gasped, collapsing to the floor with a groan. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, the children’s faces contorted with fear.

As the girl slowly rose, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes, she bravely asked, “Does it hurt?”

“No, ma’am,” she replied, her voice steadier than Alessa expected. Madam Olga returned the gun, her expression inscrutable.

Aliyah shot Alessa a worried glance, and Alessa mirrored her concern, unable to mask the fear that gnawed at her insides. At eight months pregnant, her body felt like a ticking time bomb, and any sudden movement could send her spiraling into pain.

Madam Olga turned her attention back to the group of children, who flinched slightly under her watchful gaze. Their ages ranged from eleven to fifteen, teetering on the edge of adolescence, yet still so vulnerable.

“You will each choose someone to protect you,” she announced, and in an instant, the children rushed towards their peers, forming pairs and groups, leaving Alessa standing alone. The remaining four kids hesitated, stepping back as they eyed her warily.

Madam Olga’s gaze shifted to Alessa, and she nodded slightly.

“Well, Alessa,” she began, her tone a mix of authority and something softer, “you are about to embark on a task that many have not faced in years. You will protect three children.”

The kids exchanged hesitant glances before reluctantly approaching her, their vests fitting snugly around them.

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