<h4>Chapter 425: 425-Last Mission Before Freedom</h4>


    <strong>Oriana:</strong>


    We were dered mates, and everyone watched us. They could not do anything.


    In fact, what the Shadow Earth Eater could not do, I did. Miss Rue did it too.


    Most of the credit went to her. Actually, all of it went to her.


    But one must not forget that I also suffered a lot by my own hands for this purpose.


    "With that being said, Yorick, you will be getting discharged from the academy so that you can go and live with your parents and heal. You will be given therapy sessions, and I hope that whatever effects the North left on you, you will recover from them," the headmaster announced.


    I noticed how everyone was watching Yorick with wide eyes, almost as if they were wondering what they would need to do to escape this ce themselves.


    Somewhere along the line, everyone had started to question whether the next mission would be theirst.


    The presence of all of the ringleaders alone was enough to make that thought linger.


    That morning, new furniture had already been ordered.


    Fresh paint was being brought in. They were changing the interior and the decor.


    It was clear that a new session was about to begin, a new set of crusaders. I felt relieved knowing I had gotten out in time.


    I smiled brightly because I knew I was not going to die in the North anymore.


    But the moment I noticed everyone staring at me, I realized the smile on my face did not fit the situation. I sniffled and corrected myself.


    "I’m happy that we’ve survived so far," I said, forcing my expression to soften, making it seem like I was smiling for all of us who were still standing here alive.


    "Well, then I hope you will all return from this mission," the headmaster said. "It’s a simple mission. But first, Yorick may pack your bags and leave. Oriana, if you wish to have a word with him."


    I gave him a nod.


    "All crusaders should wait at the road to be taken to the train station. Remember, this task is for all of you toplete together. Go to the tunnels, find the Shadow Earth Eater, y it, and bring her head back. That is all," the headmaster exined clearly.


    Everyone noddedzily. In their eyes, Yorick should not have been discharged.


    He hadmitted a crime and walked free. They said he had gone through a psychic evaluation, and that doctors and psychologists deemed him unfit.


    I knew the truth.


    I walked with my family toward Yorick’s room while the others went to wait on the road.


    "I’lle back soon," I said to Yorick as he stood in the doorway.


    He turned and met my gaze.


    "I’ll be desperately waiting," he taunted.


    There was something unsettling in his tone, but I ignored it. I was too happy.


    I was going to the North and I was going to survive. I woulde back, leave this ce, and live the life of a Luna.


    For the first time, the fear of dying in the North was gone. The North was no longer my problem. I would not end up like Suki.


    There was nothing more for me to say to Yorick. His mother made me ufortable, so I left the room.


    "We will meet again," my stepbrother said.


    I turned and looked him directly in the eye.


    "Sure, we will. After all, I still have to take revenge for my father’s death."


    The smile on his lips slowly faded.


    If he truly believed I was going to spare him, he waspletely wrong.


    I stepped away and joined my squadmates, who were no longer threatening me with their eyes.


    I could tell they still did not like me, but at least they were not threatening me anymore.


    That was a good start. We were taken to the station in two different cars.


    The car rides were awfully silent. There was our squad, and then there was another.


    Once we got out of the cars, we headed to the train.


    It had been so long since we had been on this train, and I felt somewhat sad for the others who would die in the next mission.


    As for me, I jumped into the carriage without hesitation. I sat down and stared out the window.


    I wanted to absorb as much of the view as I could, because after today, I would nevere back here.


    I wondered what was going on with Ian and Clementine. Miss Rue told me that she was alive.


    All I had to do was go and tell the shadow earth eater to kill them both, the ones who could betray us by revealing our secrets.


    At the same time, I needed to make sure Joshua and I were the first ones to find the shadow earth eater.


    Of course we would be. There was no way the others could find her.


    The shadow earth eater can tell when you want her help. She can tell that you are looking for her because you have needs.


    These other people were going to kill her, so she was not going to meet them.


    Once we arrived in the north, we all got out. Haiden and Troy were the only ones left. Their other friends were all gone.


    The two looked around and then moved forward. They did not even turn around for me.


    They were crusaders. Mira, Renee, and Sebastian strolled together, and I was left behind with Joshua.


    "Ready to do it," I asked Joshua. He looked around and took a deep breath before nodding.


    "Yes, let’s do it," he replied.


    We then headed toward the tunnels to get ourst wishes and finally be free from here.


    Before long, we were already outside the house. The fleshmingos and everyone else were still there.


    They were jumping around and fighting. I let the others deal with it. Joshua and I slipped into the house first.


    Then we reached the basement. It was the same as before, with a closet knocked over and blocking the way.


    I let Joshua handle it. I did not want to do anything because I was too fragile, and also because I was a Luna now.