Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 214

Posted by Adminj, ? Views, Released on January 21, 2026

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Chapter 214 Curious Instructor

Ivan shook his head. “If our boss won’t say anything, there’s no way I’d risk asking.”

So he really had no idea.

Finished

Ava gave a small smile. “It’s nothing important. You don’t need to worry, Instructor Cavalli. This morning was a one–time thing. I’ll be in the dining hall for breakfast like everyone else from now on. No more special privileges.”

As for her and Laurent? That wasn’t anyone else’s business.

“If there’s nothing else, I’m gonna catch up with my friends.”

Ivan scratched hard at the back of his head as he watched her leave. Whatever. He hadn’t gotten any answers

anyway.

If she really had someone high up looking out for her, then he’d just make sure not to step on any toes.

That day’s drills were the same as before. Ava breezed through them. The other girls just complained about sore legs and stiff backs during breaks.

Ten days passed at the training base in the blink of an eye. Everyone was finally starting to adjust. The daytime drills were dull, but the social events at night gave them something to look forward to.

Over in Q–1–B, Ava had gotten ahead of it all early. She asked if anyone wanted to perform in the evenings. Then she made a list and set a schedule. As long as the weather held up, two girls would go up each night.

Her setup felt fair and respectful. The whole unit appreciated it. In just ten days, Ava had become someone everyone in Q–1–B liked.

She was organized and logical, but she trained just as hard as the rest of them. If someone got sick or needed time off, she’d try to vouch for them too.

And with how good she looked–without being full of herself–Ava fit right in. She was thriving in boot

camp.

When it came time for the ten–day model cadet selection, Ava took the top spot without breaking a sweat.

That afternoon, after lunch, she stopped by Noelle’s dorm for a bit before heading back to her own. She had just stepped out of the building when she caught the faint sound of crying.

At first, she didn’t think much of it. But the sound grew clearer. She looked around and spotted someone behind a tree. It was a girl’s voice.

She’d already passed the tree, but after a few steps, she turned around. She stopped next to the tree without directly facing the girl. “Hey,” Ava said. “You should head back. Ms. Levis is about to start room checks. If she catches you out, they’ll dock your points.”

As soon as she said it, she started to walk off. But just then, a raspy voice called out behind her. “Ava!”

She turned. The girl stepped out from behind the tree. I was Malory. From Q–1–A.

Ava hadn’t expected to see her there.

20:37 Tue, Jan 20 WG.

Chapter 214 Curious Instructor

Aside from the first couple days, they hadn’t really crossed paths again.

1470 25

Finished

Malory wiped her eyes. She looked at Ava, who somehow looked even sharper than when they started. Ten days of boot camp had only made her more impressive

“You caught me looking like a mess,” Malory said, letting out a deep breath. Then she gave Ava a quick bow. “I’ve been thinking things through. I shouldn’t have come after you like that. I’m sorry.”

Ava hadn’t seen that coming. She waved her hand. “It’s fine. That was days ago. I never held a grudge.”

Malory sniffed. “The things I said… I was way out of line. I didn’t dare question the officers, but I went straight for you. That was wrong. I’m really sorry.”

Ava watched her closely. Compared to before, Malory looked like a different person. The arrogance was gone. Her face looked pale, with heavy shadows under her eyes.

Ava had heard that most of the girls in Unit A didn’t like her and kept getting into fights with her. Looked like she hadn’t had a good time at all.

Ava said, “I really didn’t take it personally. You said your piece. I fired back. That’s it. You don’t have to dwell on it.”

Malory wiped her face again. “You’re honestly amazing, Ava.”

She walked past Ava and kept going. Ava looked after her. “I’m not amazing. I just don’t care that much about showing off. I’m not here to get famous in a crowd of cadets.”

Malory took another deep breath. “I heard you got model cadet,” she said. “Congrats. You earned it. You’ve shown up and put in the work every single day.”