The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 67

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**

**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**

**SIX YEARS AGO**

“I can’t help but wonder what Madam Olga has in store for us today. This feels so different,” Aliyah mused aloud, her fingers deftly wrapping the band around her hands, just as Madam Olga had instructed them to do. The locker room buzzed with an undercurrent of curiosity and apprehension as other students mirrored her actions, each of them preparing for whatever lay ahead.

The students were clad in black pants and fitted shirts, a uniform that felt both empowering and ominous.

“Yeah, it really is different,” Alessa chimed in, her voice tinged with uncertainty as she pulled her shirt over her head. It had only been a week since she had given birth, a week filled with conflicting emotions, and she had been trying her hardest not to dwell on her new responsibilities. Madam Olga had reassured her that her children were safe, urging her to channel her energy into her training instead.

The past week had passed without any rigorous training, a fact that left them all puzzled. Why was Madam Olga going easy on them? It felt almost like a reprieve, but they all sensed that something was brewing beneath the surface.

An hour ago, the higher-ranked students had entered the locker room, bringing with them the black uniforms and a directive to prepare. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.

“I’ll help you with that,” Aliyah offered, reaching for the band to assist Alessa in wrapping her hands.

“I’m not pregnant anymore, Aliyah. I can manage on my own, thank you very much,” Alessa replied with a light chuckle, a hint of confidence creeping back into her demeanor.

“Fine, fine,” Aliyah relented, a playful smile dancing on her lips as she stepped back, allowing Alessa to finish.

As Alessa focused on securing the band around her hands, Aliyah stood nearby, her eyes darting around the room, feeling the energy shift.

“Get ready, just five minutes left!” a high-ranking student called out as she strode into the locker room, her voice echoing off the walls.

“Come on, hurry up!” Aliyah urged, glancing at Alessa, who was still adjusting her wraps.

“I’m almost done,” Alessa shot back, quickening her movements, the urgency of the moment fueling her adrenaline.

Suddenly, without warning, a student stormed towards Alessa and shoved her hard. The impact slammed her back against her locker, a sharp gasp escaping her lips as pain radiated through her body.

“Hey, what the hell?” Aliyah exclaimed, instinctively stepping forward, but two other students blocked her path, their expressions menacing.

Alessa’s gaze locked onto the girl who had attacked her, confusion swirling in her mind. Who was this girl, and what had she done to provoke such aggression?

“Well, her friend was trying to kill me, what was I supposed to do?” Alessa scoffed, a flicker of defiance igniting within her. Aliyah’s smile widened, appreciating Alessa’s newfound resolve.

“Just ignore her. Madam Olga has strict rules against fighting outside of training, so she won’t be able to hurt you,” Aliyah reassured her, and Alessa nodded, feeling a bit more at ease.

Their time in the locker room came to an end, and they all filed out, following a senior student who led them toward the training hall. The air was thick with anticipation, each step echoing the unspoken fears and hopes of the group.

As they entered the hall, the sight that greeted them was both surprising and daunting. A group of boys, all clad in black as well, stood on the opposite side of the room, their presence commanding attention.

In the center of the hall, a boxing ring awaited, and there stood Madam Olga, her authoritative figure radiating confidence and control.

The students filled the space, their hearts pounding in unison as they awaited Madam Olga’s command.

“I think we’re going to fight,” Aliyah whispered to Alessa, her eyes wide with realization.

“And it’s against the boys,” Alessa added, letting out a sigh that mingled with anxiety and determination. The weight of the moment settled heavily on their shoulders, but they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.