Ray leaned against a locker, breathing heavier than usual.
The high school hallway was buzzing with voices, laughter, hurried footsteps... but everything suddenly seemed too loud, too close.
— Calm down… breathe…
His vision blurred for a moment.
A strange heat rose up his spine, like a sudden fever, accompanied by dizziness.
—What is happening to me...?
He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms to maintain control.
He had never felt this kind of thing... Ever.
It was then that he saw her.
Isabella was chatting near the stairs with another student. Ray instinctively slowed his pace, staying at a distance.
— So Isabella, what's your plan today? asked the girl cheerfully.
— Hmm… a little shopping, I think. And then go home, Isabella replied with a light smile.
— Luck. Okay, I'll leave you to it then.
- See you !
They separated.
Ray should have left.
He knew it.
But something in him pushed him to continue walking... to follow her, discreetly, as if drawn in despite himself.
— Stop… it's stupid…
Yet his steps continued.
The heat rose again, his heart beating too fast.
He wasn't looking for Isabella.
He was searching for an answer to what was consuming him from within.
On the other side of the school, Henry placed a hand against the wall, pale.
His head was spinning slightly.
The same strange feeling as Ray. An internal agitation, a burning energy that was not normal.
— I feel weak... and at the same time... too excited.
He closed his eyes for a second.
—But what is happening to me today?
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed in the corridor.
— But where the hell is he?! She told me it was on this side!
Henry opened his eyes.
Isolde.
She walked quickly, her face closed, visibly frustrated. She looked around, as if looking for someone… or something.
— She looks even more angry than usual...
Isolde stopped abruptly.
She took from her shirt pocket an ancient medallion, engraved with strange symbols.
"Where is he…" she whispered between her teeth.
At the precise moment Henry saw the medallion, an invisible wave passed through him.
His breath caught.
— Wha—
A searing heat exploded in his chest, different from before. Sharper. More targeted.
As if something inside him had just been... awakened.
—What is this thing...?
Before he could speak or take a step, Isolde abruptly put the locket away and turned on her heel.
— It doesn't matter... I'll find it eventually.
She walked away without looking back.
Henry remained alone, motionless, his heart beating wildly.