The cold wind blew through the barely closed windows of room 3-B at Hilverbacks High School, in the city of Halven. Jake Silver sat at the last desk in the back row, arms crossed on the table, his gaze fixed on nothing. Outside, dark clouds gathered, foreshadowing a storm.
Today marks two years… since she left.
His mother. The only one who knew the truth. The only one who saw light in him even when he felt made of darkness.
While the teacher spoke about classic literature, Jake only heard the sound of rain beginning to hit the glass. A sound that always reminded him of the hospital. The last time he held her hand.
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During recess, Jake left the classroom and saw Sarah surrounded by voices, laughter, and gazes. The girl from a traditional family, with a calm smile and golden eyes, as if she was born from a dream.
She was talking to Pedro, the most beloved boy at school. Charismatic, popular. He made Sarah laugh in a way Jake never could.
She… was never meant for someone like me.
But for a brief moment, Sarah's eyes turned to Jake. A silent, direct look. She stared at him for two seconds and smiled.
Jake froze.
It was the same smile his mother gave when she realized he was trying to hide the pain.
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Suddenly, the sky flickered like a glitch in the real world. The sound of ancient bells echoed through the air — without origin, without explanation.
People looked up. The wind stopped. The world seemed to hold its breath.
And then they appeared.
Three white figures floated above the city, wearing armor of light, with empty eyes and wings made of living energy. Archangels.
But something was wrong. They didn't look divine… they looked like judges. Executioners.
A celestial voice, without their lips moving, sounded through the air:
— Humanity: judgment passed. Guilty. Purification begins.
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Explosions of light fell from the sky like spears. Buildings were destroyed in seconds. Chaos spread.
One of the archangels descended to the courtyard where Jake stood.
Sarah had fallen. One of the building's pillars was collapsing directly on her.
Without thinking, Jake ran and pushed her with all his strength. He was crushed by the debris.
Everything went dark.
— Mom… sorry. I couldn't…
Then, a circle of golden runes opened around his body. Time distorted.
In a flash of light and darkness, Jake went back in time thirty seconds before the death. But his eyes were different: half golden, half black. His body shone with a dense, unstable aura.
— …Not this time — he whispered, with a deeper, echoing voice.
He moved his arm. The pillar was diverted with supernatural force.
The archangel's eyes stared at him — for the first time, hesitated.
— Son of the abyss… you awakened too soon.
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The ground cracked. The light dissipated.
Sarah looked at him in shock. Jake trembled. His body burned inside.
He had died… and returned. But barely.
And for the first time, the world saw the true Jake Silver.
If I die again… I don't know if I'll come back as myself.
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[END OF CHAPTER 1]