The morning sun lit up the corridors of Aurora High, but the atmosphere felt heavy, as if carrying the darkness of the previous night. Every step echoed against the marble floors, a reminder that tragedy still hovered over everyone. Claws walked in silently, his face stern, trying to ignore the whispers and curious glances.
Rafa was already in the study room with Isa and Lucas. Her expression was intense, the kind of look that showed someone was about to explode.
— We need to find a connection, — Rafa said, tapping her fingers on the table. — We can't just sit around waiting for someone to reveal what's happening.
Isa opened a file Lucas had prepared, containing records of the black car, times of the deaths, and strange symbols found in Vice Principal Augusto's papers.
— Look at this, — Isa pointed to a name on the list. — The daughter of the dead congressman. She was involved with gangs.
Lucas scratched his head.
— So it's not just coincidence. Someone is following a pattern. School, gangs, politics… all connected.
Rafa frowned.
— That means the killer knows exactly where everyone is and what they're doing. Someone inside this circle, inside the school.
Claws approached the table, feeling the weight of every word. He didn't want to get emotionally involved, but each detail struck too close to his own life: gangs, the children of politicians, and his parents' deaths.
— What if it's someone who knows the gangs inside out? — Claws suggested, his voice low but firm. — Someone who knows exactly who the targets are and how to protect themselves?
Rafa stopped shuffling through the papers and looked at him.
— Who are you suggesting?
Claws kept silent, but his gaze drifted. He remembered the stories about Rafa's brother — how he ruled territories and ended wars, respected and feared. Nothing stopped someone with that kind of history from having their own motives.
---
Meanwhile, Lucas discreetly opened the window to show images of the black car captured at night.
— Here it is, — Lucas said, pointing at the tablet screen. — Always near the victims' locations. And last night, it showed up near the school courtyard.
Isa raised her eyebrows.
— That explains why the students are tense. The killer is watching every move, and they seem to know the school better than anyone.
Rafa abruptly stood up, knocking her chair over.
— Then we can't wait any longer! — she shouted, slamming her hand on the table. — We have to act!
Claws took a deep breath and placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down.
— We need proof before acting. If we rush in, we could put everyone at risk — including ourselves.
Rafa huffed but nodded.
---
By late afternoon, Claws received a message from his grandfather:
"If you want to survive and protect what's yours, come talk to me. Not later, now."
He knew he had to go. The mysterious messages continued, bodies were piling up, and the feeling that someone was watching grew stronger by the minute.
When he arrived at his grandfather's mansion, he found Antônio waiting, seated at a mahogany table, his expression serious yet restrained.
— Claws, — his grandfather said, locking eyes with him — I know the recent events have shaken you. But forces are working against us. These deaths, these gangs — it's all part of something bigger… something you need to understand.
Claws stayed silent, absorbing every word.
— So you know more than you're saying, — he finally said.
— I've always known, — his grandfather replied. — But you need to learn to use that knowledge to your advantage. Protect your friends. Learn. Grow. Because this game… is only just beginning.
Claws felt a mix of anger and relief. He couldn't fully trust him, but he knew he needed him.
---
Meanwhile, Rafa, Isa, and Lucas discussed strategies for their investigation.
— Following the black car is priority, — Isa said.
— And keeping an eye on Vice Principal Augusto, — Lucas added.
— We need to figure out who stands to gain from these deaths, — Rafa said firmly.
Lucas hesitated, then looked at Rafa.
— And keep an eye on your brother. He shows up at strange times, and he seems to know too much about the victims' details.
Rafa swallowed hard.
— No… it can't be… — she whispered, pushing the thought away.
---
Night fell over the city, and Claws stayed alert. As he walked down the street, his phone buzzed. An anonymous message appeared:
"Don't dig any deeper, or the next one will be one of yours."
Claws's blood boiled. He took a deep breath, scanning the dark horizon. The black car moved slowly, almost imperceptibly, like a silent shadow.
— They won't break me, — he muttered, looking at his friends. — Or you. We'll find out who's behind this.
The cold night wind carried a sense of urgency. Every step, every glance, every decision could mean the difference between survival and death. And while the city slept, the game of power, corruption, and justice unfolded in the shadows.