It was another ordinary afternoon at school. Students filled the halls, laughing, talking, busy with their own worlds. But Kael felt the heavy stares again. Rumors about last night were already spreading.
Renz walked beside him, holding his books tight. "They're talking about us again…"
"Let them," Kael said calmly.
As they turned the corner, three older boys blocked their way. One of them smirked. "So you're the guy who thinks he's tough now? Taking my spot, huh?"
Renz tensed. He recognized them—they were part of the group that used to bully him.
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Move."
The leader laughed. "Or what?" He shoved Renz against the lockers. Students nearby gasped, gathering to watch.
Before Kael could step forward, a voice cut through the crowd.
"Stop it!"
Everyone turned. A girl stepped forward, her uniform neat, her long hair catching the light from the window. Her eyes burned with anger as she faced the bullies.
"Don't you have anything better to do?" she said.
The leader sneered. "Stay out of this." He raised his fist toward Renz again.
But Kael was already moving. With one hand, he caught the boy's arm and twisted it just enough to make him cry out. The crowd went silent.
"Touch him again," Kael said coldly, "and you'll regret it."
The boy tried to fight back, but Kael's eyes alone froze him. Something in them—calm but dangerous—made even the other bullies step back.
"Let's get out of here," one of them muttered. And just like that, they left, muttering curses under their breath.
Renz let out a shaky breath. "Kael…"
Kael only turned his head slightly. "You're safe. That's what matters."
The crowd slowly scattered, but the girl stayed behind. She looked at Kael, her expression unreadable.
"You're… different," she said softly. "Not like the others here."
Kael met her eyes. For a moment, the noise of the school faded, and only the sound of his heartbeat remained.
"I'm Kael," he said simply.
The girl hesitated, then gave a small smile. "I'm Lyra."
That was how it began.