Chapter 1 – Rebirth in Shadows
Page 5 (Part 2/5)
The afternoon dragged with the weight of unsaid words. Seraphine kept herself busy with the act of being an ordinary student—scribbling notes, smiling at teachers, offering the right answers when called on. But beneath the mask, her thoughts circled only one thing: Jim Lake and the glowing Amulet she had seen in his hands.
By the time the final bell rang, she knew what she wanted. What she needed. A moment alone with him.
Students poured out of the building, laughter and chatter echoing down the hall. Claire was swept away by a teacher who wanted a word about her essay. Toby was distracted by the lure of cafeteria leftovers, promising to meet Jim outside.
And Seraphine? She drifted casually into Jim's path just as he adjusted his backpack and started toward the doors.
"Hey," she said lightly, as though it were chance. "Walk with me?"
He blinked, caught off guard, then gave a short nod. "Uh… sure."
They fell into step together, weaving through the throng. The noise of the school faded behind them as they stepped into the golden glow of late afternoon.
For a while, Seraphine let the silence breathe. She didn't crowd him with questions, didn't force conversation. She simply walked, her presence steady, her gaze soft. Eventually, his shoulders eased, his guard slipping just enough.
"You looked better this morning," she said finally, her voice low, unintrusive. "Until Claire showed up."
He gave a rueful laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, she… worries."
"Because she cares." Seraphine tilted her head, watching him. "But sometimes, the people who care the most… are the ones you can't tell everything to. Right?"
His step faltered, only for a second, but she caught it. His silence confirmed everything she suspected.
Seraphine smiled faintly, keeping her tone light. "I get it. Some things are too big, too strange. You try to explain, and suddenly you're not Jim anymore—you're a problem they have to solve."
Jim stared at her, startled. "That's… exactly how it feels."
Her power thrummed, the words sinking deep into his heart. She didn't need to force him—he walked willingly into the trap she'd laid.
"I don't think you're a problem," she said softly. "I think you're stronger than you realize. But even strong people need somewhere to put the weight down."
His throat bobbed, his hand tightening on his backpack strap. She followed the motion with her eyes, feigning curiosity. "You always carry that bag. Like it's more than just books in there."
His breath hitched, subtle but telling.
Her smile didn't waver. "See? That's what I mean. You don't have to tell me, Jim. Not if you're not ready. But you could. And I wouldn't run. I wouldn't look at you differently."
The confession hovered on his lips—she could feel it. His body leaned toward hers, desperate for the relief of unburdening.
But then, a car horn blared nearby, shattering the fragile moment. Jim flinched, stepping back. "I—uh, I should… go. Toby's waiting."
Seraphine's expression softened, carefully crafted disappointment clouding her face. Not angry, not demanding. Just patient. "Of course. Go. But remember, Jim… my offer doesn't expire."
He nodded quickly, almost gratefully, before hurrying off.
Seraphine watched him go, her eyes gleaming. So close. She had felt the secret trembling on his tongue, ready to spill. The Amulet, the burden, the truth—he was aching to share it.
And when he did, it would be to her. Not Claire. Not Toby. Her.
She allowed herself a smile, slow and satisfied.
Every day, the strings tightened. Every step, the mask grew stronger.
And soon, Jim Lake would believe she was the only one who truly understood him.