📖 CHAPTER THREE — The Council's Shadow
Anya stiffened the moment she heard that voice.
Cold. Steady. Sharp enough to slice through steel.
Zayn stepped in front of her instantly, shoulders tense.
"Kai, back off. She's talking to me."
Kai didn't even look at him. His eyes were locked on Anya — dark, unreadable, and way too calm for someone who had just interrupted.
"Anya," he said quietly, "the Council wants to see you."
Her stomach dropped.
"The Council… why?"
Kai tilted his head slightly, his expression perfectly neutral.
"There was an energy spike in your district. High-level. Dangerous. They need a statement."
Zayn scoffed.
"She's not going anywhere with you. You people interrogate first, ask questions never."
Kai's eyes finally shifted to him — icy, bored, the kind of look that said I'm seconds away from ending you without blinking.
"This isn't your concern, Zayn."
"Everything about her is my concern," Zayn shot back, stepping closer.
The tension crackled between them like electricity.
Students nearby slowed down, watching. The floating walkway lights flickered — not because of the system, but because Anya's chest was tightening again, that strange pressure building under her skin.
She whispered, "Stop… both of you."
Kai's gaze snapped back to her.
"Anya, please. If you come with me now, I can make the process easier."
"And if she doesn't?" Zayn challenged.
Kai didn't blink.
"Then the Council sends someone else."
The implication was clear.
Someone worse.
Someone who wouldn't be gentle.
Maybe someone who sent that message last night.
Anya swallowed, forcing her voice steady.
"Why do they want me specifically?"
Kai held her stare, and for a moment — just one — something softened behind his eyes.
"Because they think…"
He hesitated.
"…you're not normal."
Zayn grabbed her wrist.
"You don't have to go."
Kai reached for her other arm.
"It's safer if you do."
The pressure inside her chest surged — like something wanted out.
Lights overhead began flickering faster.
Students whispered.
The ground vibrated.
"Anya," Kai said quickly, stepping closer, "your pulse—"
Too late.
A burst of neon-blue energy erupted around her — a shockwave that blew papers into the air, sent holo-screens flashing red, and made both boys stumble back.
The courtyard went silent.
Everyone stared at her.
Breathing hard, eyes glowing faintly, hands trembling with leftover energy…
Anya realized something terrifying:
She had just exposed herself.
In front of the entire academy.
Kai whispered, "So it's true."
Zayn reached for her again.
"Anya—"
But before either of them could say another word, alarms blared above.
WARNING: UNIDENTIFIED ENERGY USER DETECTED.
LOCKDOWN INITIATED.
And all the hovering security drones in the courtyard turned toward her.