The ride to the new school was quiet — too quiet. The morning sun streamed through the tinted windows, glinting off the black limousine as it rolled smoothly past iron gates crowned with golden crests. Kayla sat beside Luke, her hand resting protectively on his gloved one. William, opposite them, scrolled through his phone, expression unreadable as always.
Luke's reflection in the window looked calm, but his eyes were uneasy. The towering buildings of Ravenshade Academy—a school for the children of the rich, powerful, and influential—rose before them. It was a kingdom of polished marble, sculpted gardens, and silent rules.
When they arrived, a young man stood waiting by the entrance in a crisp uniform. His white hair caught the light like frost under the morning sun, and his bright green eyes carried an easy charm that seemed to command attention.
As soon as the car stopped, the young man approached with a grin. "Uncle William!" he greeted warmly, opening the car door before the driver could.
William's stoic face softened slightly. "Chase," he said, standing to shake his hand. "I see your father told you we'd be coming."
"Yes, sir," Chase replied, his tone respectful yet confident. "Father said you'd be enrolling your son today. He asked me to make sure he feels welcome. Ravenshade can be... intimidating at first."
Kayla blinked, glancing sharply toward William. "His son?" she repeated, confused.
Before she could ask further, Luke, who had just stepped out of the car, instinctively hid behind William, his gloved hand gripping the man's coat. Chase's friendly expression softened as he looked down at the boy.
"Hey, it's okay," Chase said kindly, bending slightly to Luke's level. "I don't bite. You can call me Chase. I'm the head of the Student Council here. Your dad—" he paused, glancing up at William's silent figure, "—I mean, your guardian—told me you're joining us today."
Luke peeked up at him with cautious blue eyes. He didn't speak, but after a moment, he gave a small nod.
Kayla's gaze lingered on William, still unsettled by the way Chase had called him Uncle—and by how naturally he accepted being called Luke's father. Something about all of it felt like there was more to William's plan than she knew.
William, however, placed a firm but gentle hand on Luke's shoulder. "Chase will look after you. You'll do fine here," he said, his voice calm and assured.
"Yes, Uncle," Chase replied. Then to Luke: "Come on, I'll show you around. You'll like the greenhouse—it's quiet there."
Luke hesitated before following Chase, his steps slow but steady. Kayla watched him go, her heart tightening slightly, while William's eyes followed the boy with a rare softness that few ever saw.
As they walked into the gates of Ravenshade, Kayla finally spoke, her voice low.
"William… what are you really planning?"
William's gaze remained on Luke and Chase in the distance. "Protecting what Maxwell left behind," he said simply, then turned back toward the car.
But his expression—briefly, when she wasn't looking—was heavier than his words.
Chase led Luke through the arched iron gates of Ravenshade Academy, the chatter of students echoing in the distance. The academy looked like a palace disguised as a school — marble walkways, towering glass walls, and a sprawling courtyard where fountains danced in the sunlight.
Luke's eyes darted around nervously, his gloved hands tightening on his bag strap. Chase slowed his pace to match his. "It's a lot to take in, huh?" he said with a grin. "You'll get used to it. Everyone here's either rich, smart, or a pain to deal with."
Luke didn't respond, only gave a faint nod.
Chase chuckled. "You don't talk much, do you? That's fine. Silence scares most people here — makes them think you're smarter than you look."
That got a tiny flicker of amusement from Luke — barely noticeable, but Chase caught it. He smiled wider. "There we go. Progress."
They walked through the courtyard, passing by students who whispered among themselves.
"Who's the new kid?"
"Looks cold."
"He's with Chase?"
Chase ignored them easily, but Luke's shoulders tensed. "Don't mind them," Chase said quietly. "They stare at anything new. Just focus on keeping your head high. You're a Stone, right?"
Luke froze. His blue eyes darted toward Chase, suspicion flashing for a moment.
Chase raised his hands slightly in reassurance. "Relax. I didn't mean anything bad. My father told me some things about your family. The Stones are respected... and feared. People will judge you before they know you. I get that too."
He smiled faintly, brushing a hand through his white hair. "Being me isn't easy either. The only difference is — I don't hide. I lead."
They reached the main building — grand oak doors with gold-trimmed frames. Chase opened them, gesturing for Luke to enter first. The hall was vast, lined with portraits of past graduates and founders, all staring down like silent judges.
"Welcome to Ravenshade," Chase said. "Classes start next week, but you'll need your orientation and student ID today. I'll handle that."
As they walked deeper into the hall, a group of older students approached — two boys and a girl in tailored uniforms. They stopped in front of Chase, bowing slightly.
"President," one of them said. "New student?"
Chase nodded. "Yes. Luke Stone. He's under my care. Make sure he's treated with respect."
The group exchanged looks — a mix of curiosity and unease — but nodded and moved on. Luke glanced up at Chase. "You… didn't have to do that." His voice was soft, almost a whisper.
Chase smiled. "Of course I did. You're my responsibility now — and besides, I like a challenge."
They turned down another corridor leading to the greenhouse. Sunlight streamed through the glass ceiling, bathing rows of rare flowers and plants in soft light. The air smelled like fresh earth and rain.
"This is my favorite place," Chase said, sitting on the stone bench near a cluster of lilies. "It's quiet here. No one bothers you."
Luke's eyes softened as he took in the sight. He hesitated before sitting down next to Chase. "My mom… likes flowers," he murmured.
Chase leaned back, looking at him with a small smile. "Then she'd like this place too. You should bring her sometime."
Luke's gaze fell to his gloved hands. "I don't… touch people," he said quietly. "Not since Dad…"
Chase didn't flinch or pity him. He just nodded, voice calm. "That's okay. Everyone's got something they're dealing with. You don't have to rush."
For a long moment, they sat in silence — the kind that didn't feel uncomfortable. Just two boys from powerful families, sitting in the middle of a world that expected too much from them.
Finally, Chase stood. "Come on. Let's get you registered before the principal thinks I'm slacking off again."
Luke stood too, following him, still quiet — but for the first time since Maxwell's death, he didn't feel completely alone.