Children laughed in the distance, their voices light and carefree, echoing through the quiet neighborhood. The world moved as it always did—people walking by, lost in their routines, couples strolling hand in hand, a man guiding his dogs across the street while humming to himself.
Everything felt normal.
Everything looked normal.
But for Elian Reed, nothing ever truly was.
He stood just outside the front gate, one hand resting casually in his pocket, the other holding onto the strap of his bag. His expression was calm, unreadable—but beneath it, something stirred.
Anticipation.
Irritation.
Maybe even something close to resistance.
At twenty-one, Elian wasn't the type to complain, but that didn't mean he liked what was coming.
University life.
Dorm rooms.
People.
Too many people.
He exhaled slowly, his sharp eyes scanning his surroundings out of habit rather than curiosity. His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, brushing just above his eyes, and his posture—relaxed yet controlled—made it clear that he was always aware, always thinking.
Behind him, the door opened.
"Elian."
He turned slightly at the sound of her voice.
Elizabeth Reed stepped out, adjusting her handbag, her presence warm and grounding in contrast to his quiet intensity. She looked at him with a soft smile, though her eyes held something deeper—pride, worry, love, all woven together.
"Did you pack everything you need, my son?"
Elian gave a small nod. "Yes, Mum. Everything's ready."
She studied him for a moment, then sighed lightly. "You say that like you're twice your age."
"I feel like it sometimes."
She laughed softly. "You're only twenty-one."
"And you still treat me like I'm twelve."
"That's because you'll always be my child."
He didn't argue.
Instead, the corner of his lips lifted slightly.
"I'll be fine," he said.
She stepped closer, adjusting his collar gently, the way she used to when he was younger. "I know you will. Just… be good. Stay out of trouble. Focus on your studies."
Elian met her gaze, steady and sincere.
"I always do."
The drive was quiet at first.
The city passed by in a blur of movement cars, buildings, people weaving through their own stories.
Then suddenly
A sharp honk.
A small commotion ahead.
A car had swerved slightly, stopping unevenly by the roadside. Inside, a young boy was crying loudly, throwing a tantrum while his mother struggled to steady the wheel.
It wasn't a serious accident.
But it was enough to disrupt the calm.
Elizabeth slowed down, watching carefully before continuing.
After a moment, she spoke.
"I don't want you getting into arguments," she said softly. "No fights. No unnecessary trouble. I just want you to stay focused… and safe."
Elian turned his head slightly toward her.
"I know."
"And?"
He sighed lightly, though there was warmth in his tone.
"And I'll be good. For you… and for myself."
She smiled.
That was enough.
Two hours later, the university stood before them—grand, imposing, full of life.
Students moved in every direction, laughter and chatter filling the air.
Elian stepped out of the car, his gaze immediately sharpening.
New place.
New environment.
New patterns to learn.
He adjusted his bag and followed his mother inside.
The principal's office was neat and orderly.
Behind the desk sat Mr. Billy Jackson, a man with a welcoming smile and an air of authority that felt practiced.
"Welcome," he said warmly. "You must be Elian Reed."
Elian nodded. "Yes, sir."
Introductions were exchanged, and after a brief conversation, the principal handed him a set of keys.
"Your dorm is on the upper floor. And remember—no sharing keys."
Elian took them calmly, though his eyes flickered slightly toward his mother.
She gave him a knowing smile.
"Don't worry," she said lightly. "You'll be fine."
The walk to the dorm felt longer than it should have.
Or maybe Elian was just thinking too much.
When they finally arrived, he opened the door
And paused.
Someone else was already inside.
A boy stood near one of the beds, looking up with bright curiosity.
"Oh—hey!" he said instantly. "You must be my roommate."
Elian blinked once.
"Yeah."
"I'm Alex Wooden," the boy said, stepping forward with a grin. "And you are?"
"Elian."
"Nice. Simple. I like it."
There was a brief silence.
Then Alex laughed. "You're quiet, huh?"
Elian shrugged slightly. "I talk when necessary."
"Well," Alex said, clapping his hands lightly, "this is going to be interesting."
Elizabeth stepped forward, introducing herself warmly.
Alex responded with ease, his energy filling the room almost instantly. He was the complete opposite of Elian—talkative, expressive, full of life.
Within minutes, he was joking, laughing, and somehow making the space feel less unfamiliar.
"You take care of my son," Elizabeth said with a smile.
Alex placed a hand over his chest dramatically. "I will guard him with my life."
Elian raised an eyebrow.
"That's unnecessary."
"Too late," Alex said. "I've committed."
After some time, Elizabeth finally prepared to leave.
She hugged Elian tightly.
"Call me," she whispered.
"I will."
"Don't skip meals."
"I won't."
"Sleep properly."
"Mum…"
She laughed softly, pulling away.
"I love you."
Elian's expression softened.
"I love you too."
And just like that
She was gone.
Silence filled the room for a moment.
Then
"So," Alex said, turning toward him, "first day freedom. How does it feel?"
Elian didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he reached for his towel.
"I need a shower."
Minutes later, the sound of running water filled the room.
Alex lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling, humming to himself.
Then
The door opened.
Elian stepped out, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, droplets of water tracing down his skin. His hair, slightly damp, curled at the ends, catching the soft light from the lamp.
For a second—
Alex froze.
"Dude," he said slowly, sitting up. "You look like you just walked out of a movie."
Elian glanced at him, unimpressed.
"You're weird."
"I'm honest."
Elian ignored him, grabbing his clothes and heading back inside.
When he returned, fully dressed, he settled onto his bed and reached for his phone.
Five messages.
From his mother.
I'm home.
Have you eaten?
Are you okay?
I miss you.
A small smile appeared on his face.
He typed back:
I'm fine, Mum. Don't worry. Talk tomorrow. Good night.
Across the room, Alex watched him carefully.
Then grinned.
"So… you wanna go out?"
Elian looked up.
"Where?"
"Food. Maybe explore. See what this place has to offer."
Elian considered it.
Then nodded.
"Alright."
Alex jumped up instantly. "That's what I'm talking about."
As they stepped out of the dorm
Elian paused.
Something felt…
Different.
His eyes shifted toward the distance.
And for a brief moment
He felt it.
A presence.
Watching.
Unseen.
Unknown.
Dangerous.
Somewhere on campus
A man stood in the shadows.
Calm.
Still.
Observing.
Alistair Thorne had arrived.
And everything…
Was about to change.