The walk home started light. Five of them were still buzzing from the registration room, laughing and throwing ideas back and forth about where to train next.
Cassandra wanted somewhere open so she could practice her elemental strikes without accidentally burning something, while Jessica teased her mercilessly. Aileen chimed in with playful sarcasm, and Tasha suggested they pick somewhere closer to home.
Jayden mostly smiled and listened. He was content. For once, things felt normal.
But normal never lasted long for him.
The moment they turned into a narrow alley… shadows peeled themselves from the walls.
The chatter died. And then… they heard the shuffle of boots.
Figures melted out of the darkness one by one. Broad shoulders, cold glares, and dangerous intent. Sixteen men in total, one after another, they emerged, blocking the exit and sealing off their path. By the time the last of them appeared, the group was fully surrounded.
