The academy's central courtyard buzzed with life—students clustered in small groups, chattering about classes, powers, and who looked the most impressive in the uniform.
Zane walked lazily behind Mira and Asher, hands in his pockets, half-asleep. "So many kids in matching outfits… I feel like we're part of some cult."
"Shut up," Mira muttered, cheeks still a little pink from earlier.
Before Zane could poke at that, two older boys strolled up, wearing smug grins like they owned the place. Their uniforms were tailored sharper, collars undone just enough to scream troublemaker.
"Well, well," the taller one said, eyes sliding straight to Mira. "Fresh faces. And one of them's a beauty. You new here, sweetheart?"
Mira froze, her smile vanishing.
Zane blinked, then pointed at himself. "Sweetheart? …Oh wait. You meant her. My bad."
Asher slapped a palm over his face.
The shorter boy leaned in closer to Mira. "No need to hang around these losers. A girl like you belongs with someone who can actually protect you."
Zane's lazy expression dropped. He stepped forward, his shadow rippling unnaturally across the courtyard stones, stretching toward the two boys.
His voice was calm, but sharper than Mira had ever heard it:
"Careful. She already said nothing. Which means no. And if you don't take the hint…"
The taller one scoffed. "Or what? You've got no power, don't you?"
Zane's lips curved into a smile—but it wasn't his usual joking one. It was cold.
"Try finding out."
The air around them seemed heavier, and for just a second, the boys glanced down like the shadows under their feet had twitched.
The taller boy sneered, covering his unease. "Tch. Whatever. She's not worth it." He turned with a click of his tongue, dragging his friend along.
Only when they were gone did Zane exhale and scratch his head. "Man… I was really hoping they'd swing first. Then I could test if my shadow can actually punch someone."
Mira stared at him. "You idiot… You actually scared them."
Zane raised his brows. "Wait, that worked? Nice. I should write that down."
Asher, still shaken, muttered under his breath: "First day, and you're already picking fights…"