It was the kind of silence that rang louder than screams.
Ayden lay in bed that night, staring at the ceiling. The glowing scar on his palm still pulsed softly, like a heartbeat that wasn't his own. He could still hear Kael's voice echoing inside him:
> "You were always meant to be tied to the stars."
Nothing made sense anymore. And yet, something deep inside him felt… right. Like a part of him had finally clicked into place.
But then—
BZZZT.
His phone buzzed with a late-night school alert:
> Reminder: New transfer student orientation begins tomorrow. All students must report to homeroom by 7:45 AM sharp.
Ayden sighed and set it down.
He didn't know it yet, but that new transfer student would change everything.
---
Next Morning – Edenvale High
Kael stood frozen in the hallway.
She could feel it—a chill. A ripple in the energy around her. Something celestial… but wrong.
Then the doors opened.
In walked the new student:
Tall. Ice-pale skin. Black hair slicked back like shadow ink.
His eyes? Not normal. Too bright. Too wide.
And when he smiled—Kael gasped.
That grin.
It was identical to the Shadowfiend's.
Too sharp. Too hollow. Too wide.
"Ayden," she hissed, grabbing his arm. "That's not a student."
The new boy turned and met her eyes across the hallway.
He winked.
---
Introduction – Homeroom
"Class, this is Lucien Drax, our new transfer from overseas," the teacher chirped.
Lucien smiled, revealing teeth far too perfect.
"I'm looking forward to making... lasting connections," he said, voice low and velvet.
Kael's wings prickled invisibly.
Ayden leaned in. "What's going on?"
"He's not human," Kael whispered.
"He looks human."
"He wears one. Like a mask."
Lucien took the seat behind them and leaned forward.
"Kael," he said softly, "you still shine. Even after all this time. Did you really think the Void wouldn't send someone... personal?"
Kael's blood ran cold.
"Who are you?" Ayden asked.
Lucien smiled wider. "I'm the one who remembers what she chose to forget."
---
After School – Confrontation
Kael and Ayden met Zion behind the gym.
"You were right," she said. "They're sending envoys now."
Zion frowned. "And not just any. Lucien Drax is a Whisperborn. A star cursed by the Void—neither fully fallen nor fully dead."
"So why is he in school?" Ayden asked.
Kael answered quietly, "He's here to unbind me. And take back what I stole from the stars… and gave to you."
Ayden's hand clenched. The sigil glowed again.
"So I'm the fuse."
"You're the anchor now, Ayden," Zion said. "If they destroy you, she'll be pull
ed back to the sky."
"And if she dies?" Ayden asked.
Kael looked away. "Then you become the next Star."