The school returned to a shaky routine after the attack. Broken windows were replaced, burn marks scrubbed away, and students were told it was all a gas explosion. But everyone knew better.
Ryu sat in his seat, staring blankly at the blackboard. His friends talked beside him, trying to act normal, but even their laughter was forced. None of them mentioned the demon. None of them mentioned the girl with the wings.
Daiki leaned over. "You okay, Ryu?"
He nodded. "Just tired."
The door slid open.
Everyone turned.
A girl stepped inside. Her presence seemed to still the air itself. She had silver hair that shimmered under the fluorescent lights, eyes that burned with calm intensity—one blue, one green—and a posture so composed it seemed regal.
She wore the school uniform, but somehow it looked like it had been tailored just for her.
The teacher cleared his throat. "Class, this is our new transfer student. Her name is Alice Mikaelis."
Mikaelis.
Ryu's breath caught.
The name echoed in his mind like a distant bell.
Alice scanned the classroom. Her gaze passed over every student... until it stopped on Ryu. Just for a second.
And then moved on.
She bowed politely. "I look forward to studying with you."
The teacher gestured. "Alice, take the seat by Tatzuki."
Ryu's heart skipped a beat as she approached and sat down beside him. The light scent of lilies filled the space between them. Her eyes never met his.
He waited. Waited for her to say something. Anything.
Nothing.
Lunchtime.
Ryu stood with his tray, hesitating. His friends waved him over, but he turned toward the hallway instead. He found her on the rooftop, standing by the fence, looking at the clouds.
"Alice."
She turned. Her expression unreadable.
"I know it was you," Ryu said, stepping closer. "In the gym. You saved us."
She didn't answer.
"I saw your eyes."
Alice looked at him—really looked. For the first time since entering the class.
"You shouldn't be able to see them."
"What?"
She took a step forward. The wind lifted her silver hair gently. "You're not supposed to remember me. Not clearly. But you do."
Ryu swallowed. "Why?"
She hesitated. Then, in a whisper: "Because something inside you resonates with my light. Something that shouldn't exist."
Her eyes hardened. "I'm not here to be your friend. I'm here to observe you. And if what I suspect is true... then I may have to kill you."
Ryu felt his legs weaken.
"But I don't want to." Her voice softened. "So don't give me a reason to."
With that, she turned and walked past him.
Ryu stood there, frozen. Confused. Afraid.
And deeply, irreversibly pulled into a world he was only beginning to glimpse.
The world of angels and demons.