The sharp chime of the bell rang through the cafeteria, bouncing off the polished glass walls and marble floors. Conversations broke off, trays clattered, and chairs scraped as students rose from their tables in waves.
Emris stretched lazily, sliding his tray aside. "Guess that's us."
Eli adjusted his glasses, standing. "What class do you have next?"
"Literature" Emris replied.
Eli blinked. "Same."
A grin spread across Emris's lips. "Well, lucky you. Looks like you're stuck with me."
They moved through the shifting crowd together, stepping into the bustling halls. Students hurried past, their uniforms crisp, their voices overlapping in a blur of noise. Yet Eli noticed how certain students seemed to carve out space simply by existing the ripple effect of invisible power.
As they walked, Eli asked "You said Ji, Jax, and Kael run this place. People call them elites, but… is that it? Just their families' influence?"
Emris's grin sharpened. "Not exactly. Around here, power isn't just money or bloodline it's reputation. That's where their titles come in."
"Titles?" Eli echoed.
"Yeah." Emris shoved his hands into his pockets, his long blue hair brushing his cheek. "Think of them like masks everyone in Kingston knows them by. The names stick because they fit."
His voice lowered, like he was telling Eli a secret. "Ji is called The Observer. He doesn't say much. Doesn't have to. He sees everything people, weaknesses, secrets. Nothing slips past him. Some say he can tear someone apart with just a look. Creeps people out, but it keeps him untouchable."
Eli pictured it a silent gaze cutting sharper than words and felt a small chill run down his spine.
"Then there's Jax" Emris continued, his tone darkening. "They call him The Executioner. Cruel. Relentless. He doesn't just fight, Eli he breaks people. Rumor has it no one's ever stood up to him twice. His aura alone makes students drop their eyes. He's the one they fear most."
Eli's hand tightened on the strap of his bag. The word executioner echoed in his chest, heavy and sharp.
"And Kael?" Eli asked quietly.
Emris's grin returned, though it lacked warmth. "Kael is The Serpent. Smooth, charming, perfect on the surface. He's the student body president, after all everyone's golden boy. But don't let that smile fool you. Behind the scenes, he's the one who plays the long game. Strikes when you least expect it."
The name coiled in Eli's thoughts, deceptively soft yet deadly.
They turned a corner, the classroom doors coming into view. Around them, students whispered, laughed, and shifted, but none of the elites appeared. For now, the hall felt safer, lighter, as though their absence gave space to breathe.
Still, Emris's words clung to Eli's mind. The Observer. The Executioner. The Serpent. Three titles. Three shadows stretching over every step he took.
Emris nudged him lightly, flashing a sharp grin. "Stick with me, Eli. As long as you know the rules, you'll survive Kingston."
Eli managed a small nod, though unease gnawed at him. For some reason, it didn't feel like survival was going to be that simple.