Kael waited in his apartment, already dressed for the evening.
He kept glancing at the door… but Liana didn't return.
Minutes passed.
Then an hour.
His jaw tightened.
He picked up his phone and typed quickly:
Where are you?
He dropped the phone on the bed and walked slowly into the bathroom, trying to calm the strange pressure building in his chest.
---
LIANA'S SIDE
Liana entered her room quietly, shut the door, and let out a shaky breath.
Her mind still replayed everything Cain Valerius had shown her.
She went straight into the bathroom, letting the water calm her nerves.
When she came out, her phone buzzed.
Kael: Where are you?
She hesitated… then typed:
I will stay over tonight.
Sent.
Mira entered the room seconds later, smiling.
"Lianaaa, I brought snacks," she said.
Liana smiled back—finally feeling a bit relieved.
They talked about girl stuff, clothes, teachers, classmates rolling eyes, Zara's crazy jokes… until sleep slowly pulled them under.
Liana's breath settled.
Her heartbeat calmed.
They fell asleep hugging pillows.
But neither of them noticed the shadow that appeared in the middle of the room.
Kael.
He stood there silently, watching Liana sleep.
His expression was unreadable—hurt, confused, longing.
He moved closer, gently pushed a strand of hair from her face.
For a moment, his guard dropped and pure warmth filled his eyes.
Then, in a blink, he vanished.
---
THE NEXT MORNING
Liana and her friends ate breakfast together.
She tried to act normal, laughing and joining their gist.
After that, they headed to class — all three in the same department today.
The teacher walked in, slamming a book on the desk.
"Listen up! We have a mission today."
The class went silent.
"I will be calling three people from this class: Morris, Mira, and Liana.
Meet me in my office after class."
The entire class turned to look at Liana… again.
---
KAEL AT THE CAR PARK
Kael finished dressing and walked towards the school car pack.
Everyone bowed their heads the moment they saw him.
No one dared breathe loudly.
He scanned the area—and froze.
Liana.
She stood a short distance away… but something stabbed his chest:
Morris was holding her hand.
Kael's eyes darkened instantly.
He wanted to crush Morris where he stood, tear him apart for touching what was his.
But he forced himself to breathe, clenched his jaw, and walked straight into his car.
Not now.
He had somewhere important to go.
He needed answers about Liana's powers, about Cain Valerius claiming she was his child…
Everything was turning into a twisted puzzle.
He slammed the door shut and drove off.
---
THE TEACHER'S OFFICE
"Good," the teacher said, standing as Morris, Liana, and Mira entered.
"Sit. The others will join you soon."
Moments later, the door opened and three more students walked in.
Two identical boys — twins — tall, muscular, same cold blue eyes.
And a girl with silver hair, confident and quiet.
The teacher pointed at them.
"These are the Sterling Twins — Axel and Aiden… and Ryn, the Shadow Seer."
All three nodded politely.
"Your mission is simple," the teacher continued.
"You must travel to Shadowpine Village."
The name alone made the room fall silent.
Shadowpine…
A cursed place known for strange deaths.
"There is a Dark Orel hunting and killing wolves there. We believe it has grown stronger."
Mira swallowed.
Morris clenched his fist.
Liana tried not to show the fear creeping into her spine.
"I believe the six of you can defeat it," the teacher said firmly.
"Go, and return today. The barrier will open for you now."
An older enchantress stepped forward, her hands glowing blue.
She drew a circle on the floor — the ground cracked open like a mirror.
"Enter."
The twins stepped in first.
Ryn followed quietly.
Morris and Mira exchanged a look and jumped in.
Liana hesitated… then took a deep breath and stepped into the portal.
The barrier sealed behind them.
Their mission had begun.