Aarav's muscles ached and his heart still pounded from the fight. The Wraith-Born collapsed into a smoking heap of shadows, claws twitching weakly before vanishing into the Veil. He let out a shaky breath, glancing at Riya, Kael, and Mira. "Was that… supposed to happen?"
"Mostly," Riya said, wiping silver flames from her hands. "You're awakening the Seal. But don't get cocky—it's only the beginning."
Before Aarav could respond, Mira grinned, tossing him a small notebook. "Notes for homework or monster-slaying tips? You decide."
Kael rolled his eyes, muttering about "the ridiculousness of training under chaos," while Mira doodled tiny Wraith-Born caricatures in the margins. Aarav felt a nervous laugh escape him.
By evening, he was back in Varsha High, blending into the hallways like nothing had happened. Almost.
Rohan, the class clown, tripped him again, laughing hysterically. "You're getting slow, Sen! Should I tie your laces… again?"
Aarav groaned, checking his sleeve. The Seal throbbed faintly under his shirt—proof that monsters weren't confined to the Veil. Even math class held strange ripples: shadows flickered across the ceiling, whispers curling in his ears, invisible to everyone else.
During lunch, Riya appeared again—hidden in plain sight as a transfer student—nudging him just as a janitor's closet door rattled ominously. Aarav's hand flared, silver light flashing briefly. The creature inside froze, snarling before retreating into the Veil.
Kael and Mira were there too, disguised as exchange students: Kael awkwardly carrying a huge backpack, Mira scribbling shimmering runes on tables that vanished after a moment.
Aarav exhaled. Surviving the Veil wasn't just about fighting—it was about balance, humor, and keeping your friends close. And somewhere in the shadows, a bigger threat was already watching, waiting for him to slip.