Isolde decided to follow Ray discreetly, blending into the crowd of students rushing towards the canteen. She pretended to help herself from the buffet, grabbing a tray at random, her heart racing with excitement and nervousness. Soudain, un tumulte éclata non loin : un groupe de garçons, menés par un grand costaud aux cheveux rasés et au regard arrogant, s'en prenait à un jeune homme assis seul à une table. The targeted boy had an inconspicuous appearance – neatly combed black hair, thin glasses perched on an aquiline nose, calm blue eyes behind the lenses, wearing an impeccably ironed shirt that made him seem like a harmless nerd, incapable of defending himself. The attackers shoved him, laughing loudly, their voices echoing in the crowded room.
- Hey, nerd, didn't you study your lessons enough today? sneered the leader, Kael, snatching his book from his hands.
The young man, Henry, did not react, just staring at the ground with stoic patience, which only fueled the group's fury. The distraction was perfect: everyone's eyes, including Ray's, turned to the stage. Isolde took advantage, quickly slipping the white powder from the vial into the food on Ray's tray – a discreet pinch on his sandwich and fries, invisible among the condiments. No one noticed her; she disappeared into the crowd like a shadow, a triumphant smile on her lips. *All you have to do is wait for it to take effect. Then I will appear before him, and he will be mine. Besides, Miria didn't come today, so no risk,* she thought, her pulse racing with anticipation.
Ray, alerted by the noise, grabbed his tray and strode towards the group, his expression hardening. At the sight of him, the attackers turned pale and hurried away, muttering inaudible apologies. Ray arrived near Henry, who was calmly picking up his book, and shouted to the fugitives:
- That's it, Kael! You and your friends, don't lose anything by waiting!
Henry looked up, a tired smile on his lips.
- Ray, forget it. It's no use.
Ray took a seat at the table across from him, setting his tray down with a thud.
- Seriously, Henry, I don't understand you. Why do you let these idiots make you miserable? We know very well that none of them could compete with the nephew of the Werewolf King!
Henry looked around nervously, lowering his voice.
- Please, Ray, I'll do without this. I really want to stay incognito.
Ray raised an eyebrow, a mocking smile on his lips.
- And why is that? No, let me guess... To better hunt prey, I mean, girls? he finished with a knowing wink.
Henry winked playfully back.
- Casanova for a day, Casanova always.
They burst out laughing together, sharing their meal in light camaraderie, completely ignoring the powder that was already dissolving into Ray's food, ready to trigger its sneaky effect.