It started with fire.
Not a big one. Just a locker, charred and smoking in the east hall. But it was enough. Enough to set off the alarms. Enough to send students scrambling out of the building. Enough to send a message.
Kieran didn't need to see the symbol burned into the metal to know who did it.
A red fang.
The Crimson Vow.
---
Chaos ruled the courtyard. Teachers yelled for order. Emergency responders rushed in. And through it all, Kieran stood still—stone-faced, watching the flames die out.
"They're done waiting," he said.
Leo appeared at his side, breathless. "Was it them?"
Kieran nodded. "They're making it public now. They want me rattled."
Leo glanced around. "So what's the plan?"
Kieran didn't answer at first. His fists clenched.
"Tonight," he finally said. "I go to them. Alone."
Leo stepped in front of him. "No. You don't get to play the martyr. You said we face them together."
Kieran's eyes flared. "This isn't a schoolyard fight, Leo. These people—"
"I don't care. I'm not letting you walk into a fire just to save me from the smoke."
Kieran looked at him like he wanted to argue. But something in Leo's voice—strong, unwavering—stopped him.
He sighed.
"Fine. But if you're in… you're in all the way."
Leo met his gaze, steady. "I already am."
---