It was late evening.
The school corridors of Section Z were quiet now — too quiet. Kaylie walked slowly, following a strange glowing arrow that had appeared on her student ID.
It was leading her somewhere.
To the basement.
The heavy door creaked open.
Inside, lit only by blue crystal torches, stood the entire Section Z class in a circle — Ci-n, David, Aries, and at the far end, Keifer, leaning against the wall with his arms folded.
"We've been waiting," said Aries coldly. "The seal has chosen its host."
Kaylie looked around, unsure.
"What is this place?"
Ci-n stepped forward. "This is the Summoning Room. Only awakened souls can enter. You felt something earlier, didn't you? A glow? Symbols?"
Kaylie hesitated. Then slowly nodded.
David smiled. "Congrats. You're one of us now."
Suddenly, a large circular sigil lit up beneath her feet. The ground trembled slightly. Blue light shot upwards, surrounding her. Her hair fluttered with the rising energy.
Aries chanted something in an ancient tongue.
And then… BOOM!
The sigil burned itself into the floor, and a symbol appeared on Kaylie's right shoulder — a glowing flame with wings.
"The Flame Seeker."
She gasped. "W-What is this?!"
A voice echoed through the room, low and ancient:
"Every Chosen needs a Partner."
At that moment, the sigil behind her shifted and glowed again — forming a second symbol.
Keifer stepped forward.
"No way," Kaylie muttered. "Him?"
Aries nodded. "You two are soul-bound now. Whether you like it or not."
Kaylie turned to Keifer, flustered. "We barely even talk!"
Keifer looked calm, almost bored. "Now we'll have to."
The others began clapping as the glow faded.
David grinned. "Don't worry, Kaylie. It's not a curse. It's your destiny."
As everyone left the chamber, Kaylie stood still.
Keifer walked past her, brushing her shoulder gently.
He didn't look at her when he said:
"You have no idea what you're capable of… Flame Seeker."
Her heart skipped.
And for the first time in her life… she felt special.