The morning buzz hadn't died down by the time Ryan and John entered the classroom.
Almost immediately, several classmates — ones who'd barely spoken to Ryan before — circled his desk like moths to a flame.
"Ryan! What's going on between you and John?"
"Yeah, I've never seen John talk to anyone, let alone walk into school with someone."
"Since when did you two become best friends?"
Ryan blinked, caught off guard by the sudden attention. He glanced at John, who stood near the door, arms folded, eyes scanning the room like a silent sentinel.
With a calm breath, Ryan spoke, choosing his words carefully.
"John's dad used to work with my father," he said casually, resting his hands on his desk. "We met last night at a company dinner. Nothing fancy. We just talked."
His classmates leaned in, clearly hooked.
"John mentioned he hates bullies," Ryan continued. "So I asked if he'd help me out at school. Abel's had his eyes on me since I transferred… figured it was only a matter of time."
The students nodded, whispering among themselves. Some were impressed. Others were clearly still suspicious. But Ryan's calm tone, combined with John's presence, kept further questions at bay.
The bell rang moments later, signaling the start of the first period.
But before the class could fully settle down, the door swung open.
Click. Click.
High heels echoed through the room, sharp and commanding. A tall woman strode in — dressed in a sleek blouse and tailored skirt, glasses perched elegantly on her nose, her long crimson hair tied in a high ponytail. Her presence alone drew silence like a spell.
"Quiet down. Take your seats," she said coolly, her tone brooking no argument.
Everyone scrambled into place.
Ryan's breath caught in his throat the moment he saw her.
No way…
She turned to the class with poise. "I'm Miss Rose Benedict. I'll be teaching Literature and Mathematics starting today."
Murmurs filled the room. Some students exchanged curious glances, others stared in awe. She looked like she belonged more in a corporate boardroom — or a battlefield — than a high school classroom.
But Ryan knew better.
Rose Benedict wasn't just anyone.
She was one of his father's dragons — elite operatives in the Sinclair underworld. Intelligent, deadly, and utterly loyal to the Sinclair bloodline. While Uncle Zeek ruled with strategy and intimidation, Rose struck with precision, charm, and unshakable resolve. In the family's inner circle, she stood just beneath his father in rank.
And now she was... his teacher?
Her eyes swept the classroom — then stopped on Ryan.
"Ryan Sinclair," she called out.
A few students turned his way, more curious than ever.
"Yes, ma'am?" Ryan replied carefully.
She walked down the aisle, heels tapping against the tile like a ticking clock. When she reached his desk, she leaned in just enough for only him to hear.
"This is your father's order. I'm to monitor and assist you during school hours. He's concerned enemies might make a move while you're exposed."
Ryan's jaw tightened. "That old man really knows how to get on my nerves…"
Rose smirked subtly. "He knows what's at stake. And so do you. If you're going to carry the Sinclair name, Ryan, protection isn't optional — it's protocol."
"I understand his worries," Ryan replied quietly. "But this school… this is the only normal I've got left."
Rose straightened. "Then keep playing the role. I'll handle the rest."
Turning back to the class, she resumed her instructor role flawlessly. "Now then — open your books to page 12. Let's begin."
Ryan sat back, mind reeling.
John, the school tough guy, was now his silent protector.
Rose, his father's deadliest operative, was now his teacher.
The walls were closing in, even at Crestmont High.
His world — the normal life he fought to preserve — was slowly being consumed by shadows.
And yet, deep down, Ryan knew this was inevitable.
The Sinclair legacy wasn't something you escaped. It was something you survived.