The hall smelled of sweat and floor cleaner.
Balls bounced, whistles screamed, voices echoed off the walls.
For Lina, gym class was always the worst – too much exposure, too little hiding.
Here there were no hoods, no corners, only open spaces and glaring light.
Today they had partner exercises.
Ms. Haller was explaining something about reaction time, ball handling, and team spirit, while most students had already tuned out.
The boys in the back were grinning, too loud, too confident.
Kevin patted Jonas on the shoulder. "Bet I can take down the new guy today?"
Jonas grinned. "Go for it. But film it!"
Lina felt her stomach tighten.
She knew that tone – that kind of bet where nobody really laughs until someone is on the ground.
Alaric stood a few meters away, hands in his pockets, hood forbidden but still pulled halfway over his head.
He looked like someone who didn't belong here – not in this class, not in this world.
