The training field was still loud with excited students when Morris stepped closer to Laina. His expression was calm, but there was a soft worry in his eyes that he didn't bother to hide.
"Let's go together," he said quietly.
For a moment, she hesitated—no one had ever spoken to her with that gentle firmness before.
But she didn't decline.
She simply nodded and began to stand.
Before she could take a step, her phone rang.
Kael.
Her heart tightened.
"Excuse me," she whispered to Morris.
He nodded and stepped back, watching her walk a little distance away.
Laina picked the call.
"Hello…" her voice trembled.
"Laina?" Kael's tone was sharp with concern.
The moment she heard his voice, she broke.
Tears rushed to her eyes and spilled immediately.
"What is it?" Kael asked. "Why are you crying? Talk to me."
"I can't… connect with you," she whispered shakily.
There was a long pause on his end.
"What do you mean?"
"I—I tried. I tried last night. I couldn't feel you. And today—nothing. It's like the connection just…"
Her voice cracked.
"…disappeared."
Kael's voice hardened.
"Laina, why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"The principal told me not to."
She wiped her tears quickly.
"He said not to disturb you."
"What? Why?" Kael's voice grew sharper.
"What happened to you, Laina?"
"I suddenly passed out yesterday," she confessed, her voice small.
"And now… I can't even use my power anymore."
The other end was silent for a heartbeat.
Then Kael said, each word colder than the last:
"I will be coming."
Her breath caught.
"Really?"
"Yes."
The call ended abruptly.
Laina held the phone to her chest and exhaled shakily.
She didn't know whether to feel relieved or scared.
"Can we go?" she asked softly.
She turned—and Morris was standing right behind her, waiting patiently.
He nodded.
"Okay."
His voice was gentle, but his eyes…
They held questions he didn't ask.
---
Unknown Location
Far away, in a darkened lounge filled with the scent of old wine and expensive leather chairs, a man sat calmly sipping his drink.
His presence alone was intimidating—quiet, powerful, almost otherworldly.
A messenger rushed in and bowed.
"Boss… Kael will be leaving his premises."
The man didn't react immediately.
He simply placed his glass down with silent precision.
"Ready the car," he said.
"Yes, my Lord."
The room trembled faintly as the messenger left.
The man leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"So Kael finally moves… all because of a girl."
---
Back at the Academy
Zara and Mira walked toward their dorm room together, still talking about their classes. But as they passed a group of students, they overheard whispers.
"I still can't believe it. Morris never talks to anyone."
"Exactly! He barely looks at people."
"How come he's suddenly close to Laina?"
"She must be different…"
Zara stopped walking.
Her stomach tightened unpleasantly—but she forced a smile.
"He's just helping her," Mira said quickly, trying to ease her friend.
"Don't overthink it."
Zara managed a small laugh.
"You're right. Let's just… check the principal's office. Maybe she went back there."
The two girls turned down the hallway, trying to ignore the increasing whispers surrounding Laina's name… and Morris's.
Something was shifting in the academy.
And everyone could feel it.