The next day, Alex walked into school alongside Samira, who had been by his side every step of the way. The events of the past few days felt surreal, like something out of a nightmare, but Alex felt different now. Stronger. The weight of the amulet hanging from his neck was no longer a burden—it was a source of power, a connection to his mother and Grandma Chen.As they entered the crowded hallway, Samira shot Alex a concerned glance. “You sure you’re ready for this?”Alex nodded, his eyes scanning the familiar faces of students chatting and laughing in groups. “I have to be. I’m done being afraid.”It didn’t take long for Victor and his gang to notice Alex. The look of shock on Victor’s face was almost comical. His eyes widened as if he had seen a ghost. After all, he and his crew had left Alex for dead just a day ago.“Chen?” Victor stammered, disbelief and panic creeping into his voice as he pushed through the crowd. Jake and Emily followed close behind, their expressions just as c

The next morning, Alex walked into school with Samira by his side, feeling a little more at ease after the previous day’s events. The buzz in the hallway had died down somewhat, though the occasional whisper and sideways glance reminded Alex that his confrontation with Victor was still very much on everyone’s mind. Samira had seen some of the videos being shared online but didn’t bring it up, sensing Alex’s desire for normalcy, at least for now.“I can’t believe people are still talking about it,” Samira said as they headed to class. “You were amazing, Alex. I mean, you’ve always been strong, but that? That was something else.”Alex shrugged, feeling a bit awkward under the praise. “I didn’t really think about it. It just... happened. I don’t even know how I did it.”Samira gave a small smile. “Maybe your mom’s gift is more than just sentimental. Maybe it’s connected to all of this.”Alex glanced down at the amulet hanging around his neck, hidden under his shirt. It had felt different

As Alex walked through the halls the next day, he couldn’t help but feel the pull of the amulet against his chest, a constant reminder of the power that now coursed through his veins. The confrontation with Victor had only been the beginning. He knew that. There was so much more to this mysterious gift from his mother—so many more abilities that Alex had yet to understand or unlock.That afternoon, after school, Alex headed to the old park near his neighborhood. It was quiet, a place where he could be alone. Samira had offered to come, but Alex felt this was something he needed to figure out on his own. He sat on one of the large rocks near the center of the park, pulling out the amulet and holding it in his hand.It glowed faintly in the fading sunlight, warm to the touch as though it were alive. The longer Alex stared at it, the more he could feel something inside—something ancient and powerful. His heartbeat synced with the soft pulsing of the amulet, and Alex closed his eyes, lett

When Alex got to school the next day, whispers were everywhere. The story of what had happened spread like wildfire. Apparently, some students had posted about it online, but the details were so scattered and unbelievable that no one knew what to make of it. Still, the attention was getting uncomfortable, and Alex could feel eyes on him everywhere he went.Victor and his gang must have heard about it too. He noticed them huddled together at the edge of the courtyard, throwing glances in his direction. They didn’t approach him, but he could tell something was up. Victor looked unusually tense, and he couldn’t help but feel like they were planning something. Maybe they hadn’t forgotten the beating he gave him the other day. But this was different. They were watching him—observing. It was unsettling, and I knew it wouldn’t end there.The real problem came later in the day.Alex was in the middle of class when the announcement came through the intercom. "Alex Chen, report to the principal

As the days passed after his grandmother’s death, Alex found himself wrestling with an overwhelming internal conflict. The power within the amulet had fully awakened, filling him with abilities beyond his wildest imagination. Yet, along with this power came a choice—one that weighed heavily on his heart.Should he seek revenge against The Shadow Circle for what they had done to his family? Or should he use his newfound abilities for a greater purpose, to help those in need and protect the world from the dangers that lurked in the shadows?One afternoon, Alex sat with Samira at their usual spot in the park, the same place where he had first unlocked the amulet’s secrets. The late afternoon sun bathed the world in a warm glow, but the weight of their conversation cast a shadow over them.Samira sat beside him on the grass, her eyes filled with concern as she watched her friend. "You’ve been really quiet lately, Alex. I can see something’s eating at you."Alex let out a sigh, staring dow