It had been brewing for days. The tension between Alex and Victor was palpable, and everyone at school knew it. Ever since Alex had returned, Victor had been simmering with jealousy and frustration. No one could rival his strength while Alex was away, but now that Alex had returned, things were different. Victor’s reign as the most feared and powerful student was being challenged, and it didn’t sit well with him.The final confrontation happened on a Friday afternoon, just as the school was about to let out for the weekend. The cafeteria was packed, students milling about in groups, some eating, others chatting. Samira and Alex had just found a table near the back when Victor stormed in, flanked by Jake and Emily, his loyal followers. His eyes zeroed in on Alex like a predator spotting its prey."You’ve got a lot of nerve coming back here like you own the place," Victor spat, loud enough for the entire room to hear. The murmurs of conversation died down as heads turned to watch the un
Over the next two weeks, Ryan and Samira grew closer, their bond forming naturally as they spent more time together. Ryan, with his easygoing personality, had a way of making Samira laugh even during difficult times. They’d often hang out after school, walking through the park or grabbing coffee at a small café near campus. Samira appreciated the simplicity of it—the way Ryan didn’t ask too many questions, but was always there to listen.One afternoon, while they were sitting on the swings at the park, Ryan turned to her, his expression serious for once. "You know, you’ve been through a lot with Alex. It’s pretty impressive how you’ve stood by him through everything."Samira shrugged, looking out at the empty playground. "He’s my best friend. I wouldn’t abandon him, no matter what."Ryan smiled at that, a soft admiration in his eyes. "It’s rare to find someone so loyal. Most people would have run by now, considering all the crazy stuff happening around him."Samira glanced at him, rai
The day Alex returned to school, there was a shift in the air. It wasn’t just because of his presence, but the anticipation that rippled through the students bodies. Word had spread quickly about his suspension, and there were whispers about what might happen next—especially between him and Victor.As Alex walked through the front gates, his sharp eyes scanned the familiar surroundings. Samira was waiting for him by the entrance, her smile a mix of relief and excitement. Ryan stood next to her, trying his best to look nonchalant but clearly aware of the tension surrounding Alex’s return."Welcome back," Samira said, stepping forward and giving Alex a quick hug. She had missed him, and though she didn’t want to admit it, she was relieved that he was back. Things had been getting more complicated in his absence."Thanks," Alex replied, his tone softer than expected. He glanced over at Ryan and gave him a nod, acknowledging his presence but saying nothing more.Ryan shifted uncomfortably
As Alex walked back into school after his two-week suspension, he felt the weight of every pair of eyes in the hallway. Whispers trailed behind him, and students parted to make room as he passed, unsure if they should welcome him back or stay clear. The events that led to his suspension still lingered in everyone’s mind—his confrontation with Victor had been the talk of the school. But the principal had made it clear upon his return: Alex needed to stay out of trouble.And so, when Alex walked into the lunchroom, expecting to sit with Samira like usual, he was met with the stern face of Principal Green. “Alex, I’m afraid you won’t be eating here for the next few weeks,” Principal Green said, crossing his arms as he stood in the lunchroom doorway. “Given your history with Victor and the ongoing tension, it’s better that you avoid any potential conflict.”Alex furrowed his brow. “But where am I supposed to go?”“The library,” Principal Hayes replied, not leaving room for negotiation. “
As Alex and Samira walked home together after school, the conversation naturally shifted to the events of the day. For the first time in a while, Alex wasn’t talking about battles, training, or Silas. Instead, he found himself talking about Naomi."You won't believe it," Alex began, glancing at Samira. "I met this girl in the library today."Samira raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh really? A girl in the library? At lunch?""I know, right?" Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "I was expecting the place to be empty, but she was there, completely absorbed in history books. I didn’t even think anyone would voluntarily be in the library during lunch."Samira smiled. "So, what did you talk about?""Well, we started talking about this history project we both have. She’s into it—like, really into it," Alex explained, his excitement evident in his voice. "She told me all about this ancient battle, the Battle of Thermopylae. She made it sound so epic, like something out of a movie or something. Ho
As Alex lay on his bed that night, the room dimly lit by the moonlight filtering through the window, his mind wandered back to Grandma Chen. The familiar ache of missing her settled in his chest, a feeling that had become all too familiar since her passing. He stared at the ceiling, his thoughts swirling, and he couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like if she were still here.*What would she think of all this?* Alex thought, his heart heavy. *Would she have been proud of me? Would things have been different?*There was a part of him that still longed for her presence, her wisdom, and the comfort she used to bring. Grandma Chen had been his rock, raising him after his mother died, teaching him about resilience, about how to survive in a world that often felt too harsh. Even though she never told him about the amulet or the powers that were part of his lineage, Alex understood why. She had wanted to protect him from the dangers that came with such knowledge.*But at what cost?*
The next day, Alex found himself back in the library during lunch, his thoughts still lingering on Naomi. He hadn’t expected to run into her again, but there she was, seated at the same table, surrounded by books. Something about her calm presence in the midst of the busy school day was refreshing to Alex. He felt drawn to her in a way he couldn’t quite explain.“Hey,” Alex greeted as he walked over, trying to sound casual. “Mind if I join you?”Naomi looked up, smiling warmly. “Sure, Alex. I’m just going over some notes for history class. You still working on that research?”Alex nodded, taking a seat across from her. “Yeah, kind of. But I was actually thinking, maybe we could grab lunch together. My treat.”Naomi raised an eyebrow, amused. “You’re offering to take me to lunch? That’s rare for a library regular.”Alex chuckled. “Well, let’s just say I’m trying to branch out. Come on, you’ve been stuck in here all week.”Naomi hesitated for a moment, then closed her book with a grin.
The next day, Alex walked into the principal's office with a sinking feeling in his gut. He had no idea why he'd been called in, but it didn't take long to figure out. Principal Davies sat behind his desk, looking stern, tapping his fingers against a folder in front of him."Alex," Principal Green began, "do you know why you're here?"Alex shook his head, trying to keep his expression neutral. "No, sir."Principal Green sighed and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "It’s come to my attention that you were seen having lunch in the cafeteria during your suspension."Alex’s heart sank. "I wasn’t causing any trouble, sir. I was just—""It doesn’t matter," Principal Green interrupted. "Suspension means no privileges, including lunch in the cafeteria. You’re supposed to be completing your history research in the library, as I instructed. This isn't about you causing trouble. It’s about you following the rules."Alex clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up. He hadn't done an