Father Michael's words weighed heavily in the air, just like a dark and ominous storm cloud. Liam felt his heart pounding in excitement as he glanced at Elena, then returned his gaze to the priest. He couldn't stop thinking: Did Father Michael have hidden information, or was he just echoing the rumors they were already thinking about? The group remained immobile, each member contemplating the arrival of the priest, uncertain if it was a gift or a punishment. Father Michael, a man known for his peaceful demeanor and astute insights, had served as a spiritual mentor in the community for many years. However, his mere existence now held an unsettling heaviness. "Is it true?" Lindy shattered the quietness with her sharp voice, slicing through the tense atmosphere. Who is responsible for disseminating them? And for what reason at this moment? Father Michael moved ahead, his aged face clouded with worry. I've learned information during confession that makes me think Harlow's influ
The atmosphere in the room was tense following Harlow's son's abrupt entrance with his urgent message. The pale and trembling boy held onto Lindy, who tried to reassure him. Liam, Jordan, and Father Michael shared solemn expressions, feeling the gravity of the situation pressing down on them. "What precise words did your father use?" Jordan inquired with a hushed and pressing tone. The boy, struggling to control his fear, stumbled over his words, saying, "He... he's mad." He is aware that you are all uniting against him. He is scheming a major project. I... I listened to him speaking with his soldiers. "He's on his way to get you."Liam could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He looked around the room, observing the worried expressions on his friends' faces. They were together, but the signs of discord were already starting to appear. Seated in a corner, Elena appeared pale and distant. She had been providing Harlow with information, possibly for sabotage or to ensure survival.
The night had dragged on, tense and uncertain, but now the morning sun bathed the town in a gentle, golden glow. After the close encounter with Harlow last night, everyone was completely drained - physically, emotionally, and mentally. They had successfully avoided a catastrophe, for the time being, but the task was not yet complete. Although Liam, Jordan, and Rachel successfully returned from Harlow's estate, they were unable to bring back his whole family. Some stayed faithful to Harlow, while some were too scared to go. The victory was tenuous at most. Father Michael convened one last gathering at the church before everyone went their separate ways. The room was a mix of relief and anxiety, with the understanding that this was not yet finished. Father Michael started by expressing his gratitude to everyone in the room for their courage. He looked at every person - Liam, Jordan, Lindy, Rachel, Principal Dawson, and Elena, who was forgiven for her role as a spy for Harlow. "W
The period following the gathering at Father Michael's church was more peaceful than anticipated by everyone. Life continued on as though nothing was different, but deep down, everyone understood that it was far from finished. Liam and his group had gone back to their usual activities, but the assignment to take down Harlow stayed in their thoughts like an unshakeable burden. Returning to his full-time position at the mechanic shop, Liam took comfort in the routine of his job. While his hands focused on repairing vehicles, his thoughts consistently returned to the unusual sense of tranquility. It seemed too perfect to be real, and Liam sensed an approaching storm. While the rest had gone their separate ways, the group remained connected through secret messages and occasional, low-key gatherings. Their facade of normality was just a temporary shield; they were all aware it wouldn't endure. Harlow had moved back into the darkness, his existence on the property a menacing danger. His
The magnificent gates of Opulent University loomed before Liam, promising a world different from his ordinary life. As he entered, a deep voice called from the hallway, "Hey, there goes another man, call him for me." Liam turned to see six hefty guys on the pavement. "Come down here, man," the voice ordered, and a huge, fair guy with broad shoulders called out to him."Are you referring to me?" Liam asked playfully, his slim stature a reminder of the turmoil he had faced since his mother's demise."No one questions me that way, boy," the huge guy replied, his tone deep and threatening, causing Liam to step back."Macho, why not give him some welcome punches?" Another guy with scattered hair and a skinny look suggested.Liam, looking fragile and thin, smiled, trying to appear friendly despite the approaching danger."Hi, I'm Liam," he said, extending his hand for a polite handshake."I'm n..." Macho didn't let him finish as a hard slap landed on his cheek."No one talks to Macho that
His Trampling Starts.Liam turned to a slap that landed directly on his cheeks. "How dare you come near my girlfriend," a deep voice roared."No, please, he was wounded and I had to assist him," Lindy scowled at Roberts, her light voice showing her disappointment ."Shut your traps, bitch! You're a cheat. I have warned you severally," the tall guy snarled, his eyes red in anguish. "Look here, young man, I don't tolerate people coming around my babe," he snorted.Lindy couldn't believe what Robson did; she knew him to be so possessive but never to that very extent."I'm sorry, man," Liam said, his eyes clouded with tears as he struggled to blink, cleaning his eyes repeatedly. "Get the fuck out of here," Robert grumbled."Man, always be calm; you can't tell what tomorrow ho..." Liam didn't finish his statement when another slap landed on his face."Liam, can you stop it," Lindy screamed as several other individuals laughed at him with contempt.A tear dropped from Liam's eyes; he couldn
His Greatest FearsSandra, a rude and arrogant girl in her early 20s, happens to be one of the top-class students at Opulent University. She wastes no time but holds Liam by his shirt immediately. "That phone costs $70,000. You've ruined it from your carelessness, so you'll have to pay up right now."Liam startles, not knowing what to do or say. He looks blankly at Sandra; his gaze shows a level of confusion and remorse. The other students cheer Sandra, who is breathing heavily, her eyes burning in provocation."Sandra, please calm down. It was a mistake. Please forgive me," Liam pleads.Even after hearing his apology, nothing changes. Sandra still stands with a sad demeanour, her lips tightened as she pulls Liam to and fro."I dare not want to hear you say it was a mistake. I want you to pay up right now, or you hand me something expensive that you've got in exchange for it," Sandra grumbles."It's too much for me, Sandra," Liam laments. "I would definitely pay up for it in due time.
Liam's AwakeningAs the evening shadows stretched across the cliff, Liam's lifeless form lay still, the pendant around his neck glinting faintly in the fading light. Suddenly, a shimmer of light danced along the necklace, a precious gift from his mother. In a breathtaking moment, Liam's body stirred, as if stirred by an unseen force.A surge of energy pulsed from the pendant, a radiant beacon against the darkening sky. Lightning crackled, striking with precision, illuminating the scene with an eerie glow. Every passerby saw it from a distance and halted, drawn by the spectacle unfolding before them. Liam's fingers twitched, his pulse quickened, and his eyes snapped open.A fiery redness engulfed his irises, shimmering like embers in the night, heralding a transformation that would alter his fate forever.He springs up, the force of wind raising his body. It twirls as it elevates, defying gravity. In some seconds, he lands on the other side of the pathway, the field he had once been