The classroom hummed with the soft murmur of students, a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside Raven’s mind. His encounter in the alley had been brief but unforgettable. The man hadn’t spoken a word, yet his presence had left a mark—deep and unsettling.

Raven tapped his pen rhythmically against the desk, staring at his notebook without seeing it. His instinct had led him into that alley for a reason, and now it was quiet. Too quiet.

Something’s coming.

The thought gnawed at him. His instincts never failed, but their silence was rare and unnerving.

A sharp knock on the classroom door pulled him from his thoughts. The teacher paused mid-lecture, glancing toward the doorway.

“Come in,” she called.

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The door opened, revealing a tall man in a gray suit. His eyes locked onto Raven immediately—cold and calculating. Raven’s pulse quickened.

“Raven Veyrin?” the man asked, his voice smooth but commanding.

Raven’s instincts flared to life. Lie. Don’t trust him.

“I’m sorry, but you have the wrong person,” Raven said without missing a beat. His tone was calm, but his muscles were coiled, ready to move at a moment’s notice.

The man raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Is that so?”

Without waiting for a response, he turned to the teacher. “May I speak with him privately? It’s important.”

The teacher hesitated, then nodded. “Of course. Raven, go ahead.”

Raven stood, his expression unreadable. As he walked toward the door, his instincts whispered again, louder this time. Danger. Play along.

The hallway was empty, the air heavy with anticipation. The man gestured for Raven to follow him down the corridor. They walked in silence until they reached an empty office.

Once inside, the man shut the door behind them and leaned against it, folding his arms.

“You’re a difficult one to find,” the man said, his eyes glinting with something Raven couldn’t quite place. “But you always show up where you’re needed, don’t you?”

Raven remained silent, his mind racing. Who is he? How does he know?

“I’ve been watching you for some time, Raven,” the man continued. “You’re… special. And not just because of your instinct.”

For the first time in a long while, Raven felt a flicker of uncertainty. How much does he know?

“Who are you?” Raven finally asked, his voice steady.

The man chuckled. “A friend. For now. But if you want to survive what’s coming, you’ll need to trust me.”