A Strange Encounter

The final bell rang, signaling the end of another long school day. Students streamed out of the building, laughing, chatting, and making plans for the evening. Among them, Alaric walked with a calm yet focused demeanor, his mind sharp and always observing the subtle shifts in the atmosphere. His recent awakening had heightened his senses even more, and nothing seemed to escape his attention.

Today, however, something caught his eye that made him pause. Across the courtyard, he noticed Evelyn lingering near the gate, a hint of anxiety in her expression. Her usual confident stride was absent, replaced by a cautious hesitation. She kept glancing down the road, as if waiting for someone. Alaric's keen senses picked up on her unease immediately—there was something off about the situation.