Shadows of Deception

The city was cloaked in darkness, an oppressive atmosphere hanging over the university.

In the classroom where Lyria was, one of the masked intruders burst in, wielding a weapon and pointing it firmly at the students.

MASKED MAN: (yelling) "Everyone to the courtyard, quickly. If anyone tries anything, I won't hesitate to shoot."

Lyria observed the situation, calculating the possibilities in her mind. She knew she could intervene and stop the man with ease if she used her powers, but the constraints of this world held her back. In her new mortal body, using her true strength could be catastrophic. And then there were the angels. She knew that using powers foreign to humans would draw their attention, and they would not hesitate to intervene.

LYRIA: (thinking) "How can those beings of light remain indifferent to human suffering?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by Adrian Veltran, the heir to one of the most influential families in the country.

ADRIAN: (trembling slightly, trying to appear brave) "Don't worry. The police will rescue us soon. My family is powerful—they're probably already acting."

Lyria glanced at him with a mix of incredulity and disdain.

LYRIA: (thinking) "This boy can barely contain his fear, and yet he tries to play the hero."

Meanwhile, in the auditorium, Kael watched as Amelia Bauman and Selena Blackmour were forced to kneel before a camera. The leader of the masked intruders began a live broadcast.

MASKED LEADER: "To the families of these two young women: transfer 10 million dollars to the account displayed on the screen. If you don't, we will execute your daughters in front of the entire country."

Amelia was trembling, her usual arrogance gone, leaving behind a scared and vulnerable girl. Selena, on the other hand, maintained a vacant stare, lost in thought.

Twenty minutes passed since the broadcast, and the sound of police sirens and helicopters surrounded the university. In an improvised tent outside the university, the police were planning their next move.

POLICE CHIEF: "The priority is to save those girls. Jacob Bauman called the defense minister, and he made it clear there's no room for error."

OFFICER: (frowning) "What about the rest of the students? Aren't they also a priority?"

POLICE CHIEF: "Orders from above. The Bauman and Blackmour families have a lot of power."

At that moment, an elegant woman of ethereal beauty entered the tent. Her presence commanded respect, drawing everyone's attention.

ELENA BLACKMOUR: "My sister is the priority."

POLICE CHIEF: "We know, Miss Blackmour. We're doing everything possible to ensure both girls come out alive."

ELENA: (coldly) "I don't care what happens to Amelia. Maybe those girls call themselves sisters, but the only blood-related sister Selena has is me. She's my priority."

Before the conversation could continue, the police chief's phone rang. He frowned, seeing the number was anonymous but decided to answer.

POLICE CHIEF: "Who is this?"

ANONYMOUS CALLER: (distorted voice) "Do as I say, and you'll save lives. Do otherwise, and you'll face consequences."

The call ended abruptly, leaving the chief puzzled but more determined.

POLICE CHIEF: (to his officers) "Let's proceed carefully. Keep all eyes on the exits, but don't make any rash moves."

Back in the auditorium, one of the masked men approached the leader.

MASKED MAN: "Is it time to take the gold from the vault?"

MASKED LEADER: "Do it. Keep an eye on the girls in the meantime."

Kael observed everything with a calculated gaze. The leader noticed his demeanor and approached him.

MASKED LEADER: "What are you staring at, kid?"

KAEL: (silent, without averting his gaze)

The leader struck Kael in the stomach with his weapon, making him fall to the ground. Even on his knees, Kael kept his eyes fixed on him.

MASKED LEADER: "So, you're brave. Let's see how much."

He grabbed Kael by the collar and dragged him to an empty classroom.

KAEL: (recovering) "That hit was unnecessary."

MASKED LEADER: (laughing) "You asked for it to look real."

KAEL: "How's the plan going?"

MASKED LEADER: "Perfect. The police fell for the trap. We sealed all the exits, just as you said. Our men are in the vault as we speak. I can't believe this university holds a small reserve of the nation's gold. You've got good informants, kid."

Kael paused for a moment before suggesting:

KAEL: "If things go south, you can take the girls as hostages and head for the sixth exit. That side should still be clear."

The leader considered Kael's suggestion and barked an order at another masked man.

MASKED LEADER: "What are you standing around for, like a statue in a gallery? Go get the girls!"

A masked man burst into the room moments later, panting heavily.

MASKED MAN: "Sir, the police have entered through an exit we didn't know about. We're surrounded."

The leader turned to Kael, furious, and grabbed him by the collar.

MASKED LEADER: "Liar! You said those were the only entrances."

KAEL: (faking fear) "I'm sorry, I didn't know."

MASKED LEADER: "Idiot! Now we'll take the girls, and you're coming with me. If I fall, you fall with me."

The leader ordered Amelia and Selena to be brought as hostages. He headed toward one of the exits, where a battalion of police officers was already waiting.

MASKED LEADER: (yelling) "If anyone moves, I'll execute these three students!"

KAEL: (shouting) "Stop! Please, let the girls go. I'll give my life for them."

Amelia and Selena looked at him, stunned by his apparent willingness to sacrifice himself. The leader snapped at Kael.

MASKED LEADER: "Idiot! What are you doing?"

Kael seized the moment, swiftly disarming the leader. The other masked man tried to shoot him but collapsed, dead from a sudden cardiac arrest.

KAEL: (whispering to the leader) "You've fulfilled your purpose, mortal."

The leader also collapsed, his heart stopping. His eyes were wide open in shock and terror as he fell to the ground, lifeless. Kael stood over him, his cold gaze piercing through the silence. Turning to the girls, Kael's expression softened slightly as the sound of police sirens grew louder, signaling the end of the ordeal.