A month past and it was back to school. The halls of Nightingale Academy buzzed with energy as students made the most of their last day before school resumed. But among the usual chatter and plans for the new term, one name was missing, Troy.
"Still no sign of him?" Jackson asked, leaning back against his locker. His usual confident smirk was gone, replaced with mild concern.
Annie shook her head. "Not a word. He should’ve been back by now."
"Maybe he’s just laying low," Carter suggested, though even he didn’t sound convinced. "Shadow’s training might’ve taken longer than expected."
"Maybe," Annie murmured, but a sense of unease settled in her chest.
Later that night, the Bubble Crew regrouped, deciding to act.
"If Troy isn’t back, then we pick up the slack," Jackson declared. "The city still needs us."
Umbra smirked. "Now you’re sounding like Bubble Boy."