Kaelan's gaze shifted toward the corridor's shadows as the echo of approaching footsteps reverberated, steady and purposeful.
"Stay close," he murmured, his voice low but firm. Without hesitation, he moved deeper into the corridor, Adrian falling in step beside him.
They traveled swiftly, shadows flickering in the dim lantern glow that barely penetrated the heavy darkness. The cool stone beneath Adrian's feet grounded him, his senses sharpening with each step as the enticing sound of movement grew closer.
As they rounded a corner, silhouettes of several teachers emerged from the gloom, their forms illuminated by the floating lanterns hovering above, casting an ethereal light. The lanterns bobbed gently, their soft glow cutting through the darkness, revealing glimpses of the corridor's aged walls.
Adrian stepped into the light, the lantern's glow catching half his body, softening his features. His blue eyes widened with curiosity. A few teachers recognized him immediately; their expressions shifted from urgency to relief, and they quickened their pace slightly.
But as Kaelan stepped fully into the light, the atmosphere changed. The lanterns struck his tailored dark suit, accentuating the sharp lines of his profile and the cold demeanor he exuded. His pale eyes glinted with unsettling intensity, and his presence carried a predatory quality that erased the momentary relief in the air.
Adrian noticed how some teachers flinched at Kaelan's sudden emergence, their reaction instinctual. Whispers of surprise rippled through the group as they unconsciously took a cautious step back, their expressions a mix of intrigue and apprehension.
"Is that…?" one of the younger teachers stammered, eyes fixed on Kaelan.
"Kaelan Mercer," another breathed, recognition evident in their voice. "What brings you here, Mr. Mercer?"
"Why are you out at this hour?" Ms. Thorne pressed, stepping forward, her tone both authoritative and wary. "Students—and substitute teachers—shouldn't be roaming about, especially given the mana disturbance."
"Indeed," Professor Eldrin added, his brow furrowed. "Your presence raises serious questions, particularly since the surge originated from the principal's office—where you were present alone."
Kaelan felt the weight of their suspicion, knowing all too well that rumors followed him like shadows. He was a figure of mystery and strength in their eyes, but beneath that, he felt trapped—weak, uncertain, forced into the perception others had built around him.
Adrian, standing beside him, felt a wave of confusion and anxiety. Why were they so suspicious of Kaelan? Could they really think he was involved in the mana surge? His mind raced, trying to piece together the unfolding mystery.
Kaelan was in the principal's office? Adrian's unease deepened. What was he doing there alone? The principal had been missing for some time, and the academy felt the void of their absence. If Kaelan wielded such authority, why was he still just a substitute teacher? Why not more?
What is Kaelan's true origin? Adrian pondered. Tales of his strength and power circulated in hushed whispers, yet nothing concrete ever emerged. Kaelan was both revered and feared—a man shrouded in shadow.
Before the gathering of teachers, Kaelan maintained his calm exterior, though inside, uncertainty churned. Their questions were heavy with scrutiny, their gazes probing.
Why are they looking at me like that? he thought. Do they truly believe I caused the surge?
Adrian's presence beside him was a quiet reassurance, a contrast to the cold tension pressing in from all sides. Even so, Kaelan wondered—how could Adrian remain so steadfast?
Projecting confidence, Kaelan suppressed his inner turmoil. What if they discovered my fears? That I am not the formidable presence they believe?
The teachers studied him, their unease palpable. Ms. Thorne's heart pounded as she assessed Kaelan, doubt creeping in. Had they been too quick to suspect him?
Professor Eldrin's frown deepened. Kaelan's pale eyes held a glint of something unreadable, making it clear they had stepped into uncertain territory. A silent fear lingered among them: what if Kaelan, if provoked, turned against them? Could anyone stop him? Perhaps only the vice principal—if they reached him in time.
They fear me, Kaelan realized, his heart pounding—not with anxiety, but something colder. A cruel smirk tugged at his lips. If they feared him, he could use that.
Though he felt powerless beneath their scrutiny, their perception granted him an unexpected power. I may not have the answers they seek, but I can shape the narrative.
The silence stretched like a taut wire. Then, deliberately, Kaelan exhaled a soft, measured sigh. The sound sliced through the stillness, rising above the flickering lanterns and the distant wail of wind outside. The reverberation carried an unspoken challenge.
Eyes snapped to him. Ms. Thorne flinched; Professor Eldrin's brow knitted further. Kaelan's presence seemed to expand, filling the corridor with quiet authority.
"Really," he said, his voice smooth, edged with an unsettling amusement. His gaze locked onto Ms. Thorne, his sardonic smile both dark and knowing. "Are we so quick to cast blame amid our ignorance?"
He leaned forward slightly, resting his chin against his hand, his posture exuding relaxed confidence. The lanterns flickered, their glow reflecting off his sharp features.
"Now, let's consider the situation," he continued, voice laced with mockery. "The mana surge came from nowhere, didn't it? An uninvited guest—much like myself." His smile curled higher, teasing at secrets unknown.
The teachers exchanged uneasy glances.
"All of you gathered for a meeting—without me, I might add—which I find rather rude." His tone was light, but the weight of his words settled thickly over them.
They shifted under his scrutiny.
"And now, you're here to calm the panicking students," he continued, gesturing to the empty corridor. "Yet, you arrived late. A waste of effort, wouldn't you say?"
Silence.
Kaelan leaned back, his demeanor shifting to one of quiet amusement. "But don't worry," he mused. "I'm here now. And I believe I can offer some insight into this peculiar chaos."
The teachers hesitated, their curiosity outweighing their fear.
Ms. Thorne broke the silence. "What insights do you have, Mr. Mercer?" she asked, wary yet desperate for answers. "If you know something about the mana surge—if not why it happened, then how we can address it—speak."
Professor Eldrin nodded. "Yes. Given your… unique situation, we assumed you might have some knowledge."
Kaelan savored their anticipation. "Isn't it interesting," he mused, "how fear drives one to seek answers?" He let the words settle, his gaze unreadable. "I may have theories. But the truth is often more complicated than it appears."
Adrian stood silently, watching Kaelan command the moment. His unease deepened. Was Kaelan truly in control, or was he simply weaving a façade?
Kaelan surveyed the room. "Take me to the meeting room," he said at last. "I believe I can provide the answers you seek."
The teachers hesitated before Ms. Thorne nodded. "Follow me."
As they moved, Kaelan turned to Adrian, his voice unexpectedly gentle. "Adrian, return to the dormitory. Assure the students that everything is fine. There's no need for fear." His smile was reassuring, warm—a stark contrast to the cold authority he had wielded moments ago.
Adrian hesitated, then nodded. "Right… I'll take care of it."
As he walked away, he glanced back. Kaelan moved confidently, the teachers falling in step beside him. The contrast was striking.
Adrian exhaled, a strange anticipation curling in his chest. Kaelan's power wasn't just in his words, but in the way he commanded a room, turning fear into intrigue, doubt into trust.
And Adrian couldn't help but wonder—what was Kaelan truly capable of?