Leo's POV
I stayed late in the library. Kieran had to meet with Coach for some extra training—probably to punch away the stress.
I didn't blame him.
After everything, I just needed quiet.
But the moment I stepped outside, I knew something was off.
The campus felt… empty.
Too empty.
---
I headed for the side gate, shortcutting through the back courtyard. The air was thick, like the calm before a storm.
Footsteps echoed behind me.
I turned.
No one.
Kept walking.
Another step.
Closer.
Faster.
I spun around just as a gloved hand grabbed my wrist.
"Don't scream," a voice hissed. "We're just delivering a message."
I kicked. Hard. The guy grunted but didn't let go. Another masked figure appeared, holding what looked like a taser.
Panic surged.
Where was Kieran?
---
Suddenly, a shadow crashed into the second guy—took him to the ground with a sickening thud.
Kieran.
His fists flew, silent and deadly, fueled by rage and fear. He yanked the first guy off me, slamming him against the brick wall.
"You touch him again," Kieran growled, "and I'll break every finger you used."
They ran—staggered away into the dark.
He chased a few steps, then stopped.
Then he turned to me.
He looked wrecked.
"Are you okay?" he breathed.
I nodded, trembling. "I—I think so."
He pulled me into his arms.
Tight.
Like he wasn't sure I was real.
---
We walked in silence to his place. I didn't let go of his hand once.
When we got inside, I finally spoke.
"How did you know?"
He hesitated. "Rael sent me a message."
My blood chilled. "What kind of message?"
He pulled out his phone. On the screen, one sentence.
> If you don't protect him, I'll find someone who will.
And a picture of me walking out of the library. Time-stamped. Ten minutes before the attack.
I sat down slowly.
"He's playing with us," I whispered. "Like a game."
Kieran sat beside me. "Then it's time we stop playing defense."
He looked at me with fire in his eyes.
"I'm going after him."
---
Elsewhere, Rael tossed a knife at a dartboard.
It hit the bullseye.
"Let's raise the stakes."