Kieran's POV
The next morning, the world felt different.
Not quieter—sharper. Like the air had tension laced in it.
Leo still slept, arm draped over my chest, his breathing steady. The heat of last night still lingered on my skin.
But peace is always temporary.
My phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: You looked happy last night. Let's fix that.
Attached: a video.
I hit play.
It was me—outside the school gym, weeks ago, pinning a guy against the wall. The same guy who had attacked Leo behind the library.
But this video was edited—cut before the fight, made to look like I was the aggressor.
Another buzz.
Unknown Number: This one's going viral by lunchtime. Tick tock, Cain.
I froze.
This wasn't just a smear. It was bait.
---
Two hours later, it hit.
The edited video exploded across social media. Headlines screamed:
"Student Exposed: Hidden Violence in School Walls"
"Cain the Criminal?"
"Why Is No One Stopping Him?"
By third period, I was summoned to the headmaster's office.
Again.
But this time, security waited at the door.
---
Leo tried to follow me in. "He didn't do anything wrong—"
"This is protocol," the guard said. "Stay outside."
Leo grabbed my hand one last time before I was led in.
Inside, Headmaster Li stood, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
"There's pressure from the board," he said. "This video looks bad, Kieran. We're opening an investigation. Until then… you're suspended."
My jaw clenched. "You're suspending me over an edited video?"
"Until we verify it. You're to leave campus immediately."
---
Outside, Leo ran up. "What happened?"
"Suspended," I said. "Effective now."
"What?! That's insane!"
I pulled him into a hug, fast and tight. "Don't worry. This is what Rael wants."
Leo looked up at me, wide-eyed. "So what now?"
I met his gaze. "Now I stop reacting…"
My voice hardened.
"…and start hunting."
---
Elsewhere, Rael leaned back in his chair, watching the comments pile up.
"Dangerous."
"Expel him."
"He shouldn't be near students."
He smiled.
Phase two was working.
"Your move, Kieran," he whispered. "But be quick… or you'll lose more than your reputation."