Location: Avalon Elite Academy – Cafeteria, Afternoon
It had been three hours since Grayson Lysander—the phantom student with regal posture and a storm behind his eyes—entered Avalon.
He hadn't spoken to anyone.
He hadn't needed to.
And still… he haunted every conversation.
Scene: The Vale Table — Controlled Curiosity
The largest table at the center of the cafeteria was always theirs.
Caelan sat with his arms folded, eyes subtly trailing Grayson as he flipped through a thick book.
Azra, one leg crossed, twirled her fork absently, watching him with narrowed eyes.
Liora, quiet, observant, pressed her fingers together thoughtfully.
Surrounding them—Selene, Noah, Zaria, Isla, and Jace.
Across the sides—Cassiel, Vivienne, Lucian, Kai, Nyra, and Rowan.
And today?
All of them were watching him.
Caelan: "He doesn't even look around. No reaction. Just reads."
Zeke (grinning): "Classic Dad move. Quiet chaos."
Rico: "He's watching. Through the book, through the table, through us. Bet on it."
Nova (coolly): "The system disguised his aura, but it didn't erase who he is. Not to us."
Vivienne (softly): "He's not blending in. He's baiting."
Scene: Tension Across Supernatural Lines
Kai (arms crossed): "I've seen thousands of warriors. None sit like him."
Lucian: "He's moving like he wants someone to make the first mistake."
Nyra (cracking knuckles): "I'd almost fall for it."
Rowan: "That's the point. He wants you to."
Scene: The Siblings Whisper
Azra (whispering): "What's he planning?"
Caelan (quietly): "He told us he'd protect us from the shadows."
Liora: "This doesn't feel like protection. This feels like… hunting."
They all fell silent.
And across the room…
Grayson Lysander turned one page. Slowly. Deliberately.
As if he'd heard everything.
Final Scene: Beneath the Calm
Grayson finished his page. Closed the book.
Then raised his head just slightly—eyes brushing across the room.
Meeting every stare. Every glance.
And when they locked on him?
He smiled.
Just a little.
And they all realized:
He wasn't watching them.
He was waiting for them.