Location: Avalon Elite Academy – Library Lock-In, Midnight
The library glowed under dim golden lamps.
Laughter still echoed softly through the aisles. Pillows. Blankets. Study snacks.
The prank war had calmed—for now.
Everyone felt it.
The pause before something shifted.
Scene: The Final Game
The students gathered around the reading pit for one last round of Truth or Dare.
Zeke dared Rico to prank-call the principal's office.
Arielle dared Nova to kiss Grayson in front of everyone.
She did. Slowly. Fully.
The room erupted into fake groans and laughter.
But Grayson… only half-smiled.
His eyes, sharp. Quiet. Watching the corners of the room like shadows might move.
Scene: A Whisper Between Brothers
Later, while others dozed…
Grayson sat on the top floor balcony overlooking the school courtyard.
Zeke joined him, setting a soda can between them.
"You're getting quiet again."
Grayson: "It's time."
"For the Order?"
Grayson nodded.
"They've been moving. And I've let them think I was distracted."
"You weren't?"
"I was enjoying time. But I never stopped hunting."
Scene: The Shift Begins
Down below, his children and their friends laughed over a board game.
His wives leaned against a shelf, reading together.
But Grayson?
His mind was already elsewhere.
"The moment they strike again, I won't be reactive. I'll be surgical."
He stood. Pulled up his system.
[SYSTEM: War Protocol Available.]
[Begin Full-Spectrum Surveillance?]
[Activate Financial Crash Tactics?]
Grayson (quietly): "Yes. Initiate everything."
Scene: The Smile Fades
The Phantom's grin dimmed.
His back straightened. Aura sharpening.
It was no longer time for kisses and games.
It was time for the storm.