Ethan and Rachel's conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. They turned to see a figure emerging from the shadows, a tall, slender woman with piercing green eyes and long, curly brown hair.
"Ah, Ethan," she said, her voice low and husky. "I've been looking for you."
Ethan's instincts told him to be wary, but Rachel seemed to know the woman and nodded in greeting. "This is Dr. Lee," she said. "She's a professor here at the university."
Dr. Lee's eyes locked onto Ethan's symbol-marked hand, and her expression turned serious. "Ah, yes. I see you're still... experiencing the effects."
Ethan felt a shiver run down his spine as she approached him. "Who are you?" he demanded.
Dr. Lee smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm someone who can help you, Ethan. Someone who can explain what's happening to you."
Rachel stepped forward, her eyes flashing with concern. "Ethan, be careful. We don't know anything about her."
Dr. Lee chuckled, a low, throaty sound. "Oh, dear Rachel, I assure you I'm not here to harm Ethan. I'm here to help him understand his... unique situation."
Ethan felt a surge of skepticism, but Dr. Lee's words were laced with conviction. He hesitated, unsure of what to do.
"I'll tell you what I know," Dr. Lee said, her eyes locked onto Ethan's. "You're not just any ordinary high school student, Ethan. You're a vessel for something ancient and powerful. Something that has been awakened within you."
Ethan's mind reeled as he tried to process Dr. Lee's words. What did she mean? And what was she talking about?
As they stood there, frozen in uncertainty, Ethan couldn't shake off the feeling that Dr. Lee was hiding something - something big.