As the figure retreated into the shadows, Garfield remained frozen, his normally commanding presence reduced to a flicker of vulnerability. His gaze lingered on the spot where the figure had stood, a shadow of recognition flashing across his eyes—so brief it could have been dismissed as imagination. But it wasn't. Something about that figure—or the aura it carried—nagged at his memory, pulling at threads he couldn't quite unravel.
Elara, standing at the side of the stage, stepped closer. "Principal," she whispered, her voice low but firm. "What was that? You seemed... startled."
Garfield straightened, masking his unease. "It's nothing you need to concern yourself with," he replied curtly, though his hand clenched the edge of the podium. It's too soon to jump to conclusions. "Focus on the students. Ensure they're safe."
Elara's sharp gaze lingered. "Understood," she replied, though her tone carried an edge of doubt.
