The hum of the plane's engines faded as the cabin door opened, allowing a rush of cool city air inside. Aiden Kyros adjusted the strap of his duffel bag, stepping out onto the tarmac with calculated ease. His dark eyes scanned the terminal ahead, noting exits, surveillance cameras, and the security guards' patrol patterns—a habit too ingrained to shake off.
Normal life, he reminded himself. Blend in.
Trading a tactical suit for a standard school uniform felt like donning a disguise. The crisp white shirt and dark blazer tugged awkwardly at his shoulders—too tight compared to combat gear. Yet the real challenge wasn't the clothes. It was pretending to be just another 17-year-old.
Outside the airport, Aiden noticed it: a black SUV idling too long at the curb. Tinted windows, slight vibration from a running engine. Most people wouldn't pay it any mind. But Aiden wasn't most people.
They followed me here.
His phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:
"You can't run from what you are, Kyros."
His jaw clenched. Viper. Of course, it was him.
---
Later that morning — Crescent High School
Walking through the school gates felt surreal. Instead of encrypted codes and clandestine missions, he now faced noisy students, pop quizzes, and gossip. The halls buzzed with chatter. Posters for upcoming sports events plastered the walls.
"Yo! You're the new guy, right?" A voice called out.
Aiden turned. Ethan Park, a grinning classmate with messy hair and an easygoing vibe, slapped him on the back. "I'm Ethan. They told me to show you around. Man, you look like you just walked out of an action movie with that serious face."
If only you knew, Aiden thought.
They navigated the crowded hall, passing Lina Evens, a sharp-eyed girl scanning him like a puzzle waiting to be solved. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Careful with Lina," Ethan whispered. "She's scary smart. Like, top-of-the-class smart. She'll figure out your entire life story if you're not careful."
Aiden offered a half-smile. Good luck with that.
---
Lunchtime — School Courtyard
Ethan was mid-story about some cafeteria incident when Aiden's gaze flicked to a rooftop across the street. A glint of light—scope reflection. His instincts screamed.
Without thinking, he yanked Ethan down just as a pop echoed in the distance. A dart embedded itself into a tree behind them.
"What the—?!" Ethan gaped.
Aiden's mind raced. Viper sent someone. They're here.
"Stay down," he ordered, scanning for the shooter. Normal life was officially over.
---