The cab ride from the airport to his new apartment was quiet. Aiden Kyros sat in the backseat, watching the city blur past. Neon signs flickered, people bustled along sidewalks, and cars honked in chaotic rhythm. To most, it was just a normal city. To him, it was another battlefield—just without the obvious guns.
Blend in. Be normal. The words repeated in his mind like a broken record. Easier said than done.
The apartment wasn't much—small, plain, and barely furnished—but that was fine. He unpacked quickly: a few clothes, school supplies, and a hidden blade tucked away beneath the floorboards. Old habits.
He sat on the edge of the bed, pulling out his phone. No new messages. Just the one from earlier: "You can't run from what you are, Kyros."
Viper. His stomach twisted. He should've known escaping that past wouldn't be simple.
Next Morning — Crescent High School
Aiden stood outside the gates of Crescent High, the uniform feeling tight and unnatural. Around him, students chatted, laughed, and took selfies. Normal teenage stuff—stuff he'd never had.
Just walk in. Be the new kid. Easy.
He stepped through the gates. Almost immediately—
"Hey! New guy, right?"
Aiden turned. A boy with messy hair and an infectious grin waved at him. "Name's Ethan Park. I'm supposed to show you around."
Aiden gave a small nod. "Aiden."
Ethan threw an arm around his shoulders like they were lifelong friends. "Man, you look like you walked off an action movie set. Lighten up! School's not that bad... unless you get Mrs. Keller for math. Total nightmare."
Aiden let a hint of a smile slip. Ethan was... different. Loud but harmless.
As they walked, Ethan pointed out spots. "That's the cafeteria—food's questionable. Gym's over there. Oh, and avoid the back row in class 3-B. That's Kai's turf. Dude thinks he's the king of the school."
They turned a corner—and that's when he saw her. Lina Evens. Her gaze locked onto his, eyes sharp like she was reading a book only she understood. No smile. No greeting. Just observation.
Ethan leaned in. "Yeah, that's Lina. Crazy smart. Like, scary smart. She'll figure you out before you say hello."
Let her try, Aiden thought.
Lunch — School Courtyard
"So, where'd you transfer from?" Ethan asked, munching on chips.
"Around," Aiden said.
"Wow, super detailed," Ethan joked. "Secret agent vibes, I swear."
Aiden's eyes flicked to the rooftop across the street. A flash. Sunlight bouncing off... something. Not normal. Not random.
His instincts screamed. Without thinking, he grabbed Ethan and pulled him down.
Pop!
A dart shot past, embedding in a tree behind them.
Ethan's eyes widened. "DUDE! What the—was that for real?!"
Aiden scanned the rooftops. Shooter gone. Clean exit. Professional.
Viper's message echoed in his head: "You can't run from what you are."
Looks like I won't get that normal life after all.