“Hello?” Ethan’s voice was cautious.

“Ethan Cross,” came a sharp voice over the speaker. It was filled with unmistakable disapproval.

Ethan winced. “Mom?”

“You bet it’s me,” she snapped. “Do you care to explain why your professor just called me? A whole month without attending classes or paying tuition? Care to explain that?”

Ethan grimaced, turning slightly away from Mia and Nefera, who were struggling to stifle their laughter.

“Uh, it’s complicated,” he muttered.

“Complicated? Is it also complicated to answer your phone or let me know you’ve turned into some kind of dropout?”

Ethan sighed. “I’ll fix it, okay? I’ll go to class tomorrow.”

“You’d better. Or I’m coming there myself—and don’t think I won’t bring snacks to embarrass you in front of your friends.”

Mia snorted audibly, clearly overhearing the conversation. Ethan hung up quickly, face flushed.

“You’re scared of your mom,” Mia teased.

“I’m not scared,” Ethan grumbled. “I just prefer to live without public humiliation.”

“Poor thing,” Mia said with a grin.

---

The sun rose reluctantly, casting long shadows over the streets as Ethan trudged toward the campus gates. His thoughts were elsewhere—shadowy warnings, rooftop threats—but duty called.

He sighed, straightening his hoodie as he pushed through the classroom door.

“Back to the grind,” Ethan muttered.

Then he froze, his jaw dropping at the sight in front of him.

Seated casually near the back of the room, dressed in the most painfully informal outfits imaginable, were Mia and Nefera.

Mia lounged in ripped jeans, combat boots, and a leather jacket over a faded band T-shirt. Her wild red hair tumbled over her shoulders, matching the defiant gleam in her eyes as she casually chewed gum.

Nefera, by contrast, looked ethereal and regal even in simple black attire—a flowing top paired with sleek leggings and ankle boots. Her bronze skin caught the classroom light, and her thick curls framed a striking face with piercing golden eyes.

Ethan blinked, trying to process the absurdity. “What the—”

“Oh hey, shadow boy,” Mia greeted, propping her boots on the desk next to her.

Nefera offered a graceful wave. “Surprise.”

“You two can’t be serious,” Ethan said, glancing around nervously as other students stared at the unusual pair.

“Dead serious,” Mia quipped. “We thought we’d join your scholarly pursuits.”

“Dressed like that?” Ethan muttered.

“Hey, we’re trendsetters,” Mia said with a smug grin.

“You’re distractions,” Ethan grumbled, slumping into the seat next to them.

Nefera chuckled softly. “At least we made your day interesting.”

---

The professor’s voice droned on, but Mia and Nefera ensured the class was anything but dull.

Mia doodled absurd caricatures of their grumpy instructor while whispering snarky commentary into Ethan's ear.

“Is it just me, or does Professor Hairline look like he’s plotting world domination?”

Ethan stifled a laugh. “Please stop. He’s already glaring at us.”

Meanwhile, Nefera sat elegantly poised, jotting down meticulous notes with an impressive speed.

“You actually care about this stuff?” Mia whispered.

“Knowledge is power,” Nefera said calmly. “And it never hurts to be prepared.”

“You’re no fun,” Mia pouted.

“I’m plenty fun. You’re just chaotic,” Nefera retorted with a raised eyebrow.

Their banter carried through the class until the bell mercifully rang.

---

After class, Ethan excused himself and headed to the washroom, hoping for a moment of peace.

But peace was fleeting.

Standing by the sink, Ethan caught sight of a familiar figure in the mirror—the mysterious figure from the rooftop.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Ethan muttered.

The figure leaned casually against the tiled wall, arms crossed.

“Of all places, you chose the washroom to talk?” Ethan said incredulously.

“It couldn’t be helped,” the figure said smoothly.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Not exactly reassuring.”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” the figure added quickly.

“Sure,” Ethan muttered skeptically, folding his arms. “So, what are you doing here?”

“I came to warn you.”

Ethan’s shadows flickered defensively. “Warn me about what?”

The figure’s tone grew serious. “Something ancient and powerful is coming for you, Ethan Cross.”

Ethan frowned. “More cryptic nonsense? Can’t anyone just explain things plainly these days?”

“It’s not nonsense,” the figure insisted. “You’ve meddled with forces far beyond your understanding. And now, they’re waking up.”

Ethan exhaled slowly. “Great. Just another day in my life.”

“Stay sharp, shadow boy,” the figure said, their voice echoing eerily. “We’ll meet again.”

Before Ethan could respond, the figure dissolved into wisps of smoke.

Ethan stared at the empty space, shaking his head. “Next time, at least pick a better meeting spot.”

He straightened his hoodie and sighed. Whatever was coming, he knew one thing—he wouldn’t face it alone.

Mia and Nefera were waiting for him, and together, they were unstoppable.

---

To Be Continued…