Julia ran. The alley swallowed her, shadows wrapping around her like fingers. Her hand clutched the locket, the metal cold against her skin, its weight more than just physical. Every step echoed, a frantic rhythm against brick walls. The voices behind her were close now. She couldn’t afford to look back—not yet.

The alley opened to a crowded street. Pedestrians passed, oblivious to the danger, their lives untouched by hers. Julia forced herself forward, eyes scanning for escape. She glimpsed movement at the edge of her vision—a shadow slipping between stalls—but she didn’t stop. She had to reach Zenyadi University.

Finally, the gates appeared. She burst through, panting, disheveled, clutching the locket to her chest. The campus seemed calm, normal, but Julia knew better. Secrets lurked here, hidden behind the calm façades.

A calm voice pulled her attention. Violet stood nearby, expression composed.

“ You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Violet said.

Julia only nodded, forcing control over her breath. Some things were too dangerous to explain.

Then, a sound ripped through the quiet — a heavy, purposeful set of footsteps. Julia froze. And there he was: Chandler, flanked by two imposing figures, his gaze scanning the courtyard like he owned it.

Who was he? Julia’s heart raced. The chase wasn’t over. It had barely begun.

—End of Episode 1