The Aether Chronicles

Alex Cruz was a junior in college, a bright student with an impeccable academic record. His parents, both government workers, often praised his brilliance. He dominated competitions, aced his exams, and was the kind of son every parent dreamed of.

To his younger sister, Arya, he was more than just a sibling—he was a shield, always standing between her and the world's cruelty. But while his parents admired his intelligence, they were keenly aware of his darker side. Alex had little patience for those who hurt his family.

In Mr. Lanister's packed lecture hall, Alex sat near the front, listening attentively as the professor droned on about theoretical physics. His focus remained unbroken—until his only friend, Fred, leaned in with an all-too-familiar grin.

"Hey, Alex," Fred whispered, nudging him.

Alex sighed, rubbing his temples. "What now, Fred?"

"Come on, man. You already know everything this guy is saying. Why even bother listening?"

"Because no knowledge is ever wasted," Alex replied curtly, hoping to end the conversation.

Fred smirked. "Sure, sure. Anyway, I found this anime last night—dude, I have never been more terrified in my life."

Alex raised an eyebrow, half-annoyed, half-curious. "What's got you scared?"

Fred ignored the sarcasm. "It's about these giant monsters called Titans that eat people like snacks. And the only ones who can fight them are these hunters with jetpacks who slash at their necks."

"Sounds... interesting," Alex admitted, despite himself.

Fred's grin widened. "Come over after class. We'll binge it."

Alex gave a noncommittal nod, more to shut Fred up than out of genuine interest. But Fred kept whispering until the bell mercifully rang.

As they left the lecture hall, Fred nudged Alex again. "You're heading to Arya's class, aren't you? Man, your sister complex is next level."

Alex shot him a look that could freeze fire. Fred wisely shut up.

But as Alex neared Arya's classroom, his steps slowed. His expression darkened.

Arya sat on the floor, cradling her arm, a large bruise blooming across her skin. Standing over her was a smug-looking boy, flanked by a group of onlookers.

Alex's fists clenched. His voice was low, controlled. "Fred. Watch Arya."

Fred, munching on a bag of popcorn he'd mysteriously produced, gave a mock salute. "Sure thing, Captain. But make it quick—I don't wanna miss the show."

Ignoring him, Alex stepped forward. The bully turned, smirking.

"You're Arya's brother, huh? She never mentioned she had a babysitter."

Alex's expression remained eerily calm. "Why did you hurt my sister?"

The bully shrugged. "Because I can. She needs to learn her place."

A long silence stretched between them. Then Alex spoke again, his tone impossibly soft.

"Oh, really?"

The bully's smirk faltered. The air grew heavy.

Nearby, a teacher frowned. "Should we stop this?"

Another shook his head. "That's Alex Cruz. He's an honor student. He won't do anything reckless."

Then— crack.

The bully staggered back, blood pouring from his nose.

The onlookers gasped. The teachers froze.

Alex advanced, his movements precise and deliberate. "Let's see if you like the taste of your own blood," he said coldly.

The bully tried to retreat, but Alex was relentless. Every punch was calculated. Jaw. Ribs. Stomach. The bully crumpled, coughing in pain.

"Enough!" A teacher rushed in, finally snapping out of her stupor. She and another staff member dragged Alex back, barely stopping his next strike.Alex sat in the detention room, drumming his fingers against the desk.

"That bastard deserved it," he muttered.

The door creaked open. A teacher stepped inside.

"Alex. Follow me."

With a sigh, he stood. Here we go.

Minutes later, he entered the principal's office. His parents were seated beside the principal, while the bully and his mother sat opposite them. The bully's face was pale, his hands trembling.

"Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad," Alex greeted casually.

"Sit down, Alex," the principal said.

He complied, glancing at the bully. The kid quickly looked away.

"Did you attack this student?" the principal asked.

"Yes," Alex said without hesitation.

The bully's mother gasped. "Not a shred of remorse! What a poorly raised child!"

Alex turned to her, his voice steady. "With all due respect, ma'am, your son beat up my little sister. What does that say about his upbringing?"

"You little—!"

"Enough," the principal interrupted. "Ma'am, arguing with a teenager won't help."

The woman huffed but stayed silent.

The principal continued. "Alex, you're suspended for one week. Your son is suspended for two."

"Two weeks?!" the bully's mother shrieked. "That's absurd!"

The principal's eyes hardened. "Be grateful. I could've expelled him. If you're unhappy, you're free to transfer him elsewhere."

The woman's face turned red. "Fine," she spat.

The meeting ended. As Alex left, the bully's family glared at him. He stared back, unbothered.

After school, Alex walked alone down a quiet street, still thinking about the day's events.

Then—he sensed it.

A cloaked man stepped into his path.

"Are you Alex?" the man asked, his voice gravelly.

Alex tensed. "Yeah."

"Your parents sent me. They're waiting ahead," the man said, pointing down a dim alley.

Alex frowned. "Never seen you before."

The man sighed. "Guess we're doing this the hard way."

Shadows moved. Figures emerged, their presence oppressive.

Alex's pulse spiked. He clenched his fists. "What do you want?"

"You."

Alex turned to run—too late. The man lunged. Alex bit down on his hand.

"Ah! You little—!"

Alex threw a punch, but the man blocked it effortlessly, striking back hard.

Pain exploded in Alex's gut. He gasped, doubling over.

"Still got fight in you?" he spat, blood dripping from his mouth.

The man's face darkened. "Shut up."

A crushing blow to Alex's throat.

Blood gushed from his lips. His vision blurred.

"Mission failed," the man muttered. "Lose the kid."

The figures vanished.

Alex lay on the cold pavement. His body trembled. I hope my family stays safe, he thought, his vision fading.

Then—

"Don't worry, boy," a soft, enchanting voice said.

Through his haze, he saw her. A woman of ethereal beauty.

"Who… who are you?" he rasped.

"You'll know soon," she whispered, smiling. "Rest now."

Darkness swallowed him.

Far above, the woman stood watching. "Are you satisfied now?" she asked.

A deep voice answered from the shadows.

"And what do you plan to do with him?" she asked.

Silence.

She smiled knowingly before vanishing into the night—taking Alex's body with her.