Location: Avalon Elite Academy – Athletics Field, Late Afternoon
The sun burned low in the sky, casting long shadows across the turf. Soccer practice was in full swing on one end, track runners circled the field, and on the other half, students passed footballs and played half-serious scrimmages.
It should've felt normal.
But it didn't.
Because three groups stood out—watching each other like beasts testing a boundary.
The Vales, gathered at the edge of the field. Caelan stretching lazily, Azra and Liora lounging nearby, their friends scattered close, alert despite the laughter.
The Vampires, posted near the bleachers, pretending to stretch—but every motion was controlled, calculated.
The Werewolves, by the weights rack near the track, silently observing between reps and fake smiles.
The air wasn't just tense—it was primed.
Scene: Movements Begin
Caelan stood, tossing a ball idly between his hands.
Vivienne Roth broke off from her group first, walking with unnerving grace, silver braid flicking behind her like a tail.
Kai Thorn followed moments later, hands in his pockets, golden eyes locked forward.
They moved in sync—opposite directions, yet somehow aligned—both headed toward the Vale camp.
Liora stopped mid-sip.
Azra stood slowly.
Noah stepped beside Caelan.
Selene (to Caelan): "Want us to move with you?"
Caelan (quietly): "No."
He tossed the ball to Jace and stepped forward.
Alone.
Deliberate.
Controlled.
Scene: The Convergence
They met at midfield—Caelan, Vivienne, Kai.
Three leaders.
Three apexes.
The wind kicked up dust around their feet, the field growing still, as if it too were waiting.
Vivienne (cool, smooth): "You're Vale."
Caelan: "One of them."
Kai (measured): "And we're not here for your throne. Yet."
A pause.
The watching students edged closer. Even the coaches looked over—sensing a storm without knowing why.
Caelan: "You came to say something. Say it."
Vivienne: "We're not enemies. Not unless we're forced to be."
Kai: "But we don't submit either. Not to names. Not to stories."
Caelan (smirking): "Good. We don't want sheep. We want storms."
Another pause.
The three stood close now. Not touching. Not blinking. Not giving anything away.
Vivienne (voice low): "Let's see what kind of storm you are, Vale."
She turned.
Kai followed.
And Caelan watched them walk away before heading back to his own.
Final Scene: Reactions Around the Field
Azra (grinning): "So? New friends or future enemies?"
Caelan: "Neither."
Liora: "Not yet."
Across the field, eyes still watched.
And while no lines had been drawn…
They'd all just stepped onto the board.