CHAPTER 3 — The World Tilts
Morning light crept through the curtains of Aiden Vale's living room, but the soft glow did nothing to warm the cold, uneasy silence. His television screen blared with red banners, flashing headlines, and shaky footage that looked more like scenes from a disaster film than the city he knew.
"Breaking News: Harrow City College Closed Indefinitely," the anchor announced. Her voice was calm, but her hands trembled as she shuffled her papers.
"New structural damage discovered across campus, attributed to last week's unexplained atmospheric incident. Investigators confirm widespread energy signatures of unknown origin."
The footage cut to drone shots of the campus.
Collapsed walls. Cracked pavement. Entire classrooms blackened as if by lightning.
"Authorities officially classify the event as a supernatural-level anomaly."
Another headline rolled in beneath her.
RAPID SPREAD OF METAHUMAN ACTIVITY — 70% SPIKE IN CITYWIDE CRIME
HALF OF ALL INCIDENTS INVOLVE METAHUMAN SUSPECTS
"Law enforcement continues to struggle with the increasing number of unidentified metahuman individuals. Over 112 cases in the past five days. Most remain at large."
Then came the footage — grainy smartphone clips of people lifting cars, shattering concrete, sprinting faster than camera shutter speed. Screams, sirens, chaos.
Aiden felt a chill crawl up his spine.
He didn't blink until the final report:
"Authorities urge all citizens to stay indoors after sunset."
He exhaled and turned off the TV.
The room fell silent.
Behind him, Kael lounged on the armrest of the couch, arms crossed, expression dry as ever.
"Well," Kael said. "Looks like your tuition fees finally get a break."
Aiden ran a hand through his hair. "This isn't funny, Kael."
Kael raised a brow. "Didn't say it was."
Aiden paced the living room. Something heavy pressed against his chest, a weight deeper than fear. "People are dying. The city's falling apart. And we… we have these powers. We could help."
Kael snorted lightly. "Aiden, listen to yourself — you sound like you're about to sew a cape and start posing on rooftops."
But Aiden didn't smile.
Didn't laugh.
Didn't even flinch.
He turned toward his friend, golden light faintly warming the edges of his fingertips.
"I'm serious. The world needs someone to stand between all this chaos and the people caught in it."
Kael's smirk faded.
Aiden continued, voice steady, resolved:
"If we can stop people from getting hurt… shouldn't we?"
Kael leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. His expression softened — just a little. "And how exactly do you plan to do that? You're going to need… resources. Contacts. Intel. Gear. You don't even have a costume yet."
Aiden hesitated — one moment too long.
"I already have those," he said quietly.
Silence.
He froze, realizing what he had admitted, then looked down, embarrassed. "Sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I wasn't trying to— to brag or anything. It just… slipped."
Kael raised a brow. "Did it?"
Aiden swallowed hard. "I'm sorry."
And then — for the first time — the story unfolded truths Kael never asked about.
Aiden Vale. Heir. Son. Protector.
Aiden grew up inside the polished halls of ValePharm Industries, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the state.
His father — Marcus Vale — was strict but caring, a man who believed strength came from discipline and responsibility.
His mother — Selene Vale — was elegance shaped into kindness, the sort of woman who could calm a storm simply by stepping into the room.
His younger sister — Lyra — adored him with a devotion that made him feel both loved and painfully accountable.
Aiden hated special treatment.
Hated expectations.
Hated that people only saw his family name.
He wanted to be someone who helped others because he chose to, not because he inherited the position to.
That was the real reason the comment slipped out —
He had spent his entire life trying not to rely on the power he had been born into.
Kael listened in silence.
No teasing. No judgment.
Just listening.
Finally, Kael exhaled. "Hey. Doesn't bother me."
Aiden looked up, surprised.
Kael added, "As long as you're not some spoiled rich kid expecting me to bow or something."
Aiden snorted. "I'd rather die first."
Kael smirked. "Thought so."
He stood, stretching his arms behind his back. Shadows rippled along the floor from his fingertips — faint, controlled, waiting.
"Alright, Golden Boy," Kael said. "If you really want to save this city… then we need to get stronger."
Aiden's heart steadied.
For a moment — a brief one — light and shadow aligned.
They walked toward the door together