The day started too normal for Black Hollow.
Jay walked through the courtyard with Bella and Adrian, complaining about homework, Keifer, and the school in general. Students were scattered around, chatting, eating, being loud as usual.
Then a scream cut through the air.
Everyone froze.
Jay turned toward the sound, confused. "What was—"
Another scream. Then another.
Students ran past them, pale and panicked.
Bella grabbed Jay's arm. "Something happened—maybe we should—"
Jay didn't listen. She pushed through the crowd, her heart pounding for reasons she didn't understand yet.
She reached the center of the courtyard.
And saw it.
Blood.
A student had cut their hand badly on a broken glass charm. The red spilled across the stone floor, too bright, too familiar, too much.
Jay's breath stopped.
Her vision blurred. Her chest tightened. Her hands shook violently.
Bella whispered, "Jay… Jay, look at me—"
But Jay couldn't.
The world around her twisted. The courtyard darkened. Her magic surged like a storm breaking loose.
Wind blasted outward from her body, knocking over benches and scattering papers. The lamps flickered wildly. Students screamed and backed away.
Crimson Oaths yelled, "SHE'S LOSING CONTROL—" Nightthorns yelled, "SOMEONE STOP HER—" Aiden yelled, "I'M SCARED—" Daniel whispered, "I'm transferring TODAY."
Jay didn't hear any of it.
All she saw was blood.
All she remembered was her brother.
The accident. The screaming. The way she held him while he bled. The way she couldn't save him.
Her magic spiraled out of control, sharp and violent, like she was ready to destroy anything near her.
Then—
A hand grabbed her.
Strong. Warm. Steady.
Keifer.
He didn't hesitate. Didn't flinch. Didn't fear her.
He stepped right into the storm and pulled her against him, arms wrapping around her tightly.
"Jay," he whispered, voice low and grounding. "It's okay. You're safe."
Her magic stopped instantly.
The wind died. The lights steadied. Jay collapsed into him, shaking uncontrollably.
She clutched his shirt like she was drowning.
Keifer held her closer. "I've got you. I'm right here."
And for the first time in years, Jay believed someone.