A new beginning

Kai jolted awake, his heart hammering in his chest. His body trembled as the memory of what had just happened clawed at his mind—the severed wings, the suffocating strings, the unbearable pain. But as his breath steadied, he realized something had changed.

The room was different.

Gone was the eerie darkness of the secret passage. Instead, he found himself in a spacious bedroom, its walls painted a deep navy blue, accented with gold patterns that shimmered under the soft morning light. The air smelled of fresh linen and something faintly sweet—like vanilla and citrus.

Before he could gather his thoughts, the door creaked open.

A tall man in a sleek black suit stepped inside. His posture was rigid, his expression unreadable. Kai recognized him immediately—the mafia boss’s personal bodyguard.

“Get ready,” the man ordered, his voice deep and commanding. “Breakfast is being prepared for you.”

Kai blinked, still groggy. “What…?”

The bodyguard didn’t repeat himself. Instead, he tossed a neatly folded outfit onto the bed before turning on his heel and exiting the room.

Kai hesitated before picking up the clothes. They were unlike anything he had ever worn before—a crisp white dress shirt, a navy blazer with golden embroidery on the sleeves, and fitted black trousers. A matching tie and polished black shoes completed the set. A school uniform.

His brows furrowed. Why was he being sent to school?

Before he could question it further, the bodyguard returned. “Eat,” he instructed, gesturing toward the small dining table near the window.

Kai’s stomach growled at the sight before him—a beautifully arranged breakfast that looked like it belonged in a high-class restaurant. There was a stack of golden-brown pancakes drizzled with warm maple syrup, a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs with finely chopped herbs, and a side of crispy bacon. A steaming cup of hot chocolate sat beside it, topped with whipped cream and dusted with cocoa powder.

Kai’s mouth watered. He hesitated at first, but after one bite, the flavors melted in his mouth—rich, buttery, and slightly sweet. It was the best meal he had ever tasted.

The bodyguard watched him eat in silence, then finally spoke.

“You’re going to L.A. High.”

Kai paused, mid-bite. He swallowed before asking, “Why?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

Before he could protest, the bodyguard stepped forward, lifting Kai effortlessly into his arms.

“H-Hey! I can walk!” Kai snapped, struggling slightly, but the man held him firmly.

“You’ll be late,” the bodyguard said simply, carrying him out the door and into a sleek black car waiting outside.

As the vehicle pulled away from the estate, Kai stared out the window, watching the city rush past. His mind swirled with questions, but one thing was certain—his life was about to change.

Just before they arrived, the bodyguard leaned in slightly and murmured a warning:

“Don’t try to run away while you’re at this school. Or else.”

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