The Shadow in the Hallway

Ailee had spent the entire afternoon pretending to listen in class while her mind stayed locked on one thing—the girl from the cafeteria.

She could still feel the trace of demonic aura, faint but distinct, lingering in the school halls like smoke after a fire.

The Bureau had warned her that demons might appear near Robin, drawn by his dormant power. But seeing one so soon—it meant something was shifting.

When the final bell rang, she stayed behind, waiting until the room emptied. Robin slung his backpack over one shoulder and paused by her desk.

“You’re not leaving?”

“I have… detention,” she lied smoothly.

He frowned. “On your first week?”

“Apparently, being too awesome is a punishable offense.”

Robin chuckled. “Yeah, sure. Don’t get yourself in trouble, time traveler.”

Ailee stiffened. “What did you just call me?”

He smirked. “Nothing. Just a feeling. You always talk like you’re from another century.”

She scowled, but he was already walking out, waving lazily over his shoulder. When the door shut behind him, the silence felt heavier—charged.

Ailee’s eyes flickered with faint silver light as she focused her senses.

There. The aura again. Weak, but nearby.

She stepped into the hallway. The sunset poured through the windows, painting everything gold and crimson. The school was nearly empty, the only sounds being the faint hum of lights and the squeak of her shoes.

The energy trail led her toward the old science wing—abandoned after a fire years ago. Perfect hiding place.

She pushed open the creaking door and entered. Dust floated in the air. Rows of broken desks and half-burned posters lined the walls. Then, in the far corner, movement.

A girl stood facing the wall, her shoulders trembling. The same one from the cafeteria.

Ailee’s voice was calm but firm. “You can drop the act. I know what you are.”

The girl froze, then turned slowly. Her eyes flickered red, and a faint smile curved her lips.

“I was hoping you’d find me, hunter.”

Before Ailee could move, black smoke swirled around the girl’s hands, forming claws. She lunged. Ailee ducked, grabbed a fallen broom, and blocked the strike. The broom snapped instantly.

“Cheap human tools,” Ailee muttered. “Fine. We’ll do this my way.”

A golden sigil flashed across her palm—a forbidden trace of her true power. She struck forward, hitting the demon’s chest. The girl shrieked, dissolving into black mist that scattered like ashes in the air.

Ailee panted, her hand trembling from using too much energy. If anyone had seen that—

“Whoa.”

She froze. That voice.

Turning around, she saw Robin standing in the doorway, wide-eyed, holding his phone loosely.

“How—how did you do that?” he stammered.

Ailee’s mind raced. No, no, no!

She forced a laugh, brushing dust off her clothes. “That? Oh! It was just… stage magic. For the school play.”

Robin raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. And the screaming smoke monster was… special effects?”

“Yes,” she said quickly. “Very… advanced ones.”

Robin stepped closer, eyes narrowing. “You’re not telling me everything, are you?”

Ailee looked away. “You wouldn’t believe me if I did.”

“Try me.”

For a moment, she almost wanted to. The truth pressed against her lips—but the Bureau’s warning echoed in her mind: Do not reveal your mission.

She gave him a small, sad smile. “Let’s just say I’m not here by accident.”

Robin opened his mouth to ask more, but the faint sound of the janitor’s cart echoed down the hall. Ailee took the distraction and slipped past him.

As she disappeared into the dim corridor, Robin stared at the spot where the demon had vanished.

Smoke still lingered in the air, curling around his fingers.

And for the briefest moment, his eyes flashed gold.

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