In the same lesson,
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Kieran was the first to notice, Nox’s eyes wide. His breathing ragged. Kieran leaned back just enough for the power to whisper to him.
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“Dude, are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
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The boy looked at him and only managed to choke out a gasp. “Everything’s okay.”
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Vienna turned to him as well. “Are you sure? You look pale.”
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Nox nodded wordlessly, trying to take a deep breath. What else was he supposed to tell them? That he knew their new teacher? That he taught at his old school? Nox looked down at his hands, which were nervously playing with the sleeve of his sweatshirt. The voices in the classroom seemed distant. Only Watson’s sharp voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
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“Virell, tell us why we always have to watch chemical reactions?” The boy felt the class’s gaze on him and his cheeks burning.
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“Why does he have to ask me, of all people?”
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“Eh…If you don’t control your reactions, they could get out of control, sir.”
Dr. Watson smiled. And Nox felt a shiver run down his spine again.
“Very well, boy, if you don’t control your reactions, they could get out of control.”
The man turned and began writing on the board, continuing his story. “And what could happen if you lose control of the experiment?” Dr. Watson looked at the class, continuing, “The consequences could be dire, someone could get hurt…Or worse…” The class began to laugh, but Nox had the feeling that last sentence was directed at him. Not as a threat. But as a warning. Ahead of him, at the desk, Vienna glanced at Kieran. Both of them knew something was up. And Nox’s behavior when the bell rang confirmed their suspicions.
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Nox’s Escape
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The moment the bell rang, reminding him of the end of the current lesson, it was Nox who was the first to run out of the classroom. His face was as pale as porcelain. His backpack and guitar case slung over his shoulders. The world seemed to spin before his eyes, so much so that voices seemed to come from another world. He heard Vienna calling to him, but he didn’t care. He had to disappear, now.
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Nox reached the school entrance and slammed it open. A cold wind lashed him in the face. He ran, each step seeming to be a joy. And the pain in his head became unbearable. Then he was there again… That evening.
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The dark night, his heavy breath, and the cool rain dripping from his hair and skin. He was running… He knew it. At one point, he collapsed on the cold, wet cobblestones. Panting, he turned and began to drag himself forward. Above him, he saw a tall silhouette. He didn’t know if it was a woman or a man. He couldn’t see the man’s face, only darkness with empty white eyes and a wide smile. A muffled sob escaped his throat.
And the last thing he heard was a distorted voice: “You shouldn’t get involved, Virell.”
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And then there was pain and darkness.
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Nox continued running, feeling the pain in his head and stomach intensify. The boy doubled over, panting heavenly from the pain.
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“Just a little longer, Nox…”
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The boy ran around the corner and stopped in front of their apartment door. With trembling hands, he opened the door and rushed inside. Leaning against the wall, he panted heavily. Remir heard him enter. Nox wasn’t surprised.
“Son, is that you?”
“D…Dad…”
At that moment, the whole world went dark, and Nox felt his body slump against the wall.
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