I woke up to the sound of my phone’s ringtone. I hate when this happens. It’s 5 AM—who the hell needs me at this hour? I groggily reached for the phone, squinting at the bright screen. The number blinking back at me was one I knew all too well. Elijah. Of course. My days of normalcy were officially over.

  I let out a small groan, rubbing my eyes, and then forced myself to perk up. If I was going to take this call, I might as well irritate him back. After all, this was Elijah we were talking about. He wouldn’t have called if he didn’t want to mess with me a little.

  “You know it’s 5 AM somewhere, Elijah,” I said, adopting my sweetest, most sarcastic tone.

  There was a short, almost surprised chuckle from the other end of the line, and then his voice came through, low and familiar. “You’re such a joy to wake up to, Kira.”

  I leaned back in bed, trying to shake off the sleep. “It’s the best part of my day. Seriously, though, what do you want? It's not even sunrise, and here you are messing up my peace.”

  He sighed, and I could tell it wasn’t the usual teasing tone. Something was different this time. “Look, I wouldn’t call you unless I needed something. Can you meet me today?”

  I sat up a little straighter, instantly alert. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing major... just some unfinished business. I’ll explain when I see you. I need you to get in touch with someone for me.”

  Great. Another mysterious job. Another reason for me to dip back into the mess I was trying to keep at arm’s length.

  “I’ll make time. Send me the details later,” I said, already regretting my words.

  “Thanks. I’ll see you soon.”

  Before I could respond, the line went dead. I put my phone back down, taking a deep breath. Elijah. He’s the only real ‘friend’ I’ve made over the years. We didn’t exactly meet under normal circumstances—hell, we never had the luxury of normalcy. We grew up together, in a way. Became adults together. If that makes sense. We were each other’s family when neither of us had one to rely on.

  But that didn’t mean he could just drag me into whatever storm he was brewing this time.

  I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the feeling that my life was just a series of phone calls, deals, and obligations. The thought of going back into all that chaos made my stomach churn, but I knew Elijah’s call wasn’t something I could ignore.

  I just hoped whatever it was, it wouldn’t drag me into something I couldn’t control.

  Now that I was already up, there was no turning back. I dragged my butt out of bed, the early morning fog still thick in my mind. I hated mornings, but I hated being lazy even more. A workout at the gym wouldn't hurt.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  I pulled on a loose hoodie and some leggings, and made my way to the gym. It wasn’t like I was going for some intense cardio session or anything; just a couple of rounds to get my blood pumping. I liked to think it helped me clear my mind. Sometimes, I just needed that little moment to focus on my own body, to feel something other than the constant weight of obligations.

  The gym at Lamburgh University was decent. Not a lot of people came in the early mornings, so I had the whole place mostly to myself. It was quiet, except for the occasional clink of dumbbells or the hum of machines. I set my routine—basic cardio, a few weights, some stretches. Nothing major.

  As I moved through the motions, my mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Elijah. What could he possibly need now? I could almost hear his voice in my head, full of urgency but with that unmistakable undertone of secrecy. It was how he always was—dragging me into his chaos without explanation. And every time, I went along with it. Because, well... we were each other’s family. And family doesn’t turn their back when it gets tough.

  But this time, something felt different. I couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever he needed wasn’t just another job—it was bigger. I could feel it in the pit of my stomach. And I hated that it bothered me. I didn’t want to care, but I always did.

  I finished my workout and headed out of the gym, trying to put Elijah’s call out of my mind. As I walked down the hallway toward the lockers, I noticed a student huddled by one of the lockers, his face pale and bruised. He was trying to hold himself together, but it wasn’t working. His clothes were disheveled, and I could see the clear signs of someone who’d been bullied. It was the way he tried to make himself invisible, the desperate look in his eyes.

  I stopped in my tracks. It was hard not to notice. I’d been the one trying to stay out of the spotlight here, but I couldn’t just walk away.

  “Hey, you okay?” I asked, stepping closer.

  He flinched at the sound of my voice. “I’m fine,” he muttered, his voice shaky. But the tremor in his words told a different story.

  I knelt down to get a better look, and that’s when I saw the cut on his cheek, the swollen lip. It was a fresh beating. I knew the signs all too well.

  “Come on,” I said gently. “Let me take you to the nurse.”

  “No,” he protested, shaking his head quickly. “I don’t want to go.”

  I couldn’t just leave him there. It was clear he was scared, terrified even. “Who did this to you?” I asked, though I knew he wouldn’t answer. The bullies never did anything unless they were sure their target wouldn’t speak.

  He didn’t respond, his eyes downcast.

  I sighed, trying to decide. I could let this go—stay invisible, like I planned, like I had always done. But there was something about his fear that gnawed at me. I couldn’t just ignore it. I wasn’t like them.

  “You don’t have to say anything,” I said softly, offering him a hand. “But I am taking you to the nurse. You’re not alone.”

  He hesitated but then slowly nodded, finally taking my hand. I helped him to his feet and led him down the hall, trying to keep things light despite the situation.

  “I am Kira, by the way,” I said, trying to make casual conversation. “You?”

  He shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact, but his voice was small when he replied. “Jack.”

  “Nice to meet you, Jack,” I said. “Sorry you are having a rough day.”

  He just shrugged, his gaze glued to the floor as we walked. There was an awkward silence between us, but I didn’t push it. We weren’t going to bond over this, but at least I was doing something.

  “Is it always like this around here?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. “The bullying, I mean.”

  Jack’s shoulders tensed, but he didn’t answer. He just gave a tight, pained smile and kept walking.

  We reached the nurse’s office, and I opened the door, guiding him inside. I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing, or if I was just breaking my own rules about staying invisible. But one thing was clear—Jack needed help, and I couldn’t just ignore that.