Fated Encounters

Chapter 1: The Invisible Stranger

The cool evening air whispered through the narrow streets as Angela slipped out of the shadows, unseen by anyone around her. She always made sure to be careful when she left the safety of the academy grounds, knowing full well that she could never be seen. At least, not by normal people.

Angela was invisible. It was her secret, her curse. A gift she had lived with for as long as she could remember. No one could see her—except for him.

She felt the familiar tingle as she moved quietly through the alley, her footsteps soundless on the pavement. The shop was just ahead, its old wooden door creaking as she pushed it open. But as she stepped inside, she stopped cold.

He was waiting for her.

Patrick leaned against the counter, his sharp eyes trained directly on her. Angela's heart skipped a beat. He could see her. No one else in the store looked in her direction, but Patrick… he stood there as if he had been expecting her all along.

“You’re late,” Patrick said casually, though his voice carried an edge of urgency.

Angela didn’t reply at first. Her mind raced, trying to figure out how this stranger knew where she’d be—and more importantly, why he could see her when no one else could.

“You…” she finally spoke, her voice soft but steady. “You can see me.”

Patrick nodded, his expression serious. “I can. And we need to talk.”

Angela frowned, still unsure of who this mysterious boy was or why he seemed to know more about her than she liked. “Who are you?” she asked quietly.

“The name’s Patrick,” he said, standing up straight now, his gaze never leaving hers. “I don’t know how or why, but I can see you. And I know you can help me.”

Angela shook her head, her instincts telling her to leave. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Patrick took a step closer, his voice lowering as he spoke. “My father… he left me a message before he was taken. He said only you can help. Angela, I’m not asking for much—just for you to hear me out.”

Her heart pounded in her chest. She had been careful all her life, keeping to herself, using her ability to remain unseen. And yet, this boy had found her. Still invisible to everyone around them, she turned, intending to leave.

But Patrick wasn’t done. “I know you can disappear,” he said, his words stopping her in her tracks. “And I know that makes you different. But I need you, Angela.”

She hesitated for a long moment, something inside her telling her that this was bigger than she could understand. She didn’t know why, but she could feel the pull of his words, the desperation behind them. And for the first time in years, she felt seen.

“What do you want from me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Patrick’s face softened. “I want to find my father. And I think you’re the only one who can help me do that.”

Angela’s mind swirled with uncertainty, but her gut told her not to walk away just yet. After a long pause, she finally nodded. “I have exams for the next three days. After that… we’ll figure this out.”

---

Later that night, after sneaking back to her dorm, Angela lay in bed, unable to shake the encounter from her mind. She knew she shouldn’t get involved, but something about Patrick and his story drew her in. And the fact that he could see her—really see her—made her feel more connected to the world than she had in a long time.

The next night, when she snuck out again, Patrick was waiting for her in the same spot. They didn’t say much as they walked back toward the school. It was strange, having someone who could see her even while she remained invisible to the rest of the world.

As they reached the academy, Angela glanced up at the towering walls. “You can’t come in,” she said, though she wasn’t entirely sure why she was warning him. Boys weren’t allowed on campus, and sneaking in could get them both in trouble.

Patrick smirked. “I won’t get caught if I’m with you, right?”

Angela’s eyes narrowed, but she couldn’t argue with his logic. Anyone in physical contact with her became invisible too. With a resigned sigh, she held out her hand. “Fine. But stay close.”

Patrick’s fingers brushed against hers, and for the first time in her life, she led someone into her world—the unseen world. They slipped through the gates undetected, making their way toward the dormitory.

Once inside, Angela kept her grip tight on Patrick’s hand, guiding him silently through the darkened halls. The other girls slept soundly in their rooms, oblivious to the fact that a boy had entered their sanctuary.

Angela brought him to a small, unused room near the back of the building, where no one would think to look. “You can stay here,” she whispered. “No one will find you.”

Patrick sat on the floor, leaning back against the wall. “Thanks,” he said, his voice low but sincere.

Angela lingered in the doorway, unsure of what to say. She had broken every rule she had lived by for years, all because of this boy she barely knew. But something told her that this was just the beginning of a much bigger story—one that she couldn’t avoid, no matter how hard she tried.

As she turned to leave, Patrick’s voice stopped her. “Angela?”

She glanced back at him, her expression unreadable.

“I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” he said quietly. “I promise.”

Angela didn’t respond. She didn’t need his protection. But for some reason, his words lingered in her mind long after she returned to her room.