Celestial Guardians: Uniting Dimensions (Celestial Guardians Series, #1)

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Nel's POV

The air in the classroom felt heavier today as if the walls were closing in. It wasn't just the droning voice of our professor, who seemed determined to sap every ounce of life from the subject of metaphysics. No, it was something more profound—a pulse of unease, a shadow lurking at the edge of my awareness.

I sat in the back row, as usual, half-heartedly taking notes. Jamaica sat two rows ahead, her head propped on one hand, doodling absentmindedly in the margins of her notebook. Kevin, in contrast, looked uncharacteristically studious, furiously scribbling down everything the professor said.

What's gotten into him?

I leaned back in my chair, my gaze drifting to the window. Outside, the campus looked calm, students milling about the courtyard, a soft breeze rustling the trees. But the tranquility felt like a facade. Something was coming—I could feel it in my bones.

"Mr. Ramirez," the professor's sharp tone cut through my thoughts.

I straightened in my seat. "Yes, sir?"

"Perhaps you'd like to share your thoughts on Aristotle's concept of the unmoved mover?"

My mind went blank. "Uh..."

A ripple of laughter spread through the class. Jamaica glanced back at me, a knowing smirk tugging at her lips. Kevin didn't bother hiding his amusement.

"Thought so," the professor muttered, returning to the board.

I exhaled in relief, but the embarrassment lingered. Even when I tried, I wasn't the best at blending in.

The rest of the lecture passed in a blur, and when the bell finally rang, I grabbed my things and bolted for the door. Jamaica and Kevin caught up with me in the hallway, their faces lit with curiosity.

"Aristotle's unmoved mover, huh?" Jamaica teased, falling into step beside me. "Not exactly your area of expertise?"

"Not exactly," I admitted, managing a sheepish grin.

Kevin chuckled, but his expression quickly turned serious. "You've been distracted all day. What's going on?"

I hesitated. Should I tell them about the figure I'd seen yesterday? About the strange feeling that had been gnawing at me ever since?

Before I could decide, a sharp noise interrupted us—a crash, followed by shouts echoing from the direction of the courtyard.

We froze, exchanging tense glances.

"Did you hear that?" Jamaica whispered.

I nodded, my heart racing. "Stay here."

"Not a chance," she shot back, already moving toward the sound.

Kevin and I followed, weaving through the throng of curious students gathering near the source of the commotion.

The sight that greeted us when we reached the courtyard made my blood run cold.

A circle of students stood frozen, their faces pale with fear. In the center of the courtyard stood a man dressed in dark robes, his eyes glowing a sickly green. He held a staff in one hand, the other raised toward the sky, where ominous clouds swirled unnaturally fast.

"Who are you?" Kevin demanded, stepping forward.

The man's gaze snapped to us, and a chilling smile spread. "Ah, the guardians," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "I was wondering when you'd show up."