Resonant Echoes

Chapter 11: The Shadows Deep

Chandra tried to stay focused on school, but her thoughts were constantly pulled back to the mysteries swirling around her. The resonator, Nyla's cryptic warnings, Torin's sudden appearance, and now Malek. Every piece seemed to be adding to a puzzle she didn't fully understand.

After lunch, Chandra made her way to her last class of the day—history. As she stepped into the room, she spotted Malek sitting near the back. He was flipping through a textbook, his expression unreadable, but there was something about the way he moved, the way he seemed to blend into the background, that made her uneasy.

Despite Brenna's teasing, Chandra hadn't approached him yet. Something told her to wait, to observe. Malek wasn't like the other students—there was something deeper about him, something she couldn't quite place.

As she took her seat, Chandra felt a strange pull toward him, like a magnetic force urging her closer. She glanced at him again, her curiosity piqued. What was his story? And why did he feel so familiar?

The class passed in a blur, her mind too distracted to focus on the lecture. When the bell finally rang, Chandra gathered her things and headed for the door, but before she could leave, Malek stepped into her path.

"Chandra, right?" he asked, his voice smooth and calm.

She blinked, caught off guard by the sudden confrontation. "Yeah, that's me."

Malek smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I've been hearing your name around school. People say you're involved in a lot of different things."

Chandra raised an eyebrow, her suspicion flaring. "I guess. I'm in a few clubs."

Malek nodded, as if that answered some unspoken question. "That's cool. I'm new here, so I'm still figuring out the school and the people. Maybe you could show me around sometime."

Chandra hesitated, unsure of his intentions. There was something about the way he looked at her—like he knew more than he was letting on. It reminded her too much of Torin's smooth confidence.

"Maybe," she said cautiously. "But I'm kind of busy these days."

Malek's smile didn't falter. "I understand. But if you ever have time, let me know."

With that, he stepped aside, allowing her to pass. Chandra walked out of the classroom, her mind racing. What did he want from her? And why did it feel like everyone around her had their own agenda?