The Castle School of Self-Defense

Chapter 8 - Break-In

2200hrs
2nd November
Safety Bunker Number 1

"William Chen, please proceed to the Principal's office now. This is an emergency! Charlotte Snow, please guide William to the Principal's office. William, you are not to leave Safety Bunker Number 1 without the guidance of Charlotte Snow." The principal's voice boomed over the PA system.

William bolted upright in his cot, the cold air of the bunker pricking at his skin. His heart pounded as he stared at the heavy metal door. What could have happened to warrant such an abrupt announcement in the dead of night?

A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts, followed by a clear, steady voice.

"It's Charlotte," she said. "ID: 145309575. SID: 3528320964."

Relief swept over him. He rushed to the control panel, entered the code, and the door slid open. Charlotte stood on the threshold, her expression calm but tinged with urgency. The dim lighting of the bunker cast a glow on her sharp features, making her look more formidable than usual.

"Come on," she said briskly, stepping inside. "We don't have much time."

"For what?" William asked, his voice catching slightly as he moved towards Charlotte. He tried to keep his movements steady, but Charlotte's presence always made it difficult to focus.

Charlotte's gaze darted to the surveillance screen near the door. "The principal didn't give me all the details over the secure line, but there's been a breach. We need to get to his office immediately."

"A breach?" William repeated, his throat dry. "You mean... someone got past all the security?"

She nodded, her movements efficient as she adjusted the strap of her tactical bag. "It seems that way. Stay close, and don't wander. We're not taking any chances tonight."

William grabbed his jacket and followed her out, his mind racing. As they moved through the dimly lit corridors, the quiet hum of the facility's machinery seemed louder than ever.

The air in the hallways was thick with tension. Charlotte moved ahead, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade. Her steps were measured, her eyes scanning every shadow. William trailed closely behind, his thoughts oscillating between fear of the unknown and an acute awareness of Charlotte's proximity.

"Do you think... this has something to do with me?" he asked hesitantly, breaking the silence.

Charlotte glanced back briefly, her expression unreadable. "We'll know soon enough. Keep your voice down."

William bit his lip, watching her navigate the corridor with effortless confidence. He wished he could be as composed as she was. But then again, she was Charlotte Snow—the school's top student, the person everyone admired. And, in his case, the person he couldn't stop thinking about.

He shook his head, trying to focus. Now wasn't the time for distractions.

"Charlotte," he said softly after a few minutes. "Thank you for looking out for me. I... I don't say it enough, but I mean it."

Her pace slowed slightly, and for a moment, her features softened. "It's my job," she replied, her tone gentler than before.

But the faint smile she gave him before turning away made his heart race.

When they arrived at the principal's office, the air was charged with urgency. The principal, a stern figure with gray hair and sharp eyes, gestured for them to sit. His desk was covered with papers and surveillance feeds, and a faint smell of coffee lingered in the room.

"We have a serious problem," he began, his voice heavy, his expression tired. "An intruder managed to bypass several layers of security tonight. While they were intercepted before reaching critical areas, their intentions were clear. They were here for you, William."