Chapter 3: Shadows and Light

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Chapter 3: Shadows and Light

Aloin's first week at the Academy of the Supernatural had been a whirlwind of new experiences and unfamiliar faces. He had started to settle into a routine, finding solace in the quiet corners of the library and the few friends he had made. But despite the support of his new friends, Aloin still felt like an outsider, a fragile boy in a world of powerful beings.

It was on a cloudy afternoon, as Aloin sat beneath a tree on the school grounds, that he first encountered Blade. Blade was a striking figure, his beauty almost otherworldly. He had sharp features, a chiseled jawline, and piercing green eyes that seemed to cut through everything they looked at. His hair was jet-black, falling in perfect waves around his face. Despite his handsome appearance, there was something cold and menacing about him, a darkness that made Aloin's skin crawl.

Blade sauntered over, his eyes locking onto Aloin with a look of disdain. "Well, if it isn't the little lost puppy," he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt.

Aloin looked up, his heart pounding. He had heard whispers about Blade, the vampire with a mean streak, but he had hoped to avoid him. "I'm not bothering anyone," Aloin said quietly, his voice trembling.

Blade laughed, a sound that was both beautiful and cruel. "You're bothering me just by existing, angel boy." He stepped closer, his shadow falling over Aloin. "You think you can just waltz in here and fit in? You're nothing. You're weak."

Aloin's cheeks burned with humiliation, but he refused to cry. He looked away, wishing he could disappear. "Leave me alone," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Blade's eyes flashed with anger. "What did you say to me?" He grabbed Aloin by the collar, lifting him effortlessly. "You're going to regret that."

Just then, a tall figure appeared, stepping between Blade and Aloin. Vincent was everything Blade was not. He was kind, protective, and exuded a calm strength. Standing at 6'5", he towered over most of the students, his presence commanding but gentle. His features were strikingly handsome, with deep blue eyes and sandy blonde hair that caught the light.

"Let him go, Blade," Vincent said, his voice firm but not unkind. "He hasn't done anything to you."

Blade's grip tightened for a moment before he released Aloin, shoving him back. "Stay out of this, Vincent. It's none of your business."

"It is my business," Vincent replied, his eyes narrowing. "You can't just bully people because you feel like it. Especially not someone new."

Aloin stumbled, catching his breath as he looked up at Vincent. Gratitude and relief washed over him. Vincent turned to him, offering a hand. "Are you okay?"

Aloin nodded, taking Vincent's hand and standing up. "Thank you," he said softly, his voice shaking.

Blade's face twisted with anger. "You always have to play the hero, don't you, Vincent?" he spat. "Always trying to be the good guy. It's pathetic."

Vincent's expression hardened. "No, Blade. What's pathetic is you taking out your anger on others. Grow up."

The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken history and resentment. Aloin could see the conflict in their eyes, the way Blade's fury clashed with Vincent's calm resolve.

Blade scoffed, stepping back. "One day, Vincent, your self-righteousness is going to get you killed. And I'll be there to laugh when it does."

Vincent's jaw tightened, but he didn't rise to the bait. "Just stay away from Him. He's done nothing to you."

Blade glared at Aloin one last time before turning on his heel and stalking away, his presence leaving a lingering darkness.

Aloin felt a weight lift from his shoulders, but he knew the encounter had only been the beginning. He looked up at Vincent, his heart full of gratitude. "Thank you," he said again, his voice more steady.

Vincent smiled, a warm and reassuring gesture. "Don't mention it. I'm Vincent, by the way. Blade's older half-brother."

Aloin's eyes widened in surprise. "You're brothers?"

"Half-brothers," Vincent corrected gently. "Same mother, different fathers. He's always been... difficult. But don't let him scare you. You're not alone here."

Aloin nodded, feeling a spark of hope. "I'm Aloin. It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Aloin," Vincent said. "If you ever need anything, just let me know. I'll look out for you."

As they walked back to the main building, Aloin couldn't help but feel a little safer. Despite the shadows that loomed in his new life, there were also beacons of light, like Vincent, who reminded him that he didn't have to face everything alone.

Vincent's kindness and strength were a stark contrast to Blade's cruelty, and Aloin felt a connection with him that he hadn't experienced before. For the first time since arriving at the Academy, he felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, he could find his place in this strange new world.

As they parted ways, Aloin glanced back at Vincent, who gave him a reassuring nod.....

(To be continued...)

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