Luminara's Shadow

Marc, pensive, let his gaze linger on his phone screen, rereading the mysterious message that wouldn't stop haunting him. The content was clear: resolve things peacefully with Eliott. But what intrigued him the most was the sender's identity. How did this person know exactly what to say and whom to involve? Marc furrowed his brows. If there was one thing he could count on, it was the principal's support. He had always been on Marc's side. He and his friends were part of the school's "untouchables," the students whose parents made significant donations. Besides, no one had any direct evidence against him. After all, everyone had seen Eliott jump off the roof of his own volition.

Marc had been in class, far from the scene, surrounded by witnesses who could confirm his alibi. Even though he had orchestrated part of the bullying, he had carefully distanced himself when things escalated.

"This message might just be a prank," he thought. "One of my friends trying to scare me. Or maybe someone who has it out for me. But either way, they've got nothing on me."

He clearly remembered his friends being witnesses, too. No one had seen him push Eliott, and no one could prove he was directly involved. He had been smart, ensuring his guilt couldn't be proven while maintaining control of the situation.

The principal and some teachers were also in his pocket. That reassured him. No matter who had sent the message, Marc convinced himself it was probably someone who didn't fully understand the situation or was trying to play anonymous vigilante. Nothing too serious.

Yet, despite all his rationalizations, a part of him couldn't ignore the growing unease creeping in. He had to stay on guard.

Feeling the tension rising within his group, Marc took the lead. He gathered them in a more secluded corner of the hallway, where no one could overhear. His friends wore tense expressions, some glancing around nervously as if the mysterious sender could appear at any moment. Marc knew he had to act quickly to maintain their trust and avoid panic.

"Listen up, guys," Marc began in a confident tone. "Whoever sent that message… they've got nothing on us. It's just some random nobody trying to play hero."

All eyes were on him, some still uncertain. Marc pressed on, determined to calm their nerves.

"Think about it for a second. If this person actually had something solid, don't you think we'd already be in trouble? They would've done more than send a simple message. And anyway, no one can prove anything. We all saw Eliott jump on his own. I was in class, and so were you. The principal is on our side, along with a few teachers. We've got backup. This message is just a bluff. Nothing more."

Little by little, his friends' expressions shifted. They seemed to relax, their tense faces softening into approving smiles. Marc's confidence was contagious. One of them, the tallest in the group, leaned back and exhaled in relief.

"Yeah, you're right, Marc. Don't know why I was so worried. Nobody can prove anything!" he said, prompting nods of agreement from the others.

"Well said, Marc! You're the boss, man," added another, clearly reassured.

Praises began to pour in, and the group returned to joking as if nothing had happened. Marc, satisfied to have regained control, gave them a smug smile.

"We keep doing things as usual, guys. No one can touch us."

At the police station, the scene was chaotic. Officers escorted handcuffed detainees, a long line of people waited to report issues or file complaints, and reception staff were overwhelmed by the noisy crowd. The mix of shouts, murmurs, and conversations blended into a constant din.

Kai, camouflaged under a cap and wearing inconspicuous clothing, observed the scene with sharp focus. His piercing blue eyes scanned every corner, every movement. While he had picked up on some details, he felt slightly frustrated by the lack of clear information. He had spotted the inspector in an adjacent office, but the specifics were still blurry. He needed a way to gather more intel without arousing suspicion.

As he exited the station, Kai noticed a small van parked nearby. On the side of the vehicle was the slogan and logo of a cleaning company. The men climbing out were dressed in cleaning uniforms, heading toward the service entrance of the station.