Students poured into the hall in restless waves, shoes scraping against polished floors. The bell rang—sharp, commanding—and the noise died down into a reluctant hush.
On stage stood the principal, Edward, tall and composed. Beside him was an older man with watchful eyes—Harvey. Teachers lingered at the edges, arms folded, expressions neutral.
"Good morning, students," Edward said.
"Good morning, sir," the hall echoed.
"We're grateful to resume activities for the final term of this session," he continued. "Some of you will soon leave these walls—explore the world, gain more knowledge—"
His voice blurred into formality. Several students already tuned out.
At the back of the hall, Athena leaned closer to Madeline.
"Is that man beside the principal familiar to you?" she whispered.
Madeline glanced up. "I think he's the vice principal."
Athena frowned. "Don't you feel something… off?"
Madeline squinted. "He looks strange."
"He's staring at me," Athena murmured. "Like he's trying to see through my skin."
Madeline scoffed. "That's creepy. Like a pervert with a degree."
Before Athena could respond, a sharp voice cut through the hall.
"You two at the back. Step out."
Athena blinked. "Me?"
"Yes. You and your friend. Now. Don't make me repeat myself."
They rose slowly, deliberately. Every step forward felt measured, unhurried.
"Can you walk any faster?" the teacher snapped.
Athena glanced at him calmly. "Our family manners don't allow rushing."
Madeline leaned closer, whispering, "You're about to shorten his lifespan."
They stopped before him. He glared down at them.
"What class are you in?"
"SSS3," Madeline replied.
"New students?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then consider this your welcome—one week suspension. You remain on school grounds but do not attend classes."
Athena nodded thoughtfully. "What a pity."
The teacher stiffened. "What did you say?"
"I've always wanted a break from class," Athena said evenly. "Thank you for granting it—for free."
The teacher opened his mouth, sputtering.
"That's enough."
Edward's voice cut in like a blade.
He stepped forward, gaze fixed on Athena. "You. Follow me to my office. Now."
Harvey followed close behind as the girls turned and walked out.
---
PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE — MOMENTS LATER
The room was quiet, heavy with authority. Edward and Harvey took their seats behind the desk. Athena and Madeline stood before them, unflinching.
"State your names," Edward said.
"Athena Williams."
"Madeline Yates."
Edward's brows lifted slightly. "Yates… daughter of the field marshal."
"Yes, sir."
"Which school did you attend previously?"
"Imperial College."
"And why did you leave?"
Athena answered softly, "Personal reasons."
Edward studied her for a moment, then nodded. "I'll assume they're justified."
Harvey leaned forward, eyes narrowing with interest. "You remind me of someone who studied here."
Madeline frowned. "Who?"
"Rowena Black."
Athena's breath caught.
"Rowena… Black?" she repeated quietly.
"I taught her," Harvey said. "Some things, at least. She was brilliant. In hacking—she surpassed me. Other skills, I helped sharpen."
Athena's voice was steady, but her eyes burned. "Who are you to my mother?"
"A mentor," Harvey replied. "Not in everything. But in enough."
Edward cleared his throat. "What happened to your mother?"
Madeline stepped in quickly. "Sir… some wounds don't heal better when reopened."
Before Edward could respond, his desk phone rang.
He answered—and his expression changed instantly.
"What?" He straightened. "When did it start?"
Harvey stood. "What is it?"
"Our company accounts," Edward said. "Confidential funds. Someone's hacking us."
"How bad?"
"One firewall left," Edward replied grimly. "After that—collapse."
Harvey didn't hesitate. "Then we move. Now."
Edward stood abruptly. "You two should return to—"
"Let us come," Athena said.
Edward paused, then looked to Harvey.
Harvey studied Athena carefully… then nodded.
"All right," Edward said. "Come with us."
They moved quickly out of the office.
---
From a distance, Natalie and Scarlett watched as the principal's car pulled away—with Athena and Madeline inside.
Natalie frowned. "Why would the principal take her? Maybe he's dumping them somewhere."
Scarlett scoffed. "Forget them. Come on—we'll be late."
They turned back toward the school.
Unaware that somewhere beyond the gates, a digital war had already begun.
And Athena was walking straight toward its heart.