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As Kiara walked through the bustling school hallway, lost in thought, she suddenly slipped on a stray backpack left carelessly on the floor. Time seemed to slow as she flailed for balance, but before she could hit the ground, a strong hand shot out and caught her.
"Whoa! Gotcha!" Victor said with a grin, his warm brown eyes sparkling with amusement.
Kiara looked up, slightly dazed but relieved. "Thanks! I didn't see that coming."
"I'm Victor, by the way. Just transferred here," he introduced himself, his casual demeanor making her feel at ease.
As they chatted, Kyle emerged from around the corner, his expression darkening when he saw them together. He approached with purpose, his eyes narrowing at Victor.
"Kiara," Kyle cut in abruptly, his tone sharp. "I need to talk to you."
But before she could respond, something strange happened. Kyle and Victor locked eyes, and in an instant, both of their eyes turned pitch black—an eerie sight that sent shivers down Kiara's spine. She blinked in disbelief, wondering if she was imagining things.
*In that moment of silence between them, Kyle and Victor began speaking with their minds.
**Kyle:** *You are a vampire.*
**Victor:** *And what if I am?*
Kiara stood there, completely bewildered by their silent exchange. It felt like a storm was brewing right in front of her as tension thickened in the air.
**Kyle:** *Stay away from her.*
**Victor:** *Not a chance. She's interesting.*
Kiara could feel the energy crackling between them but couldn't decipher what was happening. "What are you two doing?" she finally asked, trying to break through the confusion.
Kiara stood there, completely bewildered by their silent exchange. It felt like a storm was brewing right in front of her as tension thickened in the air.
**Kyle:** *I mean it, Victor. Don't get too close.*
**Victor:** *Relax; I'm just getting to know her.*
Kiara could feel the energy crackling between them but couldn't decipher what was happening. "What are you two doing?" she finally asked, trying to break through the confusion.
Kyle turned to her sharply. "It's nothing! Just—"
"Just a little disagreement," Victor interjected smoothly, flashing a charming smile at Kiara that made her heart flutter despite the tension.
"Maybe you should show me around?" Victor suggested casually, ignoring Kyle's warning entirely.
Kiara felt a rush of excitement at the idea but looked back at Kyle for guidance. His expression was fierce and protective.
"Are you serious?" Kyle snapped at Victor through their mental link. *You think you can just waltz in here?*
**Victor:** *Why not? She deserves to see what this place has to offer.*
Kiara glanced between them; it was clear there was more going on beneath the surface than she understood. "I…I guess I can show you around," she said hesitantly.
Kyle's eyes narrowed further as he watched her agree. "Just remember what I said," he warned Victor silently before turning away slightly but still keeping an eye on them.
As Kiara led Victor away down the hallway, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something complicated—and perhaps dangerous.
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