The classroom was empty except for Axel and the fading sound of rain against the windows. He sat slouched in the back row, one arm resting over the chair, his knuckles still sore from the fight that had earned him detention. The student had gotten in his way. Axel had warned him once. After that, the outcome had been inevitable.

Now, the school had gone quiet around him. No crowd. No whispers. No one watching him win.

He hated that part.

Axel glanced toward the door, dark blue eyes narrowing. What was the point of being the strongest if nobody was there to see it? He was used to fear, attention, and people stepping aside when he entered a room. Without them, the silence felt strangely irritating. He leaned back, waiting impatiently for the teacher—or anyone—to come and give him something to do.