📞〢Vance Hopper, '...

The streets were eerily quiet. For weeks, disappearances had left all of Denver living in fear. No one dared walk alone after dark.

After spending hours organizing the winter dance, the class was finally allowed to leave. Vance walked several meters ahead of the rest, his hands in his pockets, muttering curses about the scolding he had just received from the teacher.

Suddenly, a black van pulled up beside them.

A man descended holding several black balloons.

—Hey, kid... do you want to see a magic trick?

It all happened in a matter of seconds.

The man grabbed Vance tightly and tried to drag him toward the van. Vance immediately struggled, throwing punches and kicks while shouting insults, refusing to get in.

Before he could break free, a figure appeared running. The kidnapper was struck several times in quick succession, causing him to lose his balance and release Vance. A final blow knocked him unconscious on the pavement.

Still reeling from what had happened, Vance barely had time to react before someone helped him to his feet. Hearts racing and without looking back, they both ran until they reached the school, where they were finally safe.

Breathing heavily and still trying to process what had just happened, Vance looked up at the person who had just saved his life.

—...I guess I owe you one.