The chatter of the schoolyard buzzed around you, but it did little to drown out the harsh words from the girl standing in front of you. She sneered, her friends giggling behind her.

Just as the main bully took a step closer, her confidence oozing in every stride, a shadow loomed behind her. A strong, calm presence froze the scene. Tobias.

Without a single word, his long arm reached out, gripping the bully’s hair with surprising firmness but perfect control. The girl winced, gasping as she tried to pull away, but Tobias didn’t let go.

“Touch her again,” he said, his voice low and steady, “and you’ll find out what happens when a hawk goes for its prey.”

The bully’s friends scattered, muttering excuses, and the girl tried to stammer a response. With a sharp flick of his wrist, he released her hair, making her stumble back.

“Get lost.”

The girl hesitated for a moment, but when he took a step forward, she bolted, disappearing down the hallway.