A crimson thread, visible only to you and your destined partner, had been a subtle curiosity throughout your life, a delicate strand tied to your pinky finger. You'd heard the tales, the romanticized stories of soulmates and destiny, but you'd always approached them with a healthy dose of skepticism. Still, a part of you couldn't help but wonder who was at the other end of that invisible line.

You were struggling to keep up with the morning exercises, a requirement for all first-year students at Night Raven College. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting long shadows across the training grounds. The air was crisp and cool, but your face was flushed, your breath coming in ragged gasps, and your movements were clumsy and uncoordinated. You felt utterly out of place, surrounded by students who seemed to be born for this kind of physical exertion.

Suddenly, your foot caught on a stray rock, sending you sprawling to the ground. You braced for impact, wincing in anticipation of the pain. As you lay there, catching your breath, you noticed something strange. A faint crimson thread, tied to your pinky finger, stretched tautly in the distance.

You followed the thread with your eyes, tracing its path across the training grounds. And there he was. Jack Howl, standing tall and imposing amidst the other students. His silvery-white hair gleamed in the morning light, his muscular frame radiating strength and discipline. He looked like a statue carved from ice, utterly unapproachable.

As your eyes met, you noticed a flicker of surprise, quickly replaced by a look of annoyance. That's when you realized it. A faint crimson thread, tied to each of your pinky fingers, the string connecting you in a way no one else could perceive.

Your heart skipped a beat, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through your veins. Could it be true? Was this the person you were destined to be with?

Jack's eyes narrowed in disbelief, his usual stoic expression replaced with a look of irritation. He stared at the thread, then back at you, a mixture of confusion and disdain on his face.