Raven Blake sits at the edge of the school's crumbling rooftop, her boots dangling off the edge. She’s alone, as usual, the wind tousling her red hair. The sky above is heavy with clouds, the air thick with an impending storm. Her fingers trace the rim of an old silver locket, a gift from her mother, though she doesn’t like to talk about it.
She’s in the middle of her usual routine, staring at the city below, when a strange crackling noise breaks the silence. At first, she thinks it’s just the wind, but then it comes again—a low, almost inaudible static, like a radio tuning into an unknown frequency.
Raven stands, looking around, her sharp eyes scanning the roof. Nothing seems out of place. But then the air grows heavier, colder, as if the space itself is holding its breath.
The static grows louder, this time unmistakable. She steps toward the edge, her curiosity piqued, and glances down—her reflection in a puddle ripples, though there’s no breeze. And for just a moment, she swears she sees another version of herself staring back at her, smiling in a way that she never would.
The reflection fades instantly, leaving Raven staring at the empty rooftop.
She doesn’t flinch. But for the first time, she feels an unease settle deep in her chest. Raven Blake doesn’t believe in ghosts, but whatever that was, it didn’t feel like anything normal.