Episode 2: "Initiation"
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**INT. ABANDONED GYM - NIGHT**
Kael stands frozen in the candlelight, still staring at Jamie's lifeless body as the Umbra Circle gathers around it. The others whisper in tongues that send chills through the air.
**GRAYSON**
(to Kael)
This is what we're fighting. And you're going to help us.
**KAEL**
Why me?
**RHEA**
Because the mark chose you.
Grayson steps into the center of the candle circle, gesturing Kael to follow.
**GRAYSON**
You want answers? Step inside.
Kael hesitates. Then he steps in.
As soon as he does, the candles flare black. A gust of wind roars through the gym. Kael gasps as the sigil on his ribs burns hotter.
**RHEA**
(speaking ancient words)
Umbrae vocamus. Custos surgat.
Kael's eyes roll back. Darkness swirls around him. Visions hit—
—flashes of a forgotten war.
—a burning world.
—a hooded figure with Kael's face, eyes pure shadow.
He collapses.
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**INT. INFIRMARY – SHADOWBOUND HIGH – MORNING**
Kael wakes on a creaky cot. Lana sits beside him, chewing a pen cap, clearly worried.
**LANA**
You scared the crap out of me, dude.
**KAEL**
How'd I get here?
**LANA**
Found you passed out behind the gym. No one else around. You're lucky I'm nosy.
Kael sits up slowly.
**KAEL**
I think I'm in some kind of... secret magic fight club.
**LANA**
Okay, we're officially skipping Health class today.
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**INT. SCHOOL LIBRARY – LATER**
Rhea finds Kael browsing ancient folklore books. She pulls one out for him—**"Chronicles of the Marked."**
**RHEA**
You survived the initiation. That's rare.
**KAEL**
Was that a test?
**RHEA**
Everything is a test.
They sit close. She opens the book to a sigil identical to Kael's.
**RHEA**
Your mark is different. It's... older. Stronger.
**KAEL**
What does that mean?
**RHEA**
It means you're more than just marked. You're a key.
She places her hand on his. The contact is electric.
Kael doesn't pull away.
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**EXT. FOOTBALL FIELD – NIGHT**
Grayson trains Kael under the bleachers.
**GRAYSON**
Focus the mark. Picture it like fire in your veins. Control it, or it'll control you.
Kael closes his eyes. His mark glows. A gust of shadow swirls around him, knocking Grayson off his feet.
**GRAYSON**
(grinning)
Okay, that's new.
Kael breathes heavily. That power felt... good. Too good.
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**INT. LANA'S ROOM – NIGHT**
Lana is researching. She stumbles upon a newspaper article:
> "TRAGIC DEATH IN BLACKTHORN WOODS. TEEN BOY FOUND WITH STRANGE SYMBOLS ON HIS BODY."
The date: **Exactly 13 years ago.**
**LANA**
(whispers)
Kael was born that year.
Her eyes widen.