The walk to my old classroom was the hardest part of the mission. Every step was a memory. The sound of their cruel laughter in my ears, the feel of the books hitting my head, the fear that always made my heart beat too fast. This wasn't just a room. It was the place where they had broken me. My mission was to get in and get information, but this felt more like a test.
I stopped at the door. My hands were steady. My breathing was slow and calm. I wasn't the same boy. Aura's voice was a quiet hum in my head. "Classroom 213. Your old class. Social studies." The irony wasn't lost on me.
I pushed the door open and walked inside. The chattering of students stopped at once. Every eye in the room turned to me. The teacher, Ms. Perri, looked at me, her face a mix of confusion and surprise. She was still the same, her face tired and her eyes always looking at the clock.
"Can I help you?" she asked, her voice a little unsure.
I looked at her, then at the faces in the room. I saw Damon. He was sitting at his usual desk, next to his friends. His mouth was open. His eyes were wide. He was looking at me like he was seeing a ghost. His friends were the same, their faces full of shock. They knew me. They remembered.
I took a deep breath. I looked at Ms. Perri. "I'm the new student," I said, my voice clear and strong. "My name is Balen."
The name hung in the air. The silence was heavy. Ms. Perri stared at me, her eyes going from my face to my new ID in my hand. "Balen?" she asked again, as if she couldn't believe it.
Damon moved in his chair. He leaned forward, a strange look on his face. "Bhosty?" he whispered, his voice low enough that only a few people could hear. He had to be sure. He was trying to figure out if I was really here.
I ignored him. I looked around the room. I saw the empty desks, the worn-out chairs. And then I saw my old corner. It was in the back, away from everyone. It was where I used to sit, trying to be small and quiet, hoping they would not see me.
My heart was beating, but this time it was not with fear. It was with power. I looked at Damon, a calm smile on my face. I walked past the other students, their eyes following me. I did not look away. I walked to my old corner, pulled out the chair, and sat down.
I was back. I was in my old seat. I was in my old school. But I was not the same person. I was no longer a ghost running away. I was a professional, a hunter, and a spy. And this time, I was ready to fight.