Author’s Note:


    Many of you have asked why Raj hasn’t appeared again after Chapter 2. That absence was intentional—part of a larger mystery I didn’t want to reveal too early. However, I recognize it left a noticeable gap in the story that needed addressing. The revised Chapter 16 begins to answer those questions and lays the groundwork for what’s to come. I hope it adds clarity—and maybe raises a few new questions of its own.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Head back to Chapter 16, the revision is in bold toward the bottom.


    – T.L. Lewis