Marvel: Silver Hand

The school day had dragged on, and Alexander couldn't wait to head home. But when the final bell rang and he walked to the bus loop, his heart sank—he'd missed the bus.

After a quick phone call, Clara told him she couldn't pick him up for another three hours because of work. His mom wasn't an option either; she still avoided going out in public due to her scars. Resigned, Alexander headed back into the building to wait out the time.

He wandered the quiet halls for a while, aimlessly killing time, until something caught his attention: the sound of music.

It was soft at first, almost like a whisper, but as he followed the melody, it grew louder, wrapping around him like a warm embrace. He traced it to the music room, where he saw a group of students gathered.

One girl stood out immediately. She sat at a zither, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders like silk. Her golden-yellow eyes shimmered in the soft light as her fingers danced across the strings, producing a melody that was both haunting and beautiful.

The other students watched in awe, and even the teacher, Ms. Brown, seemed entranced. When the girl finished, the room erupted into applause.

Alexander clapped quietly from the doorway, but froze when Ms. Brown noticed him.

"Well, don't just stand there," she said warmly. "Come in!"

Caught off guard, Alexander hesitated before stepping into the room.

"Are you interested in music?" Ms. Brown asked.

"I guess?" he replied uncertainly.

"Great! Pick an instrument and give it a try," she said, gesturing to the various instruments around the room.

After scanning the options, Alexander picked up a flute. His first attempt at playing it was… less than successful. The sound was more like a dying bird than music.

The room chuckled lightly, but before Alexander could feel embarrassed, the girl with the golden eyes approached him.

"Here," she said gently, her voice soothing. "You're holding it wrong. Let me show you."

She adjusted his grip, her touch steady and reassuring. "Relax your shoulders," she instructed. "And blow gently, like this."

She demonstrated, producing a clear, beautiful note.

Alexander tried again, this time managing a wobbly but recognizable sound.

"Better," she said, offering a small smile.

"Thanks," Alexander said, feeling his face heat up slightly. "What's your name?"

"Song Qian," she replied. "But you can call me Vanessa. That's the name I go by here."

"I'm Alexander," he said, smiling back.

"Nice to meet you, Alexander," Vanessa said, her golden eyes sparkling with warmth.

For the next two hours, Vanessa patiently guided him through the basics of playing the flute. She was kind and encouraging, and by the end of their session, Alexander could play a simple tune.

When Clara arrived to pick him up, Ms. Brown handed him the flute. "Take this home and practice," she said. "You've got potential."

"Thanks," Alexander said, surprised but grateful.

Back home, Alexander showered and changed into fresh clothes. When he came downstairs, he saw Emma sitting at the dining table with Clara, her textbooks spread out in front of her.

"Hey, Alex," Emma greeted with a smile.

"Hey," he replied, grabbing a snack from the kitchen.

After chatting briefly, Alexander retreated to his room, where he carefully unpacked the flute. He began practicing, his thoughts drifting between Vanessa's melody and the kindness she'd shown him.

When he finally set the flute aside, there was a knock at his door.

It was Emma. She leaned casually against the doorframe, her expression playful.

"You've got a nice smile today," she teased.

Alexander shrugged. "Just had a good day."

Emma smirked, stepping closer. She tilted her head slightly and, in a whisper so faint Alexander didn't hear, said, "Vanessa."

Celebrimbor, observing silently as always, stiffened. He caught the name clearly and immediately grew suspicious. How could Emma know about Vanessa?

Alexander blinked, oblivious. "What?"

"Nothing," Emma said smoothly, her smirk widening. "Goodnight, Alex."

Before leaving, she leaned down and kissed him lightly on the cheek. Alexander's face burned, and as soon as she was gone, he groaned, burying his head in his hands.

Celebrimbor watched from the shadows, his suspicion about Emma deepening. Something wasn't right, but for now, he stayed silent.

Alexander climbed into bed, his mind swirling with thoughts of music, Vanessa, and Emma's strange remark. Slowly, sleep overtook him, pulling him into dreams filled with golden eyes and haunting melodies.