Marvel: Silver Hand

At sixteen, Alexander Athos had grown into himself. Standing at an impressive 6'2", his once gangly frame had filled out, and his sharp jawline and striking gray eyes made him one of the most admired boys at school. But despite the attention, he rejected every girl who asked him out. There was a strange emptiness in his heart, a feeling that he was waiting for someone, though he didn't know who.

Music had become his refuge. Over the years, his skill with the flute had soared. He and Vanessa, his closest friend in the music club, had formed a formidable duo. While Alexander played the flute, Vanessa's mastery of the zither created a sound that left audiences breathless. Together, they had won numerous competitions, cementing their reputation as the school's star musicians.

One evening, Alexander found himself in the basement practicing for yet another competition. The familiar surroundings of ancient swords and armor now felt comforting rather than eerie. Standing amidst the relics, he began to play.

He closed his eyes, letting the notes flow freely. But something was different this time. The melody that came forth wasn't one he had ever practiced or even heard before. It was hauntingly beautiful, an intricate, otherworldly song that seemed to play itself through him.

Unbeknownst to Alexander, as the music echoed through the basement, the swords and armor around him began to vibrate. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the swords lifted, moving in perfect harmony with the melody. The steel shimmered, catching the dim light as they danced in the air, as if paying tribute to the music.

Celebrimbor, observing silently, felt a surge of awe and unease. The melody was ancient, its power undeniable. He recognized traces of his own influence, though how Alexander had tapped into it remained a mystery.

As the song ended, the swords returned to their places, settling as if nothing had happened. Alexander opened his eyes, oblivious to the phenomenon, feeling only the satisfaction of having played something extraordinary.

The next day, Alexander was ready. After two school periods, he left school and met Vanessa and Ms. Brown, along with the rest of the music club. They boarded a bus and headed to the competition venue.

The competition had three rounds: solos, teams, and duets. Vanessa was chosen for the solo round, while Alexander and Vanessa were paired for the duet. The entire club would perform for the team round.

The solo round came first. Vanessa took the stage with her zither, her golden eyes flashing with determination. The audience was spellbound as her fingers danced across the strings, producing a melody that felt like it was pulled from another world. She won the round easily, her performance earning a standing ovation.

Next came the duets. Alexander and Vanessa stepped onto the stage together, exchanging a brief nod before beginning their performance. The combination of his flute and her zither created a harmony so perfect that the judges were visibly moved. When they finished, there was no doubt they had won.

Finally, the team performance sealed the deal. The music club dominated the competition, sweeping all three rounds. As they boarded the bus back to school, everyone was jubilant.

By the time they returned to school, the day had ended, and the halls were empty. As Alexander packed up his things, Vanessa approached him with a smile.

"Want to come to my place?" she asked.

Alexander hesitated. He hadn't told Clara or his mom about staying out late. But the idea of spending more time with Vanessa was tempting. "Sure," he said finally.

They biked to her house, Vanessa pedaling while Alexander sat on the back. Her home was large, a sprawling two-story house that looked like something out of a magazine.

"Wow," Alexander said as they pulled up. "You live here?"

Vanessa laughed. "Yeah. My parents are never home, though. It's just me most of the time."

They stepped inside, and Alexander couldn't help but admire the sleek, modern interior.

"Want some water?" Vanessa offered.

"Sure," Alexander replied, setting his bag down.

As she walked to the kitchen, Celebrimbor's presence stirred uneasily. Something about Vanessa's behavior felt off, but there was nothing he could do to warn Alexander. He watched as she poured water into a glass and, with a quick glance over her shoulder, slipped something into it.

She returned with a smile, handing Alexander the glass. He drank it without a second thought.

A few minutes later, he began to feel dizzy. "I... I don't feel so good," he muttered, swaying slightly before collapsing onto the couch.

Vanessa stood over Alexander's unconscious body, her expression unreadable. She pulled out her phone and made a call.

"It's done," she said simply.

Ten minutes later, a man entered the house. He was tall, with a scarred face and a cold, menacing presence. Celebrimbor's ethereal form went rigid at the sight of him.

It was the same man who had burned down the apartment building years ago, the one responsible for the death of Alexander's father.

Anger surged through Celebrimbor like a tidal wave. Though he had no physical form to intervene, his rage was palpable. The room seemed to darken slightly, as if his wrath had affected the very air around him.

Vanessa exchanged a few words with the man before stepping aside, allowing him to approach Alexander.

Celebrimbor hovered protectively over the boy, his ancient mind racing. He couldn't act, couldn't speak, but he swore to himself that he wouldn't let Alexander face this danger alone—not again.