The school seemed quieter tonight, but we all knew better. Shadows lurked, twisting in the corners, waiting for a misstep.
Sarah held the cube tightly. "Jonah, this is your first mission with us. We need you to help anticipate the creature's next moves. Stick close to Mira and follow instructions carefully."
Jonah swallowed, pale and jittery. "I… I'll try. I don't want to hurt anyone."
Lara immediately spun her chair toward him, arms flailing. "Step one: chaos welcome! Step two: comedic mentoring! Step three: optional snacks… as a peace offering!"
Felix muttered, "Step four: why am I alive to witness this?"
Mira glared at him, glowing faintly. "Focus, Felix. Jonah's connection to the shadows can help us predict movement. But he's unstable—his energy surges unpredictably."
Emily whispered, "So basically… he's like a living radar… with a side of ticking chaos bomb?"
Chloe nodded. "Exactly. If we coordinate correctly, he could give us the edge we need."
Lara spun dramatically, pointing at Jonah. "Step four: heroic probation! Step five: comedic chaos integration! Step six: snacks… maybe later, after epic success!"
Jonah nodded nervously. "I think I understand… I'll sense the shadows, guide them where you want, and avoid the traps myself."
Kai drew quick chalk lines on the floor. "Positions. Mira, Jonah's energy is connected to the faceless creature's scouts. Use it to anticipate attacks, but don't push him too hard. We can't risk triggering panic."
The first wave of shadows surged down the hall. Jonah's eyes glowed faintly as he waved his hands, signaling where they would move next.
"Here!" he yelled, pointing at a corner. "Left flank! Faster shadows!"
Lara immediately darted, yelling jokes at the shadows. "Why did the ghost go to the library? To get some spirit-ed reading! Ha!"
Felix swung his broomstick wildly. "I'm… contributing somehow!"
Mira's glow flared, syncing with Jonah's energy. Shadows paused, hesitated, then moved exactly where we predicted. The cube pulsed, redirecting them into the trap zones perfectly.
Sarah shouted, "Adjust! Timing now!"
The faceless creature's scouts twisted violently, trying to escape—but Jonah's guidance kept them in check. Even the unpredictable chaos of Lara's antics created openings we could exploit.
Jonah exhaled, trembling but focused. "It's working… I think I'm helping."
Lara spun dramatically, chair held high. "Step seven: accidental heroics! Step eight: comedic chaos saves the day! Step nine: snacks… definitely later!"
Felix muttered, "Step ten: surviving this is miraculous."
Sarah held the cube high. "Good job, everyone. Especially you, Jonah. This is the first time we've fully predicted a wave of scouts—and survived without losing anyone."
I glanced at Jonah, seeing relief mixed with terror. He had helped us, but the faceless creature would adapt faster next time.
And for the first time, I realized… Jonah might be the wild card that could turn the tide—if we could trust him.