Instructor Thorne's presence at their table was like a sudden drop in temperature, chilling the air and silencing the usual mess hall chatter. Leon tensed, his instincts screaming danger, while Jasper's screen flickered nervously, dispying a series of anxious emojis. It was always unnerving when an instructor took such close interest in a cadet's affairs, especially someone with as much sway as Instructor Thorne.

  "Everything's fine, Instructor Thorne," Leon said, his voice carefully neutral. "Just discussing the training simution project. We need to complete it soon you know"

  Thorne raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over them with a predatory intensity. "Is that so?" he said, his voice smooth as silk. "I heard you two had a bit of a...disagreement st night. Hope it hasn't affected your ability to work together. This is important for the css"

  Jasper forced a smile, his screen dispying a thumbs-up emoji. "Not at all, sir," he said. "We're a team. Always have been, always will be. A little disagreement isn't enough to stop us now."

  Thorne chuckled softly, a sound that sent shivers down Leon's spine. "That's the spirit," he said. "Teamwork is essential in this academy, as I am sure you both know. We all have to rely on each other, especially when things get tough."

  He paused, his eyes narrowing, his gaze lingering on Jasper's screen. "Speaking of which," he said, "I've been meaning to ask you, Screen. How's that new system of yours working out? Any...glitches? It would be a problem for the css if it were to act up"

  Jasper's screen flickered again, his expression becoming increasingly uneasy. "It's fine, sir," he stammered. "Just a few minor bugs, nothing serious. The project will be completed as needed!"

  Thorne nodded slowly, his smile never wavering. "Good, good," he said. "We wouldn't want anything to compromise your performance. You're a valuable asset to this academy, Screen. A valuable asset indeed."

  He cpped Leon on the shoulder, his grip surprisingly strong. "And you, Woods," he said. "Keep an eye on your partner, will you? Make sure he stays out of trouble. I'd expect that much of someone such as yourself!"

  Leon gritted his teeth, his fists clenching. He resented Thorne's patronizing tone, his veiled threats, his obvious interest in Jasper's system. He wanted to sh out, to tell him to back off, to leave them alone. But the fact that he was an instructor made it that much harder to do so.

  But he knew that he couldn't. He had to py it cool, to avoid a confrontation, to protect Jasper from Thorne's scrutiny.

  "Of course, sir," Leon said, his voice carefully controlled. "We always look out for each other."

  Thorne's smile widened, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Excellent," he said. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear."

  He lingered for a moment longer, his presence radiating power and menace. Then, with a final nod, he turned and walked away, leaving Leon and Jasper to their uneasy silence.

  As soon as Thorne was out of earshot, Leon grabbed Jasper's arm, his grip tight. "We need to be careful," he said, his voice low. "Thorne knows something. He's watching us, and as a instructor it may make it all that more easier for him"

  Jasper nodded, his screen dispying a fearful emoji. "I know," he said. "I could feel it. He's like a viper, circling his prey."

  They fell silent, their appetites gone, their minds racing. They knew that Thorne was a threat, that he was a force to be reckoned with because he was a instructor. And they knew that they had to be prepared for whatever he might throw their way.

  The encounter with Thorne had been brief, but it had left a sting impression, a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurked within the DAM Academy. It had also solidified their resolve to uncover the truth, to expose Thorne's secrets, and to protect themselves from his venomous influence.

  As they left the mess hall, they knew that their lives had changed forever. They were no longer just cadets, navigating the challenges of the academy. They were now targets, caught in the crosshairs of a powerful and dangerous enemy.

  And they knew that their every move would be watched, their every word scrutinized, their every action judged.

  The serpent had revealed its smile, and they knew that they had to be ready to strike back, before it was too te.