Chapter 6: the wolf's Ring

Ethan barely slept that night. He replayed the security footage repeatedly, pausing every few seconds to study the stranger's movements. The hood concealed the person's face, and the gloves hid any identifying marks, but the silver ring engraved with a wolf's head stood out clearly. It wasn't an ordinary piece of jewelry. It looked custom-made, expensive, and memorable. Ethan knew he had seen it before, but no matter how hard he tried, the memory remained just out of reach.

The next morning, he copied the footage onto another flash drive and locked it inside the metal tin beneath the floorboards. This time, he wasn't taking any chances. In his previous life, he had trusted people. In this life, he trusted evidence.

When he arrived at Harmony School of Music, the hallway buzzed with excitement. A large notice had been pinned to the bulletin board outside the auditorium.

National Youth Music Competition – Internal Auditions Begin in Four Weeks.

Students crowded around the notice, discussing song ideas and performance strategies. Some looked nervous, others confident. Ethan quietly read the announcement before turning away.

He wasn't interested in competing just yet.

Not until he was completely ready.

As he walked toward the practice rooms, he noticed Professor Morris speaking with another man near the stage. The visitor appeared to be in his early forties, dressed in a tailored black suit with a calm but commanding presence. Every teacher greeted him with obvious respect.

Professor Morris spotted Ethan and waved him over.

"Ethan, I'd like you to meet Mr. Adrian Hayes."

Ethan politely extended his hand.

It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.

Adrian smiled as they shook hands. "Professor Morris speaks highly of your dedication."

I'm still learning.

A good musician never stops learning,Adrian replied. "That's why the truly great ones keep improving long after they've become successful."

Something about the man's words felt genuine. Unlike the false praise Ethan was used to hearing from Jason, Adrian's encouragement carried no hidden motive.

Before Ethan could respond, Jason appeared beside them.

"Mr. Hayes," Jason said confidently, "it's an honor to meet you."

Adrian nodded politely. "You must be Jason Carter."

Jason smiled proudly. "Yes, sir."

"I've heard your recent composition."

For a split second, Jason's confidence returned.

Then Adrian calmly added, "It has potential, but it lacks authenticity. It sounds as though the composer never truly experienced the emotions behind the notes."

Jason's smile stiffened.

"I'll improve it."

"I'm sure you will."

Ethan lowered his head to hide the faint smile tugging at his lips.

Adrian Hayes wasn't easily fooled.

After the meeting ended, Professor Morris announced a surprise assignment.

"Each student will perform an original thirty-second melody tomorrow morning. No prerecorded music. No outside assistance. I want to hear your creativity."

Excited conversations immediately filled the room.

Jason glanced toward Ethan before walking away without saying a word.

Ethan understood exactly why.

Jason had no completed original music.

That evening, Ethan sat at his keyboard for hours, not trying to impress anyone but simply allowing his heart to speak. The melody that emerged was gentle at first, carrying traces of loneliness before gradually rising into quiet determination. It reminded him of the life he had lost and the future he intended to reclaim.

When he finally finished, he smiled.

This piece belonged to him alone.

The following morning, one student after another performed before the class. Some melodies were cheerful, others dramatic, but most were quickly forgotten.

Then Jason's turn arrived.

He walked confidently to the piano and began to play.

The opening sounded polished.

The middle section wandered uncertainly.

By the end, the melody had completely lost its direction.

Professor Morris frowned.

"You've relied too heavily on technique. Music without sincerity is merely sound."

Jason nodded respectfully, but frustration flashed across his face.

"Ethan Blake."

The classroom fell silent.

Ethan calmly walked to the piano, adjusted the bench, and rested his fingers on the keys.

He closed his eyes.

Instead of thinking about revenge, he remembered his mother's gentle smile, the lonely nights spent composing by candlelight, the humiliation of standing on that stage, and the promise he had made after his rebirth.

The first note floated through the room.

Soft.

Pure.

Every student instinctively stopped moving.

The melody slowly grew stronger, carrying pain, hope, and determination in perfect balance. Though it lasted only thirty seconds, it felt like the opening chapter of a much larger story.

When the final note faded, complete silence filled the classroom.

No one moved.

No one spoke.

Professor Morris slowly removed his glasses and smiled.

"For the first time today," he said quietly, "I heard someone tell the truth through music."

A round of applause erupted across the room.

Even students who had never noticed Ethan before were looking at him with admiration.

Jason remained seated, his expression unreadable, but his clenched fists betrayed the storm raging inside him.

As class ended, Adrian Hayes approached Ethan.

"I'll be attending the school auditions next month," he said. "I hope you'll perform something just as honest."

"I will."

Adrian nodded and walked away.

Jason watched the entire exchange from across the room.

The jealousy in his eyes was impossible to hide.

For the first time, someone important had chosen to notice Ethan instead of him.

Jason finally understood something that terrified him.

If Ethan continued to grow...

There would soon be nothing left for Jason to steal.