Marvel: Sin Lord

The next day, the atmosphere at the Massachusetts Academy felt charged. Emma returned with the New Mutants, just as she said she would, but they weren't the same as before.

Inarius stood in the main hall with the rest of the Hellions, watching as the New Mutants entered the academy. They moved like shadows, their steps heavy and their faces hollow. There was no light in their eyes, no spark of rebellion or joy—just an overwhelming sense of gloom.

Inarius shivered. It wasn't just their demeanor that unnerved him. His powers picked up faint traces of sin radiating from them. It wasn't like the sin of someone who had done terrible things; it was murkier, like the residue of suffering and manipulation.

Manuel leaned closer and whispered, "They look like they've crawled out of a graveyard. And that smell—doom and gloom with a side of misery."

Inarius shot him a glare. "Shut up, Manuel."

Emma stepped forward, her heels clicking against the floor as she addressed the room. "Hellions, these are the New Mutants. They will be staying with us indefinitely. I expect you all to make them feel... welcome."

The Hellions exchanged looks, but no one dared protest. Emma's tone left no room for argument.

She continued, "For now, please show them to their rooms. Inarius, you'll take Illyana to hers."

Inarius nodded, sparing a glance at Illyana. She stood apart from the others, her arms crossed and her platinum blonde hair hiding most of her face. Her glowing, otherworldly sword was strapped to her back. Even like this, there was something intimidating about her presence.

"Follow me," he said softly.

Illyana didn't say a word but followed him down the hall, her boots echoing against the marble floor. The walk was tense, and Inarius felt the weight of her silence pressing on him.

"Your room's right here," he said, stopping in front of the door. He gestured to the one next to it. "I'm just next door, so if you need anything—"

Before he could finish, Illyana grabbed the doorknob, yanked the door open, and slammed it shut in his face.

Inarius stared at the closed door for a moment, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Well, that went great," he muttered.

He made his way to Emma's office, where the rest of the Hellions were gathered. They looked just as uneasy as he felt, but Emma's composed demeanor gave nothing away.

"I want you all to be patient with the New Mutants," she said, her voice firm. "They've been through a great deal, and this transition won't be easy for them—or for us. Treat them with kindness and respect."

The Hellions nodded, though some more reluctantly than others.

Later that evening, back in their shared room, Inarius flopped onto his bed, exhausted. Manuel, lying on his own bed, stretched and smirked.

"Kindness and respect, huh? Not sure I've got it in me," Manuel said lazily. "Those kids look like they'd bite your hand off if you offered them a cookie."

Inarius sat up, glaring at him. "You're going to be nice, Manuel. Or so help me, I'll shove my sword so far up your—"

"Relax, relax," Manuel said, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "I'll play nice. For now."

Inarius rolled his eyes and lay back down. "Good. Now shut up. I'm trying to sleep."

Manuel chuckled but didn't say anything else. Soon, the room fell silent, and Inarius drifted off, the image of Illyana slamming the door in his face lingering in his mind.