From the day I was born, I was different.Even as a toddler, I was more curious and clever than most kids my age. My parents noticed it early on—they thought I was a prodigy. And maybe they were right.

  They tied high hopes to me, pouring all their dreams into my future. I started studying before most kids even learned the alphabet. While others played, I solved puzzles. While others watched cartoons, I read books. They pushed me hard, and I kept up—at least at first.

  Through elementary school, I breezed past everything. I topped my class in every subject. I led the sports teams. I won competitions like they were made for me. But no one really challenged me. It was all too easy.

  Eventually, I got bored.

  So my parents made a big decision. They enrolled me in a well-known middle school outside the city—a place they believed would be more "stimulating." They wanted me to be surrounded by smart, ambitious students. People like me.

  Today was my first day at that new school.

  I stood outside the classroom, waiting to be called in. My new teacher, Ms. Mebbin, motioned me to enter and introduce myself.

  As I stepped through the door, I looked around, hoping—no, expecting—to see bright faces, people full of spark, ideas, and dreams.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  But instead…All I saw were sheep.

  Every student sat in perfect rows, backs straight, eyes dull. They stared at me, not with curiosity or excitement, but with blank, identical expressions. It was like they were all following the same silent script—the one the teacher gave them.

  Each one of them looked like they had already given up thinking for themselves.

  I was disappointed. Honestly, I was already bored.

  While I stood there lost in my thoughts, Ms. Mebbin’s voice kept calling out to me.“Elias… Elias…?”

  She walked over and tapped my shoulder gently.“Elias, are you alright? Are you feeling sick?”

  I shook my head slowly.

  “That’s good,” she smiled. “Now, please introduce yourself to the class.”

  I cleared my throat.“Good morning… my name is Elias Owen. Thank you.”My voice was flat. Bored. Empty.

  The room went quiet. Too quiet.The other students looked at me, confused. Was I being rude? Was that really all I had to say?

  They just stared at me, waiting for more… but there was nothing else.

  Ms. Mebbin chuckled nervously to break the silence.“Well… that was short. Thank you, Elias. You may take your seat.”

  I walked slowly to the only empty desk, sat down, and lowered my head, trying not to draw more attention. But it was already too late.

  Because of my cold and strange introduction...

  I stood out.

  And in that moment, I felt it.The silence had changed. Eyes were on me. But not just any eyes—watchful, judging, waiting. I could feel it deep in my bones.

  The wolf in sheep’s clothing had arrived.And the sheep…They were getting ready to fight back.