2. The First Day of Amanda Flash

Amanda Flash stepped onto the grounds of Crestview High School with an air of confidence that felt foreign but exhilarating. The Amanda of two years ago—broken, bruised, and timid—was gone, replaced by a polished exterior and a smoldering determination. Her black hair gleamed under the sunlight, cascading in waves down her back, and her crimson eyes, once dulled by despair, now held a predatory glint. She adjusted her leather jacket and strode forward, her every step purposeful.

The whispers began almost instantly.

"Who's that?"

"She's stunning."

"I've never seen her before. A transfer?"

Amanda caught snippets of conversation as she made her way toward the main entrance. She allowed herself a small, almost imperceptible smile. Attention was part of the plan. Emilia's training had taught her that power often lay in perception. If people saw you as confident and untouchable, they would hesitate to challenge you.

She entered the building, the familiar scent of disinfectant and teenage angst washing over her. Memories of her time here as Amanda Eclairs threatened to surface, but she shoved them aside. This was her stage now, and she was ready to play her role.

The principal's office was her first stop. The secretary, a middle-aged woman with glasses perched on her nose, barely looked up from her computer as Amanda introduced herself.

"Amanda Flash. I'm the new transfer student," she said, her voice smooth and composed.

The secretary handed her a schedule without much fanfare. "Welcome to Crestview. Your first class is down the hall to the left. Room 204."

Amanda nodded and left, her heels clicking against the linoleum floor. She scanned the schedule briefly—Advanced Literature, Chemistry, Calculus—but she wasn't here for academics. Her targets were what mattered.

Room 204 buzzed with the chatter of students. Amanda pushed open the door, her entrance commanding immediate attention. Conversations faltered, heads turned, and even the teacher, Mr. Coleman, paused mid-sentence.

"Ah, you must be Miss Flash," he said, regaining his composure. "Please, take a seat."

Amanda chose a spot near the middle, strategically positioned to observe the room. Her gaze swept over the students, lingering momentarily on familiar faces. Heather, Jason, and their gang were all here, oblivious to the storm that had just walked back into their lives.

Heather, still the picture of perfection with her golden locks and practiced smile, whispered something to the girl beside her, who giggled in response. Jason, towering and muscular, leaned back in his chair, exuding arrogance. Amanda's lips twitched. These were the people who had tormented her, and they didn't even recognize her.

Good.

Lunch was her next battleground. She chose a table near the center of the cafeteria, a spot that guaranteed visibility. Emilia's voice echoed in her mind: "Control the narrative. Make them come to you."

It didn't take long. A boy with sandy hair and glasses approached her, tray in hand. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked nervously.

"Not at all," Amanda replied, flashing a disarming smile.

He introduced himself as Ryan and quickly fell into an animated discussion about Crestview's quirks and cliques. Amanda listened politely, gleaning information. It became clear that the social hierarchy hadn't changed much in her absence. Heather and Jason still ruled the school, their influence unchallenged.

As Ryan rambled on, Amanda noticed Heather watching her from across the room. Their eyes met briefly, and Amanda held the gaze, unblinking. Heather's brows furrowed, and she turned away, whispering to Jason.

Perfect.

By the end of the day, Amanda had mapped out her targets' routines. Jason's football practice, Heather's cheerleading sessions, and their usual hangout spots—all carefully noted. Emilia's lessons had ingrained the importance of preparation.

Her first opportunity came sooner than expected. As she walked toward the parking lot, she saw Jason leaning against his car, surrounded by his friends. They were laughing, the sound grating on Amanda's nerves.

"Hey, new girl!" Jason called out, his voice dripping with mockery. "Need a ride? Or are you too cool for us?"

His friends snickered, but Amanda didn't falter. Instead, she sauntered over, her steps deliberate.

"Jason, right?" she said, her voice honeyed yet sharp.

He smirked. "That's me."

Amanda tilted her head, her crimson eyes locking onto his. "You must be popular. Everyone seems to gravitate toward you."

Jason puffed up, clearly pleased. "What can I say? People love me."

Amanda's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Well, enjoy it while it lasts. Popularity can be... fleeting."

She turned and walked away, leaving Jason and his friends puzzled. Her words weren't overtly threatening, but they planted a seed of unease.

Over the next few weeks, Amanda wove herself into the fabric of Crestview's social scene. She charmed teachers, befriended outcasts, and strategically positioned herself near her targets. Her beauty and wit made her a subject of fascination, and even Heather began to show signs of curiosity rather than hostility.

One day, Heather approached Amanda in the locker room after gym class.

"You're Amanda Flash, right?" she said, her tone casual but probing.

Amanda turned, feigning surprise. "Heather. I've heard so much about you."

Heather's smile was tight. "All good things, I hope."

"Of course," Amanda lied effortlessly. "You seem like someone who knows how to get what she wants."

Heather's smile relaxed, and for a moment, Amanda saw the pride and vanity that would soon be her downfall.

Late one evening, Amanda sat in her room, reviewing her notes. Photos of her targets were pinned to a corkboard, connected by strings of red thread. Each name had a corresponding weakness, a chink in their armor.

Her phone buzzed. A text from Emilia.

"Remember: one misstep, and they'll eat you alive. Stay sharp, Killer Queen."

Amanda stared at the message for a moment before typing back.

"I never miss."

She leaned back in her chair, her crimson eyes glinting in the dim light. The game had begun, and Amanda Flash was ready to play.