Chapter 8

Athasia's arrival at Cresthill High did not go unnoticed. Her striking platinum hair and piercing green eyes drew admiration from many students, while others viewed her with jealousy and hatred. Whispers trailed her as she navigated the bustling hallways, but she remained indifferent, her expression cold and unreadable.

Upon entering her classroom, the atmosphere shifted. A group of girls, led by a brunette with a sharp gaze, approached her desk.

"Look who decided to grace us with her presence," the brunette sneered. "The attention seeker."

"Thinks she's better than everyone," another chimed in.

"She's just a bitch and a slut" said another.

"Probably just a slut trying to steal our guys," the first girl added, her voice dripping with malice.

Athasia met their taunts with silence, her eyes fixed ahead as if they didn't exist. Her lack of reaction only fueled their frustration, but before they could escalate further, a few male students intervened.

"Leave her alone," one of them said, stepping between Athasia and the girls. "You're just jealous because she's prettier than you."

The girls huffed, retreating to their seats amidst snickers from the rest of the class. Athasia remained composed, her demeanor unruffled by the confrontation.

Moments later, the door opened, and the teacher entered. The room fell into an immediate hush as students scrambled to their seats, the earlier tension dissipating into a focused silence.

As the lesson progressed, Athasia's thoughts drifted. She had spent the past week acclimating to this new environment, her nights plagued by recurring dreams that whispered of the "sixth floor." Her days were dedicated to understanding the school's dynamics, utilizing her exceptional computer skills to delve into student records and school history.

One name had stood out during her research: Mira Caldwell. The accompanying photograph revealed a girl bearing an uncanny resemblance to her former ally, Mira. The same confident smirk, the same piercing eyes. It was more than a coincidence; it was a connection she couldn't ignore.

As the teacher's voice droned on, Athasia's resolve solidified. She needed to uncover the truth about the sixth floor and confront this new Mira. Answers awaited, and she was determined to find them.