Amber Rose

Chapter 1: (female lead's pov)

The first day of school was supposed to be normal. It was supposed to be boring. But the moment I stepped into the classroom and saw him, I knew this year would be anything but.

Adrian Blackwood

The boy everyone whispered about. The one no one dared to talk to. With his sharp features, deathly pale skin, and unnervingly golden eyes, he looked like he had stepped out of a gothic horror novel. No one sat near him. No one wanted to.

And yet, when I checked the seating chart, my name was right next to his.

Mia, my best friend, caught my eye from across the room and frantically shook her head.

Don't do it.

Pick another seat.

Run.

Like I had a choice.

I exhaled slowly and made my way to the back of the classroom. The moment I pulled out the chair and sat down, the entire class seemed to hold its breath.

I felt the weight of his stare before I even looked at him.

"You're Brave."

His voice was low, smooth—almost too perfect. It sent an involuntary shiver down my spine.

I turned to face him. His golden eyes gleamed under the dim classroom lights, his gaze steady, unblinking.

I forced a nervous smile. "Brave..? It's just a seat."

Adrian tilted his head slightly, his lips curling up—not into a smile, but something darker, amused. "Is it?"

I frowned. "Uh, yeah? Unless I missed the memo that this is some kind of cursed throne."

He let out a quiet chuckle, the sound deep, almost chilling. "Maybe it is."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You don't talk much, do you?"

His expression didn't change. "Neither do you."

I blinked. "I literally just started talking to you."

He hummed as if considering my words. "Then maybe you should stop."

I let out a small scoff. "Wow. Great first impression."

His golden eyes flickered with something unreadable. "You should be careful who you sit next to."

"Why?" I crossed my arms. "Are you some kind of secret serial killer?"

A slow, almost predatory smirk spread across his lips. "Would you be scared if I was?"

I opened my mouth, then closed it. I didn't know how to answer that.

Something about the way he looked at me made my stomach tighten. It wasn't normal.

"You're not answering," he mused.

"Because it's a weird question," I shot back.

He leaned in slightly, the scent of something cold and unfamiliar surrounding him. "Is it?"

I swallowed. My heart was beating too fast. I forced a laugh, trying to shake off the weird tension. "You know, for someone who doesn't talk much, you sure know how to make things creepy."

Adrian didn't laugh. He just stared at me, his golden eyes burning into mine.

"Maybe I just don't like people sitting too close," he murmured.

"Well, sorry to disappoint," I muttered. "But unless you wanna switch seats, looks like you're stuck with me."

He exhaled through his nose, almost like he was amused. "Lucky me."

The bell rang before I could say anything else.

And even though I turned my attention to the teacher, I could still feel his gaze on me.

Like he was watching.

And for the first time all morning, I wondered if maybe Mia was right.

Maybe I should have picked another seat.