Chapter one: The Arrival

The bus ride to Ravensworth Academy felt like a journey into another world. Ava Sinclair sat by the window, her hands gripping the straps of her worn-out backpack as the cityscape slowly gave way to sprawling estates and pristine landscapes. Each mile that passed reinforced how far she was from home—both literally and figuratively.

She had memorized the school's promotional video by heart: Ravensworth Academy: Excellence, Legacy, Prestige. The phrase had played over and over in her mind since she received the acceptance letter. A full scholarship to the country's most elite school—an opportunity she could not afford to waste.

Yet, as she neared the towering iron gates of Ravensworth, doubt gnawed at her confidence.

Would she actually belong here?

The bus came to a stop, and Ava took a deep breath before stepping off. A black-uniformed security guard barely glanced at her before opening the gates. She had expected to feel awed by the grandeur of the school, but instead, an odd weight settled in her chest.

The campus was breathtaking—stone pathways winding through manicured gardens, ivy climbing up the walls of buildings that looked like castles. Students in pressed uniforms walked in small groups, their laughter ringing in the crisp autumn air.

Ava adjusted the strap of her backpack and forced herself to move forward.

The first hurdle came sooner than she expected.

Just ahead, a group of students stood near the entrance to the main building. She recognized some of them immediately. Adriana Kingsley, the queen bee of Ravensworth, stood in the center like royalty, her blonde hair shimmering in the sunlight. On her left was Zara Monroe, effortlessly cool with her designer sunglasses perched atop her head. To Adriana's right stood Jackson Reed, his blazer perfectly tailored, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Ava had read enough about them online before coming here. The Monarchs. The untouchables of Ravensworth.

She tried to walk past them without drawing attention, but Adriana's voice sliced through the air.

"Oh my God. Who let the scholarship kids in early?"

A quiet chuckle rippled through the group. Ava clenched her jaw. Ignore them. Keep walking.

"What's your name?" Adriana's voice was all silk and poison.

Ava considered not answering, but she knew better than to make enemies on day one. "Ava Sinclair."

Adriana tilted her head, pretending to think. "Sinclair? Never heard of the family."

"You wouldn't have," Ava replied evenly. "We don't own half of New York."

Jackson let out a low whistle. "Feisty. That'll be fun."

Ava forced herself not to react. She had promised herself she wouldn't get into trouble, no matter what.

"Hope you enjoy your time here," Adriana said with a fake smile. "Ravensworth can be… overwhelming for some people."

Ava knew a warning when she heard one.

She walked past them without another word.

By the time Ava reached the administration office, her pulse had settled, but her mind kept replaying the encounter.

Inside, the secretary, an older woman with sharp eyes, handed her a schedule and a dorm assignment. "You're in Westwood Hall, room 214. Your roommate should already be there."

Ava nodded, accepting the key. As she turned to leave, the secretary added, "Good luck, Miss Sinclair."

It was a simple phrase, but something in her tone made Ava wonder if she would need it.

Westwood Hall was just as grand as the rest of the school, but Ava's room was surprisingly modest—two beds, two desks, and a large window overlooking the courtyard.

She barely had time to take it all in before the door swung open.

"Finally! You must be Ava."

A girl with deep brown skin and curly hair bounced into the room, setting down a designer duffel bag. "I'm Lillian Carter, but everyone calls me Lily."

Ava blinked. She hadn't expected her roommate to be… friendly.

Lily grinned. "You look surprised."

"A little," Ava admitted.

"Well, don't be. Not everyone at Ravensworth is an elitist snob. Just… most of them."

Ava exhaled, laughing despite herself.

Lily plopped onto her bed. "I already know who you are. Full scholarship, right? You must be crazy smart."

Ava hesitated. "I guess."

"Don't be modest. Ravensworth doesn't just give scholarships to anyone."

Ava didn't know how to respond to that.

Lily waved a hand. "Anyway, I can help you survive this place. Rule number one: Stay out of The Monarchs' way. Especially Adriana."

Ava sat on her bed, kicking off her sneakers. "I kind of already failed at that."

Lily's eyes widened. "What did you do?"

Ava gave her a quick rundown of the courtyard encounter.

Lily groaned. "Adriana hates being challenged. She'll make your life hell now."

Ava sighed. "Great."

Lily studied her for a moment. "You don't scare easy, do you?"

"Nope."

A slow smile spread across Lily's face. "Good. This might actually be fun."

The first day of classes was a brutal wake-up call.

Ava had always been a top student, but Ravensworth was a different beast. The teachers were relentless, the workload crushing. Every student seemed to have a private tutor, years of elite education, and connections that gave them an edge.

At lunch, Ava barely had time to find a seat before a tray landed across from her.

Theo Carter.

The only other scholarship student in their year. Unlike Ava, Theo had been at Ravensworth since middle school, surviving by keeping a low profile.

"You're making waves," he said, picking at his salad.

Ava raised an eyebrow. "I've been here less than twenty-four hours."

Theo smirked. "That's all it takes."

She leaned forward. "Why do people here let The Monarchs run things?"

He shrugged. "Because they have power. Their families donate millions. Their parents are CEOs, senators, media moguls. No one crosses them because no one can afford to."

Ava frowned. "That's ridiculous."

"It is," Theo agreed. "But that's Ravensworth."

Before Ava could respond, a hush fell over the cafeteria.

Adriana Kingsley had entered.

She made a beeline for Ava's table, her entourage trailing behind.

"Ava," she purred, sliding into a seat next to her. "How's your first day?"

Ava met her gaze head-on. "Fine."

"Good, good. We were just talking about you."

Ava didn't respond.

Adriana leaned in. "You know, it's cute how you think you can just show up and act like you belong here."

Ava's fingers curled into fists beneath the table.

Adriana smiled sweetly. "Let me give you some advice: Know your place."

Ava stared at her for a long moment, then slowly leaned forward. "Let me give you some advice: I don't scare easy."

The cafeteria went dead silent.

Adriana's smile faltered for half a second before she recovered