' A New Student ' '.
---
The sleek black sedan glided to a stop in front of Silvermist Academy, its tinted windows reflecting the morning sun like a mirror. Whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd of students.
"Who's that?"
"A new transfer?"
"He looks like a celebrity!"
Jessica Thompson, a self-proclaimed social media influencer, raised her phone. “OMG, I need to get his name!” she squealed, snapping photos.
The car door opened, and Xavier Valois stepped out. His piercing blue eyes swept over the crowd, his raven-black hair perfectly styled. Dressed in tailored black pants and a fitted shirt, he exuded an effortless confidence that made the students part like waves around him.
Jessica barely had time to react before Xavier’s gaze locked onto hers. "Capturing my likeness won’t reveal my secrets," he murmured, his voice smooth and mysterious.
---
Meanwhile, Aria navigated the crowded hallways, lost in thought. Her best friend, Emily, caught up to her, nudging her playfully.
"Have you heard about the new guy?" Emily asked, nodding toward the entrance.
Aria raised an eyebrow. "Which new guy?"
"Xavier Valois. People say he’s from a crazy-rich family."
Curious, Aria stole a glance over her shoulder—only to meet Xavier’s gaze. A fleeting moment passed between them, an unspoken connection neither could quite explain.
---
In their shared English Literature class, Aria observed Xavier from afar. He spoke with quiet confidence, effortlessly commanding attention.
As class ended, Aria reached for her book, only to find another hand there. Xavier’s.
"Oh, sorry!" she stammered, her cheeks flushing.
Xavier’s fingers brushed against hers, his touch unexpectedly warm. "No harm done," he said, his voice low and soothing.
A shiver ran down Aria’s spine.
---
As the school day ended, Aria couldn't shake the feeling that Xavier was watching her. But when she turned to look, he was nowhere in sight.
The setting sun cast long shadows over the academy’s grounds as she packed her books. Just then, her phone buzzed.
A message.
"Welcome to Silvermist Academy, Aria. You're now a part of our world. Be careful, for secrets can be deadly."
Her breath caught. She scanned the room, searching for the sender—but everyone appeared lost in their own conversations.
A chill crept over her.
As she stepped outside, that eerie sensation returned—like unseen eyes trailing her every move. Her pace quickened.
Then, a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Hey," Xavier said, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Want to grab lunch with me?"
Aria's heart skipped a beat. Was he… asking her out?
Before she could respond, a group of girls swarmed him, vying for his attention.
Aria forced a smile, pushing aside her disappointment. "I'll catch you later," she said lightly, turning to leave.
Xavier’s gaze lingered on her. "I'm counting on it."
---
As she rounded the corner, a group of students gathered around a locker, their faces pale.
Aria pushed her way to the front—then froze.
Bold, red letters were scrawled across the locker:
"Aria, you're next."
Her blood ran cold.
Who had written this? What did they want?
A hand touched her shoulder, making her jump.
Spinning around, she found herself face-to-face with Xavier.
"What’s going on?" he asked, his gaze flickering to the message.
"I—I don’t know," Aria whispered.
Xavier’s jaw tightened. "I’ll handle this."
But as he turned to leave, Aria grabbed his arm. "Wait. What do you mean?"
His piercing blue eyes met hers. "I mean that I'll protect you," he said, his voice steady. "No matter what it takes."
Something in his expression sent another shiver down Aria’s spine—not just reassurance, but something deeper. Something darker.
And she was determined to uncover it.
---
As Aria and Xavier walked toward the parking lot, something felt off.
A black SUV idled nearby, its tinted windows gleaming like obsidian.
"Xavier," Aria murmured, her pulse quickening. "I think we’re being followed."
Xavier’s eyes darkened.
"Don’t worry," he said smoothly. "I’ve got this."
The SUV screeched to a halt. Its doors creaked open.
Aria's breath hitched as a figure stepped into the dim light.
Her heart dropped.
"Ethan?" she whispered.
Her brother stood before her. But something was wrong. His eyes, once warm, now glowed with an eerie darkness. His smile—twisted and sinister.
Fear gripped her chest.
And then—
Everything went black.