Chapter Two—Lucent

Sierra's green eyes widened, assessed the guy she had just collided with, her heart racing.

Her heart felt as though it had lodged itself in her throat; she had never encountered anyone like him before. He appeared to be an otherworldly presence, dangerously, ridiculously, and devastatingly handsome. The sheer impact of his beauty knocked the breath out of her lungs.

He stood tall and straight, exuding an aura of perfect poise and regal grace. His impeccably ironed uniform clung to his athletic build, and the fabric seemed to shimmer slightly in the sunlight. A dark cape flowed behind him, lending to his air of command. His mesmerizing blue eyes were locked onto hers, narrowed in irritation, rendering her utterly speechless.

Just as she gathered the courage to apologize, "I'm…" the words barely escaped her lips before he brushed past her as if she were inconsequential.

He strode away, his focus unwavering. Two other guys followed, leaving her feeling foolish and alone as she sat on the ground.

The brisk air reminded her of her surroundings, and she could feel the stares of passing students, their whispers cutting through her.

"Are you going to stay down there?"Someone asked, their voice forcing Sierra to tear her gaze away from the guy that just walked past her.

Sierra's eyes rounded on the girl and she couldn't help but notice how great she also looked. The girl had straight black hair and brown eyes that pierced into Sierra's.

Sierra shook her head.

Without waiting for an invitation, the girl extended her hand to Sierra, who hesitated, mouth slightly open. With a nod of assurance, Sierra accepted the hand, allowing the girl to pull her to her feet.

"Thanks," Sierra muttered, grateful to encounter someone kind amid the rudeness she had already experienced.

"Are you alright?" the girl pressed, concern mingling with her authority. "You just crashed to the ground—how's your backside holding up?"

"Ah... Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry for the trouble I caused," Sierra hurriedly replied, her anxiety evident.

She then quickly grabbed her luggage from the ground, returning to find the girl still watching her, a hint of amusement playing on her lips, while the other girls stood silently, their expressions dripping with disdain.

Seizing the moment, Sierra asked the girl, "Can you show me where the admin's office is? I've been trying to find it." She looked at her with genuine hope.

The girl studied Sierra for a moment. "You're new here, aren't you? No wonder you look lost," she stated before squaring her shoulders.

"Alright, I'll show you the admin's office. Let's go."

"Really? Thank you!" A soft smile broke across Sierra's face, a mix of relief and gratitude.

"Girls, I'll catch up with you at the assembly. The newbie needs my assistance," the girl announced, draping an arm around Sierra's shoulders as they began to walk in the opposite direction, leaving her friends behind.

Sierra was momentarily taken aback by the girl's friendliness—who hugs a stranger they just met? She thought but kept quiet.

"What's your name?" the girl asked, guiding her forward.

"Sierra Howard," she replied, swallowing her surprise. After a brief moment of hesitation, she inquired, "What about you?" looking up shyly.

"Bianca." The girl introduced herself matter-of-factly, not meeting Sierra's gaze. Then she came to a stop, turning to face Sierra with a smile.

"Here we are. This is the admin's office."

Sierra stood there, her luggage clutched tightly. "You've been really helpful. Thank you again," she said earnestly.

Bianca winked. "Anytime." Then she checked her pocket watch, and Sierra couldn't help but notice how luxurious it appeared. Bianca carried herself like royalty, the kind of girl Sierra couldn't imagine herself standing beside, starkly aware of the social hierarchy.

"Duty calls." Bianca's voice was both warm and commanding as she gazed back at Sierra.

"I'll see you around." She gave Sierra a light pat on the shoulder, and Sierra nodded in response, smiling as she watched Bianca leave.

After she left, Sierra redirected her focus to the admin's office. She took a deep breath, knocked firmly, and promptly entered when she was ushered in.

The brown-decorated interior, complete with shelves, a table, and chairs, welcomed her. The books were neatly arranged, but what demanded her attention was the woman behind the desk. The woman's gaze narrowed at Sierra before she returned to the book in front of her, prompting Sierra to approach her.

"Sierra Howard?" the woman inquired as Sierra neared.

"Yes, ma'am," Sierra replied firmly, and the woman gestured for her to take a seat in front of her.

Sierra sat down, scanning the space and noting the decor and structure of the office. The woman then locked eyes with her. "Welcome to Lucent Elite Academy, a place where you can achieve your dreams and more"

"The school has started a week early, but don't worry; you'll catch up. I'll provide details about your dorm and class schedule. No need to attend class today; you can begin tomorrow when you're ready. Lucent values the preparation of its students. Is that clear?" The woman asked, her words coming quickly, but Sierra absorbed them just as they came.

"Yes, ma'am," she affirmed, and the woman resumed her tasks.

****

Several minutes later, Sierra opened the door to her dorm and stepped inside. The room was immaculate and better arranged than the space she shared with her grandmother. She had a mirror, cupboard, wardrobe, and the essentials: books and writing materials. Everything was in place.

Everything was truly ready.

Her attention then landed on a large box positioned on top of the bed.

Setting her luggage aside, Sierra approached the box and noticed her name on a paper attached to it.

She pried it open to reveal a welcome package from Lucent Elite. Inside, she found the neatly arranged uniform, her identification card, and a pair of boots and other materials she would be needing.

Sierra's eyes were immediately drawn to the uniform. She lifted it to examine its quality. Having seen it on others, she had admired how cool, expensive, and impressive it looked.

Moments later, she stood in front of the mirror, trying on the uniform.

'Looks like the attitude comes with the clothes,' she thought to herself.

There was no way anyone could wear the uniform without feeling a sense of pride.

It was exceptionally elegant and made of fine material in a dark blue hue.

She then flopped onto the bed, ready to mentally prepare for tomorrow. It struck her as irony all of a sudden, she had been asked to come here without any delay and she had expected that she would start classes immediately too, but she had been asked to stay back?

Regardless, she was grateful to avoid the chaos of classes today.

Sierra stared at the ceiling, replaying the moments that led her here, and one thought continued to linger with intensity.

Who is that guy? The one with the chilling blue gaze that seemed to pierce through her very soul.