It was the end of summer and the beginning of the second semester. A fresh start.

Caveroop High School, my new school in the small, oddly town named Caveroop. It was the only school that accepted me, so I didn’t have much of a choice.

Standing at the entrance, I took in the sight before me. The school was massive, its architecture slightly old-fashioned, giving it a strange, eerie charm. I adjusted my black jeans, pulled down my blue T-shirt, and shifted my grip on my luggage. My blue sneakers crunched against the gravel as I exhaled slowly.

New town.

New school.

No familiar faces.

How bad could this get?

At least my past had no way of haunting me here.

It felt like I was on a different planet, and honestly, what better place to start over than somewhere no one knew my name?

I put on my headphones and stepped into the building, the rhythm of my music drowning out the chatter around me. The hallway stretched wide with rows of dented lockers, faded posters peeling from the walls, and a faint scent of disinfectant lingering in the air. Students moved in every direction some laughing in tight-knit groups, others slouched against lockers with tired eyes and coffee cups in hand. I saw jocks in letterman jackets tossing a basketball, theater kids practicing lines too loudly, and loners trailing along the edges, earbuds in and hoods up. Lost in the beat, I kept my eyes down hardly noticed the hallway filling with more students until I crashed into someone.

The impact sent me stumbling back, my luggage crashing to the floor. That was enough to draw attention, whispers rose around me, eyes locked in my direction. Then, a voice cut through the noise.

"Hey, you okay?"

I looked up and met the gaze of a guy around my age, average height, broad shoulders, and a fair complexion. His well-fitted T-shirt outlined the subtle contours of his chest, hinting at quiet strength. A pair of deep dimples flashed as he smiled, disarming and confident. But what stood out most were his blue eyes, sharp and clear beneath his neatly styled brown hair.

I quickly bent down, gathering my scattered belongings before he could. Sliding my headphones around my neck and brushing my dark brown hair behind my ears, I forced a smile.

"I'll be fine."

He studied me for a moment, his striking blue eyes locking with my deep brown ones. I felt the light breeze stir my hair as it brushed against my cheeks. Then he asked, his voice easy and curious, “New here?”

"Yeah,” I said with a nod, rising to my feet after organizing my things.

"Then you better head to the hall. Orientation’s starting. It’s long and boring," he said with a smirk. "Unless… you wanna escape with me. I can give you the unofficial tour of the campus instead."

He grinned, his dimple deepening.

I hesitated. His offer was tempting, but skipping my very first school event wasn’t exactly the best way to start fresh.

"Erm... thanks, but I should probably attend the orientation," I replied with a polite smile.

His eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Huh. Most people would jump at the chance to ditch it. But you…" He smirked. "You seem interesting."

Oh no.

That was exactly how my nightmare began in Oxville. I wasn’t going to let it happen again.

“I hope not.”

I stepped past him, ready to disappear into the crowd, but he reached out and gently touched my arm, just enough to stop me. His touch wasn’t forceful, just careful, as if he didn’t want to scare me off.

“Leaving so soon?” he asked, a playful tilt to his voice. “Come on, at least tell me your name.”

I sighed, adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder. “Terra. Terra Tunes.”

His lips curled into a grin. “Double T, huh?” He chuckled lightly. “Mind if I call you that?”

I scoffed, already turning away. “Call me whatever you want.”

And with that, I headed toward the main building, not bothering to look back.

The hall was packed. A steady hum of chatter and footsteps filled the air. I swallowed hard and kept moving until I found a seat near the middle of the auditorium. I sat beside a girl who immediately caught my attention, she looked… different.

Her skin was pale, almost glassy under the harsh fluorescent lights, and her golden eyes yes, actual golden eyes gleamed like coins. Not hazel. Not amber. Gold.

She turned and stared at me for a moment. Not rude, not friendly either. Just… unreadable.

Before I could say anything, a woman, probably in her thirties stepped onto the stage and tapped the microphone. Her sharp grey eyes scanned the crowd with authority, and her brown and white hair was styled so perfectly I wondered if it was real. I figured she had to be the principal.

What followed was a long, droning speech about “discipline,” “academic excellence,” and “building community.” The kind of speech that makes you check your watch… even if you’re not wearing one.

By the time it was over, my back ached from sitting still too long, and I had already started regretting my decision to stay.

After the assembly, we were herded toward our dorms like tired cattle. The girls’ hostel was a tall, faded brick building with narrow hallways and creaky floors. I walked slowly, checking the names on each door as I passed.

Then I saw it, my name etched on a metal plaque:

Terra Tunes.

And below it, another name:

Pink Spencer

I pushed open the door and stepped inside. My new roommate was already there, lounging on her bed. She had striking pink hair matching the completely pink side of the room. Even her luggage was pink. I was sensing a serious theme here.

“Howdy, roomie!” she greeted, waving gleefully. Her crimson eyes glittered beneath a warm, welcoming smile.

"You’re Pink?" I asked.

She nodded enthusiastically. "And you must be Terra! Nice to meet you!" She extended a hand, shaking mine with a firm grip.

I dropped my bag on the bed and sat down, testing the mattress. Surprisingly soft.

"New here?" she asked, already digging into my suitcase to help unpack. "Lucky you, I'll teach you everything you need to know."

She giggled as we spent the rest of the day organizing my side of the room. Afterward, she treated us to fries and milkshakes, and we spent the evening talking, getting to know each other.

Pink was popular. That much was clear. And something told me I wasn’t going to be able to shake her off easily.

The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed and got ready for class, pulling on my usual outfit, fitted jeans, a plain tee, and a zip-up hoodie. Comfortable. Low-key. New Me.

“Nerd alert!” Pink called out, spotting me as she emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a plush pink towel that matched her name a little too perfectly.

I rolled my eyes, slinging my backpack over my shoulder. “Is that supposed to be a bad thing?”

“Well, no,” she replied, stepping into the room and tossing her damp pink hair over her shoulder with effortless flair. “But if you want to be the center of attention, you’ve got a lot to learn.”

“What if I don’t want to be?”

She laughed, loud and theatrical, the kind of laugh that echoed through the hallway and probably woke someone up. “Nonsense! Every girl wants to be admired. It’s in our nature,” she said, rifling through her color-coded wardrobe. “Lucky for you, you’ve got me.”

She turned around triumphantly, holding up a pair of high-waisted pants and a cropped blouse that shimmered faintly in the light.

“Here, wear this.”

I stared at the outfit like it might bite. “I’m fine with what I have on.”

Pink pouted dramatically, folding her arms. “Oh, Terra. If you’re going to be seen with me, you have to look good.”

I hesitated. My instinct was to push back, but her expression was hard to resist like she was already halfway into a makeover montage in her head. After a long internal debate, I gave in and changed.

Pink’s face lit up when I stepped out. “Yesss! Now that’s better.” She grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the mirror. “Look at us, we’re giving main-character energy.”

As we strolled down the hallway, I could feel the shift. Heads turned. Whispers followed. Pink walked like she owned the entire building, and somehow, just by proximity, I’d been swept into her spotlight.

Halfway to class, a tall girl in a sunny yellow crop top and loose black trousers spotted us and rushed over, her long blonde ponytail swaying with each step. She had a radiant smile and an energy that seemed to charge the air around her, like sunlight bottled into a person.

“There you are!” she squealed, pulling Pink into a tight hug.

Pink grinned. “Terra, meet my best friend, Clarissa Broadway. Clary, meet my new roommate!”

Clary beamed at me, her golden eyes practically glowing under the hallway lights. “Nice to meet you, Terra!”

“You too,” I said, trying not to stare at her eyes for too long.

Another girl sauntered over and casually draped an arm across both Pink and Clary’s shoulders. She was taller, with sharply cut dark blue hair, winged eyeliner, and matte black lipstick. Her smirk was cool, almost predatory.

“Eska,” Pink said with a fond eye-roll.

Eska looked me up and down slowly, then gave a lazy nod. “The new kid, huh?”

“Apparently,” I said, offering a polite smile as we all shook hands.

We headed into our separate classes like some oddly matched, fashion-forward parade. Math was the first subject of the day, and it felt exactly like it always had, soul-sucking. I tried to focus, but Clary kept blowing bubblegum bubbles and popping them obnoxiously close to my ear, stifling giggles behind her hand when I flinched.

Then I felt a tap on my shoulder.

I turned around, and there he was. Him. The guy from yesterday.

Oh, great.

“Hey, DT,” he said, flashing that same easy grin from before.

Clary leaned over with a raised eyebrow. “DT?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Double T. She’s got two Ts in her name.”

Clary rolled her golden eyes. “Seriously? You’re already giving her a nickname?”

“Name’s Zack, by the way,” he added, extending his hand over my desk.

I sighed and shook it. Yep. This was going to be a long semester.

After class, I wandered into the cafeteria, stomach rumbling. The place was packed with students, the smell of fries and grease clinging to the air. Pink, Eska, and Clary had already claimed a table by the windows. I slid in between them and placed my tray down.

“So,” Pink asked, sipping a strawberry milkshake through a glittery straw, “how was class?”

I just nodded, already focused on shoveling noodles into my mouth before anyone could start another conversation.

Clary snorted. “Someone’s hungry.” Then, with a smirk: “Did you know Zack and Terra already met?”

Eska raised an eyebrow. “Not surprised. He’s a people person. Can’t resist a fresh face.”

Clary nodded knowingly, like this was already old gossip.

Pink leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “And he’s got a super cute brother who plays basketball.”

I nearly choked. “What?”

Pink grinned. “Oh, you’re definitely meeting him after school.”

I stared at them, stunned.

And just like that, I realized, so much for laying low.

The school bell rang, signaling dismissal, and before I could protest, Pink had already latched onto my wrist, dragging me toward the basketball court. Clary and Eska followed close behind, exchanging amused glances at my lack of enthusiasm.

When we arrived, my eyes landed on a tall, undeniably attractive guy dominating the court. He had short, tousled brown curls, piercing blue eyes, and a build that screamed athleticism.

He wore red basketball shorts and a matching singlet, his muscles flexing effortlessly as he maneuvered the ball. His movements were fluid, precise, every attempt to steal the ball from him ended in failure. It was almost unfair how easy he made it look.

Pink sighed dreamily beside me. "Isn't he just perfect?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yep. I've seen enough. Can we go now?"

Clary looked at me like I had personally offended her. "How can you not be fascinated by this?"

Before I could reply, a sharp whistle cut through the court. An older man, most likely their coach called the team together. He spoke for a moment, probably giving them instructions or dismissing practice, and then the players began dispersing.

The handsome, irresistible blue eyed guy , caught sight of us. His lips curled into a confident smirk as he sauntered over, a basketball casually spinning on his fingertips.

"Hello, ladies."

Pink and Clary practically melted. "Hey, Jesse," they cooed in unison, waving at him.

Jesse turned his attention to me, his blue eyes scanning me with mild curiosity. "New here?"

I nodded, offering nothing more.

He smirked again before picking up the ball and walking away without another word.

"I think he's a jerk," I whispered to Eska, who stood beside me with her arms crossed.

"Tell me about it," she muttered before turning to leave.

Before we could make our escape, Pink suddenly darted toward Jesse, her ponytail bouncing with each step.

“Hey!” she called, her voice echoing across the court. “We’re having a welcome-back party at Clary’s place tonight. You’re coming, right?”

Jesse slowed but didn’t stop. He glanced over his shoulder just long enough to say, “I’ll try,” before disappearing into the locker room without another word.

Pink returned, looking satisfied with herself, like she’d just secured a celebrity guest appearance.

I gave her a look. “A party?”

Clary, who’d been sipping from a water bottle, lit up with excitement. “That’s right! My place. Tonight. Be there or be tragically irrelevant.”

I blinked. Great! Because that's what I needed. A crowded room full of strangers, loud music, forced small talk, and worse… attention.

Pink tossed her arm around my shoulder like we were best friends in a coming-of-age movie. “One thing you need to know about popularity,” she said breezily as we exited the court, “is never miss a party.”

I groaned under my breath. “Who said I want to be popular?”

But she was already a few steps ahead, swaying down the hall like she owned the school, Clary laughing beside her.

I sighed and followed, dragging my feet like a prisoner headed to trial.

That night, Clary’s house was buzzing with energy. The moment we stepped in, the crowd practically swarmed us. People I had never seen before clamored for pictures, acting like we were some kind of celebrities.

Pink leaned in and whispered, "Second rule of popularity, know how to make an entrance."

I sighed.

After maneuvering through the chaos, Clary introduced me to three girls trailing behind her. "Hey, Terra, I want you to meet my sisters, Annie and Resa." She gestured to two girl who looked like a younger version of herself. "And this is her best friend, Alexa Michael."

We exchanged quick pleasantries before they disappeared into the crowd.

Shortly after, Zack and Jesse arrived, one radiating life, the other dragging shadows behind him.

"Thought you wouldn’t make it," Pink said, her voice teasing as she handed Jesse a glass of wine.

He took it without enthusiasm, his gaze distant. "I’ll be at the balcony if you need me," he muttered, before turning away and vanishing into the crowd like a ghost retreating into fog.

Zack, by contrast, bounced on the balls of his feet, practically vibrating with energy. "Hey, DT!" he called, throwing his arms wide. "Tell me you brought your dancing shoes, because I’m in the mood for an all-night dance battle."

I folded my arms, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Hate to break it to you, but I’m not much of a dancer."

Eska leaned in just enough for her voice to drip with amusement. "That’s too bad. You’re missing out."

The rest of them, Pink, Clary, Eska, and Zack spilled onto the dance floor like they owned it, swallowed up by the rhythm and flashing lights. I stayed behind, awkwardly nursing a half-filled wine glass by the table, watching their silhouettes blur in the swirl of movement and music.

But after a few minutes, the bass thumping in my chest, the lights flashing against my eyelids, and the sea of unfamiliar faces all melted into a haze of noise and heat. The boredom crept in, wrapping around me like a slow fog.

So I slipped away.

Clary’s house stretched on like a labyrinth. Each hallway was lined with high-end furniture, velvet chaise lounges, mahogany display tables, glass vases that looked like they belonged in a museum. Paintings in gilded frames stared down at me like silent judges. This place was too elegant, too majestic.

Then, somewhere down the corridor, I heard it.

A moan.

I paused. Rolled my eyes. Of course. Teenagers. Booze. Bedrooms.

I almost turned around.

But then another sound followed. Sharper. Ragged. Like a gasp caught mid-breath and not the good kind.

I frowned.

The moans came again, but they were deeper now. Throaty. Animalistic. There was something wrong about them.

My stomach tightened. I crept forward, my footsteps light on the polished floor, and stopped in front of a half-closed door. Light spilled from the crack at the bottom, flickering faintly like a candle about to die.

Curiosity or maybe pure, unfiltered stupidity tugged me closer.

I raised a trembling hand and nudged the door open, just an inch.

And that’s when I saw it.

A man, no, a monster was hunched over a girl. His face buried in her neck, his back rising and falling with every grotesque, slurping breath. His skin was ashen, and from beneath his tousled hair, black veins spidered down the sides of his face like poisoned cracks. His eyes… oh God, his eyes. Pure, endless black.

The girl in his grip looked more corpse than human. Her arms hung limp at her sides, her legs twitching weakly. Her skin was paper-white, dry like ash, and her mouth hung open in a silent scream. Her eyes, once bright, were now glassy and bloodshot, completely drained of light.

My breath caught in my throat.

I couldn’t move. Couldn’t blink.

Then, without meaning to I leaned too far.

My shoulder bumped the door.

CRREEAAK.

The monster’s head snapped up.

And for a heartbeat, the world stopped.

His black eyes locked onto mine, full of hunger and rage. Blood stained his chin. His lips curled into a snarl, revealing sharp, elongated fangs that gleamed in the dim light.

My blood ran cold.

My mouth opened to scream...

But before I could make a sound, a hand seized me from behind.

A strong arm clamped across my chest, another hand smothered my mouth. I was yanked back into the shadows with terrifying force.

My wine glass slipped from my fingers and shattered silently against the carpeted floor.

I tried to scream, but no sound came.

The world around me suddenly dulled, as if the music and chatter of the party were being swallowed into silence.

The grip on me was firm, too strong to be human. Panic surged through my body as I fought against it, twisting free with all my strength. I turned, ready to run, but my breath caught in my throat.

Jesse.

His piercing blue eyes had turned an unnatural shade of black, just like the creature I had seen in the bedroom.

"Jesse?" My voice barely came out as a whisper, my feet instinctively shuffling backward.

Then, just as quickly as they had darkened, his eyes faded back to normal. His expression was tense, his gaze flickering over my shoulder as if making sure the other guy hadn’t followed me out.

"What the hell are you doing up here?" he demanded, his voice low but urgent.

I could barely form words, still shaking from what I had just witnessed. My heart pounded in my chest as I stammered, "What the fuck are you? And who was that?"

Jesse exhaled sharply. "The guy you saw? His name is Nemus. He's a vampire."

The word felt foreign.

"A… vam... pire?" I repeated, my voice weak.

Jesse didn't answer. He was already looking past me again, and that’s when I saw him.

Nemus had stepped out of the room, casually wiping blood from his mouth with a small black towel.

Jesse tensed. "You need to get out of here. Now!"

I didn't need to be told twice.

I spun on my heel and bolted down the stairs, shoving my way through the crowd. People groaned and grumbled as I pushed past them, but I didn’t care, I needed to get out.

I barely made it a few steps before Pink caught my arm.

"Had a change of heart?" she asked, grinning.

I tried to steady my breathing, my mind racing for an excuse.

"Come on, dance with me!" she insisted, dragging me toward the center of the dance floor.

"Pink, no! I’m not in the mood," I protested, prying myself from her grasp. "I'll see you at the hostel."

Clary and Eska appeared beside us, both swaying to the music.

"Leaving already?" Clary asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah."

"Why?" Eska’s voice was sharper, her gaze suspicious.

I swallowed hard and risked a glance at the balcony. Nemus was there, watching. Searching.

My stomach clenched.

"Something came up. It's an emergency," I blurted out before pushing past them and out the door.

As I left, I caught Eska still staring at me, her expression unreadable.

The next day at school, I tried to act normal.

I wasn’t sure how to behave now that I knew vampires actually existed. So, I rehearsed a few expressions in my dorm mirror before heading out, casual, neutral, maybe even a little bored. That seemed normal, right?

But before I even made it to class, I was suddenly yanked into the janitor's closet.

I nearly screamed.

My heart pounded in terror until I saw my captor.

Eska.

She slammed the door shut and pressed me against the wall.

"Okay, freak. Talk."

I blinked. "Talk? About what?"

She scoffed. "The so-called 'emergency' that made you run out of the party like you saw a ghost."

I swallowed, my voice shrinking. "It's personal."

"I smell bullshit," she said flatly. "Try again."

I hesitated. What was I supposed to say? That I saw a guy sucking the life out of a girl upstairs? That Jesse had the same terrifying black eyes? That vampires were real?

"You wouldn’t believe me."

Eska leaned back, folding her arms. "Try me."

She wasn’t letting this go.

With a deep breath, I told her everything. Every terrifying detail. Expecting her to call me crazy, laugh, or at least question my sanity.

Instead… she smiled.

"So Nemus is back, huh? Some dudes just don’t know when to quit."

I blinked in shock.

"Wait, you know Nemus?"

"Of course," she said casually. "He’s our arch-nemesis. He was supposed to be dead. Guess someone didn’t finish the job."

My head spun. "If you know Nemus, then that means… you know what he is."

"A vampire? Yeah, obviously. Same as Jesse. And Zack."

My stomach dropped.

"Wait, they’re..."

She nodded.

"Ever wondered why this town is called Caveroop? It’s a haven for supernatural creatures. Vampires, werewolves, witches… you name it."

Cold dread spread through my veins. I took a step back. "And you are?"

She smirked. "A vampire."

Then, right before my eyes, she transformed.

Her irises bled red. Thin veins spidered out from under her skin. Her fangs extended; long, sharp, deadly.

I pressed myself against the wall, frozen. My eyes widened in terror, so wide it felt like they might burst from their sockets.

Then, just as quickly, she returned to normal.

"Relax," she said, laughing at my reaction. "I’m not going to eat you."

I exhaled shakily. "You’re… different."

"Yeah."

"Jesse and Nemus had black eyes," I pointed out.

Eska grinned as she perched on a stool near the cleaning rack, staring into my brown eyes.

"That’s because I’m Black Blood."

"Black Blood?" I echoed, the words catching in my throat.

She nodded. "There are three vampire clans: Red, Black, and Blue bloods. Red Bloods are full vampires, the only ones who can turn humans. Blue Bloods are the true vampires, completely nocturnal, sunlight burns them to a crisp. And then there’s Black Bloods like me. We’re hybrids. Half-vampire, half-human. We can’t turn others, but we can kill."

I could barely comprehend what she was saying. I just stared at her, blankly, as if my brain refused to catch up.

"You okay?" she asked when we finally left the closet.

I nodded, though my body felt like it was moving on autopilot.

"You’ll get over it," she teased. "Just give it time."

I wasn’t so sure about that.

Later that day, we watched the basketball team practice. The cheerleaders were at a corner, perfecting their routines. Pink led them, with Clary as her assistant.

I sat on the bleachers, still reeling from everything Eska had told me. My eyes drifted to Jesse as he moved across the court, effortlessly making a shot.

He was smooth. Strong. Absurdly good-looking like someone carved from shadow and marble. Everything about him felt deliberately perfect: the tousled hair, the chiseled jaw, the way his eyes scanned the room like he already owned it.

Well… he was a vampire. I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything less.

"Hey, DT."

I jumped slightly at the voice. Zack had dropped into the seat beside me without warning, his presence sudden but easy like he’d always been meant to sit there.

I stiffened instinctively, my shoulders locking. Now that I knew what he really was, the air between us felt different. Charged. I inched away subtly, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

"You like my brother?" he asked, catching me mid-stare at Jesse. There was a sly tilt to his mouth, a teasing spark in his eyes.

"Not even close," I said quickly, maybe a little too quickly. "He’s rude. And definitely not my type."

Zack laughed, low and warm. "Good. Then I guess I stand a chance."

Despite myself, I smiled. There was something disarming about him, something unexpectedly... normal. For a vampire, he didn’t feel like danger wrapped in charm.

He felt real. Almost human.

And that, somehow, was even scarier.

After practice, Pink practically dragged me toward the locker room, Clary trailing behind with a smirk that said she knew exactly what was going on.

I stood stiffly in the corner while the two of them hovered around Jesse like he was some shiny new trophy. Pink kept twirling a strand of her pink hair around her finger, her laughter a little too loud. Clary gave him subtle glances, curious, amused.

I crossed my arms and said nothing.

When they were finally done fawning over him, we were about to leave when Jesse’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

“Terra.”

Everyone froze.

Even the buzz of the fluorescent lights felt louder.

“Can I have a minute?” he asked, his eyes fixed on me.

I felt the weight of Pink’s jealousy flicker through the air, sharp and fast like static. She didn’t say a word at first, but her entire posture shifted, stiff shoulders, tightened jaw.

"Erm... I actually got works to do" I said without turning to face him and was about to leave the room before Pink held me back.

Trying a little too hard to sound casual, she said, “Come on, girl, just hear what he has to say.” Her voice was light, but there was a hidden edge. She was trying to stay cool trying to keep her claws hidden beneath glittered polish.

Clary nudged me playfully. “I think he likes you.”

I rolled my eyes. “I seriously doubt that.”

Still, I let myself be pulled back. When the room finally emptied, and it was just the two of us, my guard shot up like iron walls. I instinctively backed away, keeping a cautious distance between us.

“Look,” I said quickly, raising both hands, “please don’t suck my blood, okay? I swear I won’t tell anyone about you.”

Jesse arched a brow and let out a short, amused breath. “Why the fuck would I drink your blood? You already look bitter.”

My jaw dropped slightly. “Excuse me?!”

He smirked. “Just saying.”

I scowled. “So why am I here, then?”

His smirk faded. He looked at me for a moment, really looked at me and then sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “You need to stop sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

I crossed my arms. “Wow. Thanks for the pep talk, asshole.”

He looked away, expression hardening. “Get lost. Your presence already annoys me.”

That stung more than I expected. Heat rose in my chest, a mix of anger and something else I didn’t want to name.

I glared at him. “Jerk.”

Then I stormed out, leaving him alone with whatever the hell that was.

...

The night was thick with shadows, the air heavy with the scent of oil and rust. In an abandoned garage on the outskirts of town, three hooded figures stood in a loose circle, their murmured chants filling the space like a low, eerie hum.

Nemus sat perched on the hood of a battered red car, his sharp features illuminated by the flickering light of a single overhead bulb. His fingers tapped against his knee impatiently as he listened to the rhythmic whispers of his followers.

Beside him stood a woman, tall, elegant, and draped in a shimmering red-silver dress that clung to her form. Her grey eyes gleamed with something sinister, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

"Enough," Nemus ordered, his voice cutting through the chants. The hooded men instantly fell silent, bowing their heads in submission.

The woman turned to him, studying his troubled expression.

"You seem tense," she observed.

Nemus exhaled, running a hand through his tousled black hair. "I don’t know who it was… but I felt it."

"Felt what?"

His jaw tightened. "A presence. Something powerful. Something... familiar."

Her lips curled into an intrigued smirk. "So, you mean to tell me that the one we've been searching for is in Caveroop High?"

Nemus nodded, his expression unreadable.

The woman’s smile widened, her eyes shimmering with cruel delight.

"Then I think our time has finally come." She stepped closer, her voice a whisper of promise. "Destiny has given us another chance, Nemus. Let’s not waste it."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the garage, the click of her heels echoing into the night.

The next day, I slipped into the science lab, hunched over a battered spiral notebook as I flipped through my math notes. The sterile scent of disinfectant lingered in the air, mixing with the faint aroma of chalk dust and old textbooks. Fluorescent lights buzzed softly overhead, casting a sterile glow across the countertops cluttered with beakers and microscopes. I wasn’t hiding, exactly, just trying to breathe. With the math test looming this was the only place I felt safe and hidden from Pink and friends.

The silence didn’t last.

The door creaked open, two students stepped in, a boy and a girl laughing quietly between themselves until their eyes landed on me. Their chatter stopped. For a second, they just stared, as if they’d stumbled upon something or someone that didn’t belong.

The boy recovered first. He wore pale blue jeans and a brown leather jacket that somehow screamed "nerd." His large blue eyes were hidden behind square glasses, which he kept adjusting as if trying to get a clearer look at me.

Then he smiled and gave a casual wave.

“Hey, Terra.”

I blinked. “How do you know my name?”

He chuckled, his voice low and friendly. “You’re kinda famous around here. You don’t sit with Pink at lunch and go unnoticed.”

Famous? That word felt too heavy, too fast. I hadn’t even been in Caveroop a full week, and already I had a reputation?

I sighed, resting my chin in my palm. “Great. Just what I wanted.”

“I’m Genora,” the girl said, stepping closer with a bright, open smile. Her square glasses framed a pair of dark blue eyes that shimmered with curiosity. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders like something out of a shampoo commercial, but there was nothing arrogant in her posture just warmth.

“And I’m Sam,” the boy added, pushing up his own glasses.

His blue eyes were sharp but kind, He carried himself with a quiet confidence, the kind that said he probably got straight A’s and never bragged about it.

Something in me eased. This was the kind of crowd I could handle. Smart. Calm. Hopefully unconnected to the supernatural circus I’d somehow stumbled into.

“Nice to meet you both,” I said, offering a genuine smile for what felt like the first time in days.

Sam slung his backpack onto the table beside me and pulled out a thick math textbook that looked like it had survived a war. “So, what brings you to the lab?”

“Studying for a math test,” I said, lifting my notebook.

Genora’s eyes lit up. “Same! Mr. Henzel isn’t messing around this time.”

“You’re both in class A4 too?” I asked, eyebrows lifting.

They nodded in unison.

“You probably haven’t noticed us,” Sam said with a teasing grin. “We tend to blend into the background. But now that you’re here, we figured we’d say hi.”

I couldn’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “Well, thanks. I could definitely use the help.”

I scooted my chair to make room, sliding in between them. The three of us leaned over the table, textbooks open, pens clicking, our heads bowed over equations and formulas. For the first time since arriving at Caveroop High, I felt something close to peace like maybe, just maybe, I’d found my people.

And for now, that was enough.

...

The test went surprisingly well. I walked out of the classroom with a rare sense of certainty humming in my chest, I was sure I’d nailed it. For once, my answers hadn't felt like shots in the dark. Every question had fallen into place like pieces of a puzzle I didn’t even realize I’d been solving. It was… nice. Unexpected, but nice.

Still riding that little wave of confidence, I ducked out of the crowded hallway and made my way to the basketball court for lunch. The cafeteria was packed, buzzing with noise, drama, and the ever-looming presence of Pink and her orbit of perfectly polished girls. I wasn’t in the mood for forced smiles or half-hearted small talk. I needed air, space, silence.

The court was perfect.

Tucked inside the gym wing, it was dim and cool, lit by the long rectangular lights that buzzed faintly overhead. The polished floor gleamed beneath my sneakers as I stepped in, the sound of my footsteps echoing faintly through the massive space. The bleachers were pulled out halfway, a few bags forgotten in the corners from earlier practice, but otherwise, it was empty.

I climbed halfway up the stands, found a spot  and settled down with my lunch bag. Then I pulled out my phone and dialed the only person who still felt like home.

"Hey, stranger," my best friend’s voice chirped through the speaker, instantly lifting my mood.

We talked for a while, the way we always did, slipping into a rhythm like we hadn’t spent months apart. She told me how Oxville had changed, The latest happenings, how our favourite coffee shop got turned into a vape lounge.

I laughed, genuinely. Then I told her about Caveroop, the strange people and the darker undercurrents that pulsed just beneath the school’s shiny exterior. I kept my tone light, half-joking. But she didn’t buy any of it. Of course she didn’t.

“Girl, you’ve been watching too many horror shows,” she said with a snort. “Are you sure this school isn’t just full of weird theater kids?”

I smiled. It was easier to let her believe that.

When the call ended, I stayed still for a moment, staring down at the screen as the lock screen blinked back at me. A soft ache curled in my chest. I missed her, her sarcasm, her warmth, the ease of our old life. Everything felt so far away now, like it belonged to someone else.

I unwrapped my sandwich and took a deep breath, letting the silence settle again.

Then footsteps echoed across the court.

I didn’t have to look to know who it was. There was something unmistakable about Jesse’s presence, like static in the air before a storm. He strolled across the court like he owned it, sweat still glistening on his skin from whatever drills he’d just finished. His singlet clung to his torso, revealing just enough to be distracting in the worst way.

He spotted me immediately.

"Hey, you!" His voice rang out, casual but pointed.

I didn’t answer right away. My fingers tightened around the sandwich as I looked up. “What?”

“What are you doing here?” he asked, brows raised like I was the intruder.

I raised an eyebrow. “What does it look like I’m doing? Knitting?”

He scoffed and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. The tension between us thickened like smoke. His eyes flicked to my barely-touched sandwich and then back to me.

“Whatever. Suit yourself, bitch.”

The word hit like a slap.

I blinked. “Bitch?”

But he was already walking away, his back turned, strides sharp and careless as he headed toward the locker room.

I sat there, stunned. My appetite shriveled, the sandwich forgotten in my hand. I should’ve shouted something back. I should’ve cursed him out. But instead, I just stared at the spot where he’d vanished, a mixture of anger and confusion twisting in my stomach.

So much for peace and quiet.

With a sigh, I packed up my lunch and slung my bag over my shoulder. The court didn’t feel safe anymore. It felt invaded. Contaminated by Jesse's bitterness or maybe mine?

Either way, I left.

After school, I went with Pink to Clary’s house for a sleepover.

Her place wasn’t just a house, it was a palace. A tall, pale-blue mansion tucked behind iron gates, with ivy creeping up its stone walls like green veins. Inside, it was even more impressive. Clary’s room was enormous, practically a self-contained apartment, complete with its own lounge area and a private bathroom. Everything was drenched in shades of blue, cerulean walls, navy drapes, a sapphire velvet couch, and a bed big enough for four people. It smelled faintly of lavender and something expensive I couldn’t name.

While the others unpacked snacks and unfolded sleeping bags, I slipped out. The air inside had felt a little too warm, too close.

Clary’s parents were away on business, leaving her and her sisters to their own devices. The halls echoed slightly as I wandered. I passed framed photographs of family vacations, ski trips, beach resorts, Clary in matching outfits with her sisters.

I paused, staring at one photo a little longer than I meant to. Clary was younger, maybe ten, arms wrapped around both sisters, their mom and dad behind them, smiling like nothing bad had ever touched them.

For a moment, I wondered what that kind of life felt like, one with holiday cards and family trips and parents who made it home for dinner. One where you didn’t have to tiptoe around broken glass just to make it through the day.

I never got to do all this.

Never went on vacations.

Never even had a dad.

Just me and Mom and a house that always felt half-empty, like something was missing and nobody wanted to say what.

I tore my eyes away and kept walking. The further I got from that photo wall, the tighter my chest felt.

I found myself on the balcony at the back of the house, drawn by the hum of voices and the scent of citrus-scented candles. Resa and Alexa were leaning against the railing, faces lit by the glow of their phone screens, laughter trickling between them like wind chimes.

“Hey,” I said, stepping out.

“Hey, Terra,” they said in perfect unison, barely glancing up.

“Nice house,” I offered.

“Thanks,” Resa replied with a soft smile, tucking a strand of honey-blonde hair behind her ear. Her golden eyes sparkled in the fading light, catching the last rays of the sunset like drops of molten amber. There was something warm about her presence, easy, effortless, like she belonged in a place like this. Surrounded by wealth, by beauty, by people who never had to wonder where they stood in the world.

I was about to leave when Alexa’s voice stopped me. “Hey, Terra, you’re from Oxville, right?”

Something in her tone made my shoulders stiffen. Light, casual but probing.

“Yeah… why?” I asked, trying not to sound defensive.

“I had a friend from there once,” she said, still scrolling on her phone like it didn’t matter. Her short brown hair bounced softly around her shoulders with each subtle movement, catching the warm glow of the balcony lights.

“Okay… cool,” I said, though my voice was already tightening.

“What made you leave?” Resa asked, her tone more curious than suspicious. But it didn’t matter.

My stomach flipped. My breath caught.

The past surged forward like a flood I couldn’t control.

“If you don’t give me what I want, I’ll shove your head down the latrine.”

My voice, snarling. My face twisted with anger.

“She’s useless to us now.”

Another voice, someone else’s but one I’d once followed.

Cruel laughter. A shove. Someone crying behind closed doors.

My heart pounding like a drum.

I blinked hard, grounding myself. The balcony lights blurred before snapping back into focus.

“Everything okay?” Resa asked, finally looking up. Her eyes were gentle. Concerned.

“Yeah,” I lied with a smile I hoped looked real. “All good.”

I turned quickly, muttering something about helping Pink, and slipped back inside before they could ask more. The air felt colder now, my skin prickling with old shame.

The rest of the night blurred into a whirlwind of laughter, spilled soda, dares whispered in the dark, and drinks passed around until the world tipped sideways. I laughed with them, danced, posed for selfies but beneath it all, that question kept echoing.

What made you leave?

And I still didn’t have an answer I could say out loud.

Around 2 a.m., a distant howl sliced through the silence, waking me up.

I groaned, my head pounding from the drinks earlier. My mouth was dry, and the air in the room felt heavy. I sat up slowly, clutching my forehead.

“Wolves?” I muttered under my breath, the sound barely more than a rasp.

Then, a second howl, closer this time. Low, guttural, and too real to be a dream.

I rubbed my eyes and looked around. Pink was passed out on a pile of blankets, snoring lightly, one arm flopped over a stuffed rabbit she probably didn’t realize she’d grabbed. Clary was curled up beside her, one arm tucked under her head, her soft blonde hair fanned out across the pillow like a halo of sunlight. Her breathing was steady, peaceful, untouched by the unease that clung to the night

And Eska, she was gone.

Her sleeping bag was empty, smooth as if she’d never been there at all. The window beside her was wide open, the curtains drifting like ghostly fingers in the night breeze.

I sat there for a moment, pulse quickening.

Maybe she went out to hunt. Or do whatever vampires do at 2 a.m.

Curiosity stirred in my gut, dangerous and undeniable. I slipped on my hoodie, grabbed the small flashlight from my backpack, and swung one leg over the windowsill. The cold air bit at my skin as I lowered myself down into the yard.

The world outside was quiet, but not peacefully so. The kind of quiet that hums with something waiting just beyond hearing.

Moonlight washed the landscape, casting long shadows that moved as I walked. I crept across the backyard and toward the woods, the flashlight off, I didn’t want to draw attention unless I had to. My feet crunched on loose leaves and twigs, so I took careful steps, weaving between trees and ducking under low-hanging branches. The deeper I went, the more the howls echoed in my bones.

Then I froze.

Just ahead, in a moonlit clearing, stood a massive black wolf.

Its fur bristled, thick and matted, its breath coming in ragged bursts that steamed in the cold air. But something was off, its movements were jerky, unnatural, like it was fighting itself. It let out a low groan, and its entire body convulsed.

My breath caught.

Before my very eyes, the transformation began.

The creature dropped to its knees, if you could call them knees, claws scraping into the dirt as they slowly retracted. Its snout shortened, fangs sliding back into its gums. Bones popped and twisted beneath the skin, the fur receding like smoke blown in reverse.

The wolf gave one last tortured cry, then collapsed, panting.

And when it lifted its head…

Something changed.

There was a girl now. Stunning in a sharp, almost dangerous way. Short green hair clung to her damp skin, dark eyes glinting under the moonlight like pools of ink. Her shoulders rose and fell with each breath. She was completely naked, her body lean and powerful, still trembling from the change.

I stood frozen behind a tree, barely daring to breathe.

A werewolf. A real one.

She sniffed the air.

Her head turned, slowly, sharply.

She smelled me.

My heart slammed against my ribs. I backed up one step.

Then another.

A twig snapped beneath my foot. The sound cracked through the silence like a gunshot.

She turned immediately, head whipping toward the noise. Her nostrils flared as she sniffed the air, slow and deliberate. Then her eyes, dark, sharp, unblinking, locked onto the trees I was hiding behind.

My breath hitched.

I stood there, frozen, heart racing so loud it drowned out everything else.

This can’t be how it ends.

She moved toward me, slow, purposeful, like a lion stalking prey. I could hear her feet crunching over the forest floor, every step drawing closer. My body refused to move. I shut my eyes, not wanting to see how it'll turn out.

Then, a hand shot out from the darkness and yanked me back into the shadows.

...

I landed hard on Clary’s balcony, breathless, knees scraping against the cold tiles. My chest heaved as I tried to steady myself, my limbs shaking from adrenaline and fear.

Behind me, the night closed in, heavy and quiet again, too quiet. I turned, and there she was.

Eska stood near the balcony door, arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her bloodshot eyes shimmered in the moonlight, slowly draining back to their usual cold steel gray. Her lips were pressed into a tight line, fangs just barely visible as she glared at me.

"What the fuck were you doing there, Terra?" she hissed, her voice low and sharp as a blade. "Do you have a death wish?"

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. My brain was still stuck on the image, the impossible image of the wolf’s bones shifting, fur melting, a girl’s body rising from the ruins of a beast. It was burned into me.

"I... I didn’t know," I finally whispered.

Eska ran a hand through her tousled hair, sighing in frustration. “Jesus. You can’t just go running into the woods at night. You don’t know what’s out there."

I lowered my head, ashamed but still too shaken to reply.

She stepped past me, pulling the balcony door open quietly. “Come on. Let’s go inside. And remember, this never happened.”

I nodded, moving to follow her. But as I stepped forward, her hand shot out and wrapped tightly around my wrist.

“Wait.”

I looked up at her, startled. Her grip was firm, almost desperate.

“One more thing,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Pink can never know.”

That stopped me cold. “Why?” I asked, the question slipping out before I could think better of it.

Eska’s eyes clouded. Her jaw clenched, and something flickered behind her calm exterior.

“She’ll freak out,” she said finally. “She doesn’t know I’m a vampire. And I don’t plan on telling her. Not after what happened last time.”

Her voice trembled slightly at the end, and for a second, she didn’t look like the icy, unreadable girl I’d come to know.

I wanted to ask what happened. I wanted to push. But the look in her eyes made it clear she wouldn’t tell me. Not tonight.

“Fine,” I said quietly. “I’ll keep your secret.”

Eska let go of my wrist and slipped inside without another word.

I followed, stepping back into the warmth of the house, I crawled into my sleeping bag and lay still, eyes wide open.

...

At school, I was still shaken from last night. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't erase that scene from my mind. It replayed over and over, like a horror film I wished I could unwatch.

In the locker room, Pink approached me with Clary and Eska trailing behind.

"Hey, roomie! How was last night?" she asked between giggles, her voice dripping with amusement.

"Weird," I blurted out without thinking glancing at Eska who looked right back at me.

"I know, right?" Pink smirked, exchanging glances with Clary.

Clary nudged Pink. "Show her the video," she urged.

Pink grinned and pulled out her phone. The second I saw the screen, my stomach dropped. It was a video of me, drunk, completely out of it. And, God, it was awful.

"Gosh!" I gasped, snatching the phone away for a closer look. "Please don't post this!"

Pink chuckled, taking her phone back and slipping it into her bag. "Relax, I wouldn’t do that. I promise."

"Cross our bras," Clary added with a laugh, making Pink giggle along.

Despite their teasing, I felt slightly reassured when Eska met my gaze and gave me a small, knowing nod. She didn’t say anything, but it was enough to tell me they wouldn’t betray me like that. I let out a breath of relief.

Just as we were about to head to class, a voice called out from behind me.

“Hey, Terra!”

I turned slowly, my stomach tightening as my eyes landed on the woman standing before me.

She looked exactly like the woman I’d seen in the woods. The same sharp cheekbones, the same hair colour. Her presence was even more striking, deadly, beautiful, and undeniably real.

Beside her stood another girl, fair-skinned, her thick blonde hair cascading past her shoulders. Her eyes were an unnatural yellow, bright and impossible to look away from, glowing like sunlight through amber. She had a curvy figure and the kind of confidence that drew every gaze in the corridor.

I blinked, hoping I was imagining things.

But no. The green haired girl stepped forward with the smooth, calculated grace of someone used to being feared.

“How nice to finally meet you,” she said, voice like silk over steel. “I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Jennifer Brown, but you can call me Jennie.” She smiled as though we were old friends. “And this—” she gestured lazily to the girl beside her “is my girlfriend, Sofie Max.”

Sofie gave a small wave. Her yellow eyes skimmed over me like she was memorizing my weaknesses.

Before I could respond, another voice sliced through the tension.

“Jennifer Brown,” Pink said, her tone colder than I’d ever heard it.

She stormed forward, her usual sarcastic edge stripped away, replaced by something raw. Clary and Eska flanked her silently, like shields locking into place.

“You’re back,” Pink said flatly. No warmth. No welcome. Just a quiet fury simmering beneath the surface. “I thought we got rid of you.”

Jennie smirked, tilting her head as if amused. “Well, darling,” she purred, “that sounds like a you problem.”

She turned on her heel, and strutted off down the hall, Sofie gliding at her side like a storm cloud dressed in sunlight.

I stood frozen, trying to piece together what I’d just witnessed. “You guys know her?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Eska’s expression was hard, unreadable. “Yeah. That’s Jennifer Brown. A werewolf.”

The words sank like stones in my chest. It was her. The wolf in the woods.

“And not just any werewolf,” Clary added quietly. “She’s reckless, violent. Some say she’s the alpha.”

My eyes darted to Pink.

She was still staring after Jennie, but her expression had gone blank. Not just annoyed. She looked… haunted.

“Pink?” I asked, stepping closer. “Are you okay?”

She didn’t look at me. Her jaw clenched as she let out a shaky sigh. “Let’s just get to class,” she muttered and turned sharply, walking away.

Clary followed without a word, her face pale.

Eska lingered.

She leaned in, placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, and whispered, “Jennie’s return… it brings back bad memories, for Pink. It's best not to ask.”

Then she too disappeared down the corridor, leaving me alone.

The hallway felt colder somehow, heavier.

I stared in the direction Jennie had gone, my heart pounding.

Something told me this was only the beginning. And whatever was coming next, I wasn’t ready for it.