Chapter 1
The wolf's hot breath ghosted across my cheek, a reeking promise of death. At six years old, camping with my father, I'd stumbled too far from the fire. Panic clawed at my throat as I scrambled back, my feet slipping on the loose pine needles. The beast lunged, a snarling shadow against the moonlit cliff. I screamed, my voice swallowed by the wind. Then, a blur of motion. A boy, appearing from nowhere, interposed himself between me and the wolf. His eyes, even in the dim light, blazed like twin suns, and his skin, a stark contrast, was the deep, velvety black of a moonless night. He moved with a swiftness that defied belief, a silent dance of defense, and then, just as suddenly, he was gone, vanished like mist in the morning.
Ten years later, my sixteenth birthday loomed, a double-edged sword of anticipation and lingering unease.
"Mio! Breakfast!" My father's voice boomed up the stairs.
A groan escaped my lips, and I burrowed deeper into the warmth of my blankets. A moment later, the bedroom door creaked open, and the distinct sound of running water filled the air. A frigid wave crashed over me, stealing my breath. I sputtered, my eyes snapping open to see my father standing over me, an empty bucket dangling from his hand. I scrambled out of bed, my teeth chattering, and bolted downstairs, leaving a trail of icy droplets behind me.
"A new student joins your class today," my father announced, a knowing glint in his eyes.
He always knew everything. The whispers in the hallways, the new friendships, the cruel taunts – nothing escaped his notice. It was both comforting and unnerving. "How do you always know, Dad?" I asked, pulling a face.
"A father has his sources," he said, a hint of steel in his voice. "If this new kid causes you any trouble, you tell me. I'll make sure he regrets ever setting foot in this town."
"Sure, Dad," I sighed, used to his overprotective nature. "Whatever you say."
Knock, knock.
"That must be Midora," I said. "Can you get it, Dad? I need to get ready."
"Yes, your highness," he chuckled, heading towards the door.
KNOCK, KNOCK! "Summer is here!" Midora's voice echoed through the house, even though it was mid-winter.
My father opened the door, and Midora burst in, a whirlwind of energy, her oversized beach hat nearly obscuring her face. "Summer is here, summer is here!" she chanted, shivering despite her enthusiasm.
"Midora, you're as crazy as ever," my father said, shaking his head.
I heard her thundering up the stairs and into my room. She leaped onto my bed, the springs groaning in protest. "New kid in town!" she exclaimed, bouncing. "Heard he's loaded."
"Dad mentioned him," I said, pulling on my uniform. "Wonder if he's cute."
"Andra already staked her claim," Midora scoffed. "Money talks, and Andra listens."
"Even if he looks like a troll," I joked, and we both burst into laughter.
"Girls! You'll be late!" my father yelled from downstairs.
We grabbed our bags and rushed out the door. At the school gates, Andra stood, a vision of carefully crafted allure. Her skirt was scandalously short, her blouse strategically unbuttoned. A swarm of boys buzzed around her, drawn like moths to a flame.
We walked past her, and she turned, her lips painted a vibrant red. "No good morning for the queen?" she sneered at Midora.
Midora ignored her, continuing towards the classroom. Andra's eyes narrowed, a flash of anger in their depths.
Inside the classroom, the buzz of anticipation filled the air. The teacher entered, her heels clicking against the linoleum floor. "Attention, class. We have a new student joining us today. Please welcome David Shift, who has come all the way from Australia."
The door opened, and a figure stepped in. He was bundled in a heavy, dark coat, his face obscured by large, tinted goggles and a woollen beanie. Heavy, mud-caked boots completed his unusual attire.
"David," the teacher said, a hint of confusion in her voice. "Perhaps you could take off your coat? And there's an empty seat next to Mio."
David remained motionless, his gaze hidden behind the dark lenses. A ripple of whispers ran through the class.
To be contined