---
Nadine's jaw dropped as Jeremy asked her to the Founder's Day Ball. The air seemed to crackle with tension, and she could feel the weight of everyone's stares. In the center of the room, with all eyes on her, she realized they were waiting for her reply.
Her gaze flickered to Ava, who stood by the doorway, a malicious glint in her eyes. Ava's expression soured before she grimaced and walked away, likely deciding Jeremy wasn't worth her time since he was just a scholarship student.
Taking a deep breath, Nadine turned her attention back to Jeremy.
"Yes, Jeremy, I'll go as your date to the Founder's Day Ball."
A radiant smile spread across Jeremy's face, revealing his dimples and striking red lips. He looked ecstatic, but Nadine was confused. Wasn't he in love with Rose? What was he doing? Before she could think further, she grabbed Jeremy's arm and bolted.
"Guys, give me a minute," she called out, dragging him to the entrance of her dormitory.
Once outside, she released his arm and faced him with a stern look.
"Jeremy, what's going on? Are you trying to use me to make Rose jealous? Because I don't like what's happening."
Jeremy fell silent for a moment before taking her hands in his.
"You're right, Nadine. I am using you to get to Rose, and that's wrong of me. But please understand—I like her. Maybe it's love; I don't even know. I just want to date her so badly. So please, can we fake-date for a while? Pretend to love each other to make her jealous?"
His amber eyes pleaded silently, making him look adorable for a brief moment, but Nadine wasn't having it.
"Spare me the explanation," she snapped. "You want to use me as a vessel to attract my sister? Do you even realize what that makes me?"
Her voice wavered with hurt. Something didn't sit right with her. It felt like there was more to this than just Rose.
"Tell me the truth, Jeremy. Is this about fitting into the elite crowd because you're a scholarship student?"
Jeremy's eyes lowered, confirming her suspicion. Nadine let out a bitter laugh.
"So that's it. You're trying to use me to climb the social ladder and get to Rose. What a joke."
"Sorry, Nadine," Jeremy began, but she cut him off.
"Save it. I'm not playing your games. Go to Rose and confess your feelings. Stop trying to use me."
Jeremy's desperation boiled over, and he pulled her closer, pressing a passionate kiss to her lips. Nadine struggled against him, but he pushed her through the door and onto the bed.
"Jeremy, stop this drama! Let me go, and I'll pretend this never happened."
Jeremy chuckled darkly, and Nadine froze. The person before her wasn't the quiet, timid Jeremy she thought she knew—he was a beast.
"You see, Nadine, you're nothing but a whore. Tell me why you're rejecting me. Am I not perfect enough for you? Or is it because I'm not Ezekiel?"
Nadine's anger flared. This wasn't Jeremy at all. Who was this monster? Before he could continue, she shoved him to the ground. Jeremy rose, his fury evident, and swung at her, but she sidestepped, causing him to hit the air. Using her strength, she slammed him against the wall.
The impact dislodged something—a wig slipped off Jeremy's head, revealing long, silver hair. The padding on his chest fell away, exposing a toned, masculine body. Nadine's eyes widened in shock, but she quickly regained composure and slapped him hard across the face.
"From this moment, Jeremy, you're dead to me."
Jeremy stood frozen, his expression a mix of shock and disbelief. Nadine caught her reflection in the mirror and realized her disguise was gone. Her heart sank. Jeremy had discovered her secret. Before she could react, Jeremy bolted out of the room, leaving her pale and panicked.
"Oh, shit," she muttered. "I'm screwed. Dad warned me to control my anger. What do I do now?"
Meanwhile, Jeremy's thoughts spiraled. He couldn't believe it—Nadine was a boy. His mind raced, trying to make sense of it all. The kiss, the disguise... Was he gay? No, he thought, shaking his head. But Nadine—no, the boy—was breathtakingly beautiful. Still, revenge was the only thing on his mind. He'd expose her and get her expelled.
---
Rose stormed into the Queen Belle Hall dormitory, her irritation evident. Sylvia and Emily were busy getting dressed and didn't notice her scowl at first. Sylvia, sensing something was wrong, spoke up.
"What's up, Rosy? You look mad."
Rose glanced at Sylvia, who looked stunning in a backless red gown with a thigh-high slit. Her silver hair cascaded in waves, accentuating her radiant eyes. For a moment, Rose forgot her anger, but Sylvia's voice snapped her back to reality.
"Is the outfit that bad?" Sylvia asked nervously.
Rose walked over, gently moving a strand of Sylvia's hair aside.
"Don't panic. You look gorgeous. For a second, I didn't even recognize you."
Sylvia blushed and turned to Emily, who sat miserably on her bed. Rose frowned.
"Emily, why haven't you dressed yet?"
Emily burst into tears.
"I don't belong here," she cried. "I don't have clothes for events like this. My family doesn't care about me, and I can't compete with people like you."
Rose's expression softened, and she pulled Emily into a hug, Sylvia joining them.
"It's okay, Emily. You should've told us sooner," Rose said. "I'd have arranged something."
Before Rose could continue, Sylvia handed Emily a package.
"Surprise! It's a designer dress for tonight. Sorry I didn't give it to you earlier—it slipped my mind. Don't ever think you're not worthy. We're here for you."
Emily's face lit up with joy as she unwrapped the dress.
"From now on, your school expenses are covered," Rose added, cutting off Emily's protests.
As Emily left to change, Rose turned to Sylvia, her anger reigniting.
"It's Jeremy. He asked Nadine to the ball, and she said yes. It's infuriating."
Sylvia raised an eyebrow.
"Didn't you reject him? Why are you so upset?"
Rose's face darkened.
"I'm not jealous. I'm furious because I know what he's up to. And tonight, I'm going to play his game and end Ava and Simon's relationship."
---
Ares Shadow loomed over Ezekiel's unconscious form, licking the blood from his lips. It had been so long since he feasted on human flesh, and Ezekiel's was deliciously tender.
A subordinate entered, bowing low.
"Your Majesty, the Child of Light hasn't been found. Without them, the plan is impossible."
Ares chuckled darkly, baring his fangs.
"Take the human to his room. Any harm that comes to him will cost you your head."
The subordinate trembled as he carried Ezekiel away, surprised that Ares had spared him.
Alone, Ares smirked.
"Zeke, your blood is intoxicating. And as for the Child of Light, it's time you awakened from your slumber. The eclipse is coming, and you won't be able to hide much longer."
---