Aria Wynter stepped off the bus and onto the winding streets of Ravenswood, the coastal town shrouded in mist and mystery. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and nerves as she gazed up at Ashwood Academy's imposing structure.

"Welcome to your new life, Aria," she whispered, shouldering her backpack.

As she joined the stream of students flowing toward the academy, Aria's thoughts drifted to her parents' words: "Start fresh, leave the past behind." Easier said than done.

Inside, the academy's grand foyer buzzed with chatter. Aria's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face. That's when she saw him – tall, dark-haired, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through her.

Elijah Blackwood.

Their gazes collided, and Aria's pulse skipped a beat. She felt an inexplicable pull, as if drawn to a magnet. Elijah's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, and he strode toward her.

"Lost?" he asked, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.

Aria stood taller, despite feeling dwarfed by his imposing presence. "Just finding my bearings."

Elijah's gaze lingered on hers, his expression unreadable. "I'm Elijah Blackwood. You're...?"

"Wynter. Aria Wynter."

Their hands touched, and a spark of electricity ran through Aria's veins. Elijah's eyes flashed with surprise, but he didn't release her hand.

"Welcome to Ashwood, Aria," he said, his voice low and husky. "I'll show you to your dorm."

As they walked, Aria sensed Elijah's dominance, his confident stride and assured manner commanding attention. She felt a flutter in her chest, unsure if it was excitement or trepidation.

In the dormitory, Elijah deposited her luggage with a courteous smile. "I'll leave you to settle in. Dinner's at 7. Don't be late."

Aria watched him depart, feeling both relieved and disappointed.

That evening, at dinner, Aria searched for Elijah but found him nowhere. Instead, she sat beside Liam Reed, a charming werewolf with warm amber eyes.

"Stay away from Elijah Blackwood," Liam whispered, his voice low and urgent. "He's not what he seems."

Aria's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

But before Liam could respond, Elijah appeared, his eyes locking onto Aria's.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, his tone dripping with possessiveness.

Liam's eyes flashed with warning, but Aria merely shrugged.

As Elijah sat, his thigh brushing against hers, Aria felt that same jolt of electricity.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot earlier," Elijah said, his gaze burning with intensity. "Let's start anew."

Aria's lips curled into a tentative smile. "I'd like that."

Just as the conversation flowed, the lights flickered and died, plunging the hall into darkness. Aria's heart raced as Elijah's eyes glowed like lanterns in the blackness.

"What's happening?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Elijah's response was lost in the cacophony of snarls and shouts erupting from the shadows. Aria felt herself being pulled toward the chaos, Elijah's grip her only anchor.

And then, a figure emerged from the darkness – Kaelin Darkshadow, his eyes blazing with malevolent intent.

"Welcome, Aria Wynter," Kaelin hissed, his voice dripping with malice. "I've been waiting for you."

Aria tried to scream, but her voice was frozen in her throat. Elijah's grip was her only comfort as Kaelin's eyes locked onto hers, filled with an unspeakable evil.

"You'll never leave Ravenswood alive," Kaelin spat, his hand reaching out to claim her.

Elijah's growl was the last thing Aria heard before everything went black.