The anticipation buzzed in the dorm like static electricity as Serena twisted a strand of her hair nervously in front of the mirror. She wasn't sure how Sophie had convinced her this was a good idea, but here she was, zipping herself into a midnight-blue dress that hugged her figure in ways that felt far too bold for her comfort.
"You look amazing, Serena. Stop fidgeting," Sophie said as she adjusted her own deep red dress, her confidence radiating as usual. "This is our first university party! You need to loosen up and let go a little."
Serena glanced toward Emma, who was smoothing the soft lavender fabric of her dress with the same nervous energy. "I don't know why we let her talk us into this," Emma muttered, offering Serena a shy smile.
"Because she's Sophie," Serena replied, smirking as Sophie struck a mock pose in the mirror.
Sophie tossed her hair dramatically. "Exactly. Trust me, ladies. This is going to be epic. Alex texted me earlier—he said it's one of the best parties of the year. Everyone who's anyone will be there."
Serena raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you on texting terms with Alex?"
Sophie's grin turned sly. "Oh, we've been chatting a bit. He's…fun."
"Fun," Emma repeated, laughing softly. "That's what we're calling it?"
Sophie ignored her, instead shoving a pair of heels into Serena's hands. "Put these on. Let's go!"
The party was already in full swing by the time they arrived. The music pulsed through the walls of the large, off-campus house, and the energy of the crowd spilled out onto the front lawn. People were laughing, dancing, and shouting over the thumping bass as Sophie led the way inside with an air of excitement.
Serena hesitated at the threshold, the chaos of the party washing over her in a wave. "This is…a lot," she muttered.
"Don't overthink it," Sophie said, looping her arm through Serena's and pulling her in. "Just have fun."
They wove through the crowd, past clusters of students lounging on couches and groups dancing in the center of the room. The air was thick with perfume, cologne, and the faintly metallic scent of alcohol. Serena clung to Sophie's arm, trying to orient herself in the chaos.
"Drink?" Emma offered, holding up a plastic cup she'd snagged from a passing tray.
"Just soda for me," Serena said.
As they made their way to the makeshift bar, a familiar figure appeared in their path. Alex, dressed in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, grinned when he saw them. "You made it!"
Sophie's face lit up, her grin matching his. "Of course. Wouldn't miss it."
Serena caught the brief flicker of something between them, a spark that felt new and entirely unexpected. Sophie's voice softened slightly when she spoke to him, and Alex's easy confidence seemed to falter, just for a second, under her gaze.
"Drink?" he asked, holding up a cup.
"I think you've got to work harder than that," Sophie teased, tilting her head playfully.
Serena rolled her eyes. "Great. I'll just…leave you two to whatever this is."
She wandered off toward the quieter corner of the room, where Emma was sipping her drink and watching the crowd with a small smile.
But then Serena saw him.
Kyle Easton was leaning casually against the far wall, his dark eyes scanning the room. He looked completely at ease, his shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal the edge of a silver chain against his chest. A girl stood beside him, practically draping herself over his arm, her laughter loud and grating.
Something in Serena twisted. She told herself it was irritation—at his arrogance, at the way he seemed to command attention without even trying. But deep down, she knew it was something more complicated.
"Everything okay?" Emma's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Fine," Serena said quickly, grabbing a soda and taking a long sip.
The night continued in a blur of dancing, laughter, and flashes of light from people taking selfies. Serena found herself relaxing, letting the music carry her worries away. She even joined Emma and Sophie on the dance floor for a few songs, losing herself in the moment.
But every time her gaze drifted, she found herself searching for Kyle, even when she didn't mean to.
Serena fell into bed that night, the events of the party replaying in her mind. Sleep came quickly, but it was anything but restful.
In her dream, the party was different—sharper, darker. The faces around her blurred and distorted, the music slowed to an eerie hum. She wandered through the room, searching for something, though she didn't know what.
And then she saw him.
Kyle stood at the center of it all, his dark eyes fixed on hers. He reached out, his voice soft yet insistent. "Serena…"
She moved toward him, drawn by an invisible thread. But before she could reach him, the same girl from earlier appeared. Her laughter echoed in the dream as she wrapped her arms around Kyle's neck, pulling him into a kiss.
Serena's heart clenched, a sharp, unbearable ache spreading through her chest. She tried to call out, but her voice was gone, swallowed by the darkness.
The dream shifted. She was running now, the distorted faces of the partygoers twisting into something monstrous. Blood red eyes followed her as whispers filled the air.
"Run, Serena. Run…"
She woke with a gasp, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. The room was dark and quiet, but the images lingered, vivid and haunting.
The next morning, the remnants of the dream weighed on her as she joined Emma and Sophie in the kitchen.
"You're quiet this morning," Sophie noted, pouring herself a cup of coffee.
"Just tired," Serena said, stirring her tea absentmindedly.
Sophie smirked. "Still thinking about Kyle?"
Serena frowned. "Why would I be thinking about him?"
"Oh, come on. You saw him last night, didn't you? Everyone knows about his reputation. He's a total player."
Emma nodded. "I heard he doesn't stay with anyone for more than a week."
"Sounds like someone to avoid," Serena said, but her voice lacked conviction.
Sophie raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Well, forget about him. We've got bigger things to worry about—like surviving our first week of classes."
Serena forced a smile, but the weight of the dream lingered. Somehow, she knew this was only the beginning.