Selene Blackwood watched the morning fog sweep across the grounds like a spectral tide as she leaned back against the chilly iron gate of Blackwood Estate. She had long since learnt to ignore the odd tingling sensation that always crept through her fingers when she touched metal. Similar to how she could always sense when a storm was approaching or how gadgets would occasionally flicker when she was agitated, these are only some of her peculiarities.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a moving truck thundering up the cobblestone driveway, its headlights casting weird halos in the fog. New families weren't particularly uncommon in Blackwood Estate, so she should have left, but for some reason, this one stuck with her.

"If you stare any harder, you might burn a hole through that truck," Naksu's voice came from behind her, followed by the familiar scent of coffee. Her best friend appeared at her side, holding out a steaming cup. "Here. You look like you need this."

"Thanks." Selene accepted the coffee, grateful for its warmth. "How did you know I was out here?"

"Please." Naksu rolled her eyes, taking a sip from her own cup. "You've been watching them unload since dawn. From my kitchen window, it looked like you were practicing to become a statue."

"I have not been—" Selene started to protest, but Naksu's knowing smirk stopped her. "Fine. Maybe I'm a little curious."

"A little? You've been out here for two hours. In October. In the cold." Naksu bumped her shoulder playfully. "Come on, what's really going on in that head of yours?"

Selene sighed, watching another stack of boxes being carried into the old Victorian house. "Don't you think it's strange? Moving here right when winter's coming? Most families wait for spring."

"Maybe they like the cold," Naksu suggested, then grinned. "Or maybe they're secretly vampires who picked the most gothic-looking estate they could find."

"You read too many supernatural romance novels."

"Says the girl who keeps a crystal collection under her bed."

"Those are for meditation!"

"Sure they are, witch girl."

Their familiar banter was interrupted by movement near the truck. A young man emerged from the morning mist, and Selene's breath caught in her throat. He was tall, with broad shoulders and dark hair that seemed to absorb the weak sunlight. But it was his eyes that held her captive—sharp, intelligent, and somehow ancient in their intensity. They found her immediately, as if drawn by some invisible force.

"Oh," Naksu whispered, her teasing tone replaced with genuine interest. "Now I get why you've been standing here like a creepy welcome committee."

Before Selene could stop her, Naksu was already striding toward the truck, her confident swagger in full force. "Hey there, new neighbor! Need any help settling in?"

The young man's lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I think we've got it covered, but thanks." His voice was smooth, rich like honey, but carried an edge that made Selene's skin prickle.

"You sure?" Naksu persisted, undeterred. "We're excellent movers. Well, I am. Selene here just supervises and looks pretty."

"Very funny," Selene muttered, finally finding her voice. She stepped forward, trying to ignore how the stranger's gaze seemed to follow her every movement. The tingling in her fingers intensified, spreading up her arms.

"I'm Cane," he offered, his eyes lingering on Selene's face. "Cane Alaric."

"Interesting name," Selene said before she could stop herself. "Not many Canes around here."

"Not many Selenes either," he countered, that almost-smile playing at his lips again. "I guess we're both unique."

The air between them seemed to crackle with unspoken tension. Selene felt herself being pulled into those mysterious eyes, until a sharp crash from inside the truck snapped her back to reality. A woman's voice, smooth but commanding, called out from within the house.

"Cane! The mirrors need to be placed before sunset."

Cane's expression shifted, something dark passing over his features before he masked it with casual indifference. "Duty calls. But maybe I'll see you around, Selene Blackwood."

As he turned away, Selene noticed something odd—a series of scars trailing down his neck, disappearing beneath his collar. They looked like claw marks.

"Okay, that was intense," Naksu declared once Cane was out of earshot. "Did anyone else feel like the temperature dropped ten degrees when his mom called?"

"She did sound... strict," Selene agreed, watching as more boxes were unloaded. Each one was marked with strange symbols she didn't recognize. "What's with the mirror deadline anyway?"

"Maybe they're really into feng shui?" Naksu suggested, but her usual humor felt forced. "Though I've got to say, that family gives off some serious Addams Family vibes."

"Naksu!"

"What? It's a compliment! The Addams Family is iconic." She linked her arm through Selene's, pulling her away from the gate. "Come on, you can spy on the hot mysterious neighbor later. We're going to be late for Allen's photography exhibition."

Selene allowed herself to be dragged away, but not before casting one last glance over her shoulder. Cane stood in the doorway of his new home, watching them leave. When their eyes met, she could have sworn she saw a flash of gold in his gaze.

That evening, as Selene sat at her bedroom window, she watched the sun set over Blackwood Estate. The old houses cast long shadows across the grounds, their Victorian architecture taking on an almost otherworldly quality in the fading light. The Alarics' home stood silent, its windows dark except for one on the top floor where candlelight flickered behind heavy curtains.

A soft tap at her door drew her attention. "Come in!"

Her father, Noel Blackwood, stepped into the room. "Hey, sweetheart. Naksu mentioned we had new neighbors move in."

"Yeah, the Alarics," Selene said, turning back to the window. "They seem... different."

Her father was quiet for a moment. "Different how?"

"I'm not sure." Selene wrapped her arms around herself, remembering the strange electricity she'd felt around Cane. "Just different."

Noel moved to stand beside her, his expression thoughtful as he gazed out at the estate that shared their name. "You know, your mother used to say some people carry old magic with them. Not the kind you find in books or movies, but something deeper. Something in their blood."

Startled, Selene glanced up at him. He hardly ever mentioned her mother. "Do you believe that?"

His smile fell short of his eyes. I think that there are things in this world that we are unable to explain. Just... take caution, will you?"

Later that night, as Selene lay in bed, she could have sworn she heard howling in the distance—too deep to be a normal wolf, too human to be an animal. And when she finally drifted off to sleep, she dreamed of ancient eyes and blood-red flowers blooming in the snow.

The Alarics had brought something with them to Blackwood Estate. Something that would change everything.

And Selene was already caught in its web.