The first time Elena Rivers saw Damien Nightshade, it was as if the world had momentarily stopped breathing.
It was the first Monday of the school year at Blackwood Academy, a prestigious private school nestled in the heart of a quiet town. The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the hallways, casting golden streaks across the polished floors. Students bustled around, chatting about summer vacations, upcoming tests, and the latest gossip.
Elena stood by her locker, lazily spinning the dial of the combination lock. She wasn't particularly excited about senior year. It wasn't like she hated school—she just found it unbearably predictable. Same faces, same routine, same drama.
And then, he walked in.
A hush fell over the hallway. Heads turned, whispers spread like wildfire.
The new student.
He was tall, dressed in a black hoodie, dark jeans, and combat boots. His inky black hair fell over his forehead in soft waves, partially covering his piercing silver eyes—eyes that seemed to see through everything and everyone. His skin was almost unnaturally pale, as if he had never stepped into the sun. But it wasn't just his looks that unsettled people—it was the way he carried himself.
Silent. Unreadable. Dangerous.
Elena caught herself staring.
She wasn't the only one.
"He's gorgeous," Natalie, her best friend, whispered, nudging her elbow. "And totally gives off 'mysterious bad boy' vibes. I mean, look at him! Who even wears all black in the middle of September?"
"Someone who wants attention," Elena muttered, though she couldn't stop looking either.
As if sensing her gaze, the boy in black turned his head slightly—and their eyes met.
For a split second, something passed between them. A strange, electric pull, like a silent whisper calling out to her. Elena's breath hitched, her fingers tightening around the edge of her locker. His expression remained unreadable, but there was something in his eyes—something dark, something ancient.
Then, just as quickly as it happened, he looked away and continued walking.
"Elena." Natalie grabbed her wrist, breaking her trance. "Are you okay? You totally zoned out."
"I—yeah. I'm fine."
But she wasn't.
Because for the first time in a long time, she had a feeling that this year would be anything but predictable.
And she had no idea just how right she was.
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