Chapter 2: Lines We Pretended Didn't Exist
1002 Words
Working with Alexander Montclaire was my personal version of hell.
He showed up to the library ten minutes early, sleeves rolled up, jaw tight like this project offended him on a spiritual level. His presence alone made the air feel heavier, like the room had shrunk the moment he walked in.
“You’re early,” I said, dropping my bag onto the table.
“So are you,” he replied without looking up. “Let’s just get this done.”
I scoffed. “Wow. Riveting teamwork already.”
His eyes flicked up, sharp and dark. “I don’t need your sarcasm, Sophia.”
Hearing my name on his lips sent an unwanted shiver down my spine.
I sat anyway, pulling out my notes. “Good. Because I don’t need your attitude.”
We worked in tense silence for a few minutes, the scratch of pencils the only sound between us. I hated how focused he was, how effortlessly confident he seemed. Like everything in life bowed to him without question.
“So,” I said finally, unable to stand it anymore. “Why do you hate me?”
His pencil paused.
Slowly, he looked up. “I don’t hate you.”
I laughed, sharp and humorless. “You glare at me like I insulted your ancestors.”
“Maybe you did.”
My brows knit together. “Excuse me?”
He leaned back in his chair, studying me like I was a puzzle he hadn’t solved yet. “You don’t pretend. Everyone else does.”
I stiffened. “Pretend what?”
“That they’re impressed. That they care.” His voice dropped. “You look at me like I’m just… something in your way.”
“That’s because you are.”
The corner of his mouth twitched. “At least you’re honest.”
That annoyed me more than his insults ever could.
I looked away, forcing my focus back to the paper, but my heart was beating too fast. Too loud. Like it knew something I didn’t.
Word spread fast.
It always did when Alex Montclaire was involved.
By the next day, everyone knew we were partners. Isabella made sure of it. She cornered me by the lockers, her smile sharp enough to cut.
“Must be nice,” she said sweetly, “getting so much of Alex’s time.”
I shut my locker. “Trust me, it’s not.”
She tilted her head. “Funny. You don’t look like someone who hates it.”
I met her gaze, unflinching. “You should stop pretending you know me.”
Her smile faded. “You think you’re better than me.”
“I think you’re transparent.”
Her face flushed. “You don’t belong in his world, Sophia.”
I leaned in, lowering my voice. “Neither do you.”
I walked away before she could respond, my pulse racing, skin buzzing like I’d brushed too close to a flame.
Later that night, I couldn’t sleep.
The moonlight streamed through my window, pale and heavy. I felt restless. Wired. Like my bones were humming.
I pressed a hand to my chest, frowning. My heart was beating slower than usual.
Too slow.
I shook it off, rolling over. You’re tired, I told myself. That’s all.
But somewhere deep inside, something stirred.
Graduation night arrived wrapped in glitter and false smiles.
The gym was transformed with fairy lights, balloons and music too loud to think. I stood near the edge of the crowd, adjusting the simple black dress I’d chosen. Nothing fancy. Nothing that screamed for attention.
And yet… I felt eyes on me.
I turned.
Alex stood across the room, frozen mid-step.
For a moment, everything else faded.
His gaze was different tonight. Unguarded. Intense. Like he was seeing me for the first time.
He walked toward me before he could stop himself.
“You look…” He cleared his throat. “Different.”
“So do you,” I said quietly.
We stood there, inches apart, the noise of the gym muffled around us.
“I didn’t hate you,” he said suddenly. “I didn’t know how to deal with you.”
My breath caught. “Why?”
“Because you don’t belong to anyone,” he said. “And I’ve spent my whole life surrounded by people who want something from me.”
Something warm unfurled in my chest. Dangerous. Hopeful.
Before I could respond, Isabella appeared, clinging to his arm.
“Dance with me,” she demanded.
Alex hesitated.
Then, slowly, he pulled his arm free.
“I’m busy.”
Her mouth fell open.
So did mine.
Alex turned back to me. “Dance with me.”
The song shifted, slow, heavy, intimate.
I should have said no.
I didn’t.
His hand was warm at my waist. Too warm. His grip steady, protective in a way that didn’t make sense.
“You’re shaking,” he murmured.
“I’m not,” I lied.
His thumb brushed my skin, and electricity shot through me. My senses sharpened. I could hear heartbeats. Smell things I shouldn’t.
I pulled back abruptly. “I, I need air.”
I rushed outside, gulping in the cool night. The moon hung full and bright above the school, casting silver light over everything.
Alex followed.
“Sophia...”
A sound cut through the night.
A low growl.
Alex stiffened beside me, every muscle going rigid. His eyes glowed faintly in the moonlight.
“Go inside,” he said.
“What?” I whispered. “Why?”
Another growl. Closer.
Alex stepped in front of me without thinking. “Because if they find you...”
They.
My head throbbed. My vision sharpened.
Figures moved at the edge of the trees. Shadows with glowing eyes.
Something ancient inside me woke up.
Alex turned to look at me and froze.
“Sophia,” he breathed. “What are you?”
I looked down at my hands.
They were trembling.
And for the first time in my life, I felt powerful.
- Writer
