Chase Me Tomorrow

Slice of Past

Nathalie's POV

———Flashback———

I wasn’t always an Elite. In fact, a year ago, I was just another girl trying to survive in a school where connections meant everything, where the powerful ruled, and the rest of us… well, we were just there to fill the space. It’s crazy how life can turn in ways you’d never expect.

I still remember the day my whole life changed. The day I was called in front of everyone in the academy to become an official Blue Elite. It was a huge honor, being recognized like that, but it wasn’t the recognition that made my heart race, it was the weight of it all. The responsibilities that came with the title.

Before that moment, I was invisible, blending in with the rest of the students who were just... there. But things were different after that day. I had always known I had a chance, but I didn’t think it would happen so fast. I didn’t expect to be standing in front of Emery Amara Aurorium and Finn Caryozo, two of the most powerful Black Elites in the academy.

I remember the sharp coldness in the air that day. The ceremony wasn’t grand, but it was serious. There were no cheers or loud applause, just the weight of expectation hanging in the room as I was called up to stand before the entire assembly of Elites.

Emery was the one who spoke first. "Nathalie Vermillion," she said, her voice clear and commanding, "you have been chosen as a Blue Elite for your exceptional performance, dedication, and leadership. You are now part of the ranks that hold this academy together."

Her words hit me harder than I thought. I wasn’t just being handed a title, I was being given a role, a position in something much bigger than myself.

Finn stood next to her, watching me. He didn’t say much, but his presence was enough. We were friends, outside this whole Elite system. He had always been the calm, composed one. But here, in front of everyone, he had to act like we were nothing more than acquaintances. It was strange, keeping that distance when deep down, we both knew we had each other's backs no matter what.

"You know what’s expected of you," Finn finally said, his tone a little softer but still serious. "Perform well, and you’ll go far. Fail… and you’ll wish you hadn’t tried."

That wasn’t just a warning. It was a reminder of the harsh world we were in. Aurorium Academy wasn’t just about studying or making friends. It was a place where power dictated everything. And as an Elite, I had to learn that fast.

I nodded, keeping my head low for a second before lifting it again to meet his gaze. "I understand," I said.

What the rest of the academy didn’t know, though, was that Finn, Emery, and I had a history. Outside these walls, we were friends. Real friends. But we had all agreed that our relationship had to stay secret. No one could know we were close because, in the world of Elites, trust was a rare and dangerous thing. Showing that kind of connection could be seen as a weakness, and we couldn’t afford that.

After the ceremony, Emery took me aside. “Remember,” she said quietly, “no one must know about us. We each have our roles to play, and friendships… they complicate things.”

I nodded, even though it hurt a little. But I understood. In this place, we had to protect ourselves first.

“Don’t forget why you’re here, Nathalie,” she added, her voice softening. “Being an Elite means more than just status. It means responsibility. You’ll be watched closely now, by everyone.”

I didn’t need reminding. I knew the stakes. But what they didn’t know was that I hadn’t just taken the title for the power or the privilege. I wanted something else... something that only being an Elite could give me. I needed the connections, the influence, to find out the secrets that lay hidden within this academy. There was something more going on here, something dark beneath all the glitz and hierarchy, and I was going to figure it out.

As I stood in that room, looking at Emery and Finn, I made a silent promise to myself: I would protect them, even if it meant hiding my true intentions. They were my friends, and nothing, not even the power of Aurorium Academy would change that.

———End Flashback———

The memory of that day still sits heavy in my chest. I glance over at Abigail as we walk through the academy halls, her eyes sharp and observant, just like mine had been when I first joined. I wonder what her reasons are for being here. What’s her goal? Because no one comes to Aurorium Academy without one.

Maybe, in time, I’ll find out. Or maybe, she’ll keep her secrets just like I’ve kept mine. Either way, this place changes people. And I have a feeling Abigail’s journey has only just begun.

---

As we walked back to the dormitory area after a long day, my phone buzzed in my pocket. The halls were quiet now, with most of the students either in their rooms or still wandering the campus, and I was half-distracted, thinking about my own assignments. But when I saw the message notification, my heart skipped a beat.

It was from Emery.

“Meeting tonight. We need to discuss the new transferees. Especially Abigail Amora Golleger. See you at the Black Elite room. 7 PM sharp.”

Abigail? My stomach twisted slightly as I read her name. I glanced over at her walking beside me, still looking like she was lost in her own thoughts, completely unaware. Something about her had caught Emery’s attention, and knowing Emery, it wasn’t just curiosity. If she and Finn were discussing someone, there was always a reason. And not just any reason, one that was important to the academy.

“You good?” Abigail asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I quickly locked my phone and put on a small smile.

“Yeah, just some Elite business,” I said, shrugging it off. "Nothing to worry about."

But inside, I was already thinking about the meeting. What did they want from her? Why was Abigail suddenly so interesting to Emery and Finn? It wasn’t like them to focus on new students, especially someone who had only just arrived. I made a mental note to keep an even closer eye on her, just in case.

Later that evening, I slipped into the Black Elite room just before 7 PM. The room was dimly lit, as always, with the shadows of the old, polished wood and dark furniture giving it a mysterious, almost intimidating atmosphere. Emery and Finn were already there, seated in their usual places like they owned the room.

"Glad you made it on time," Emery said, her voice calm but carrying that familiar edge of authority. Finn nodded in acknowledgment as I sat down across from them.

"So, what’s this about Abigail?" I asked, trying to keep my voice neutral.

Emery leaned forward, her gaze steady and serious. "Finn and I have been going over the profiles of the new transfer students," she started. "Most of them are your typical cases, kids from rich families, but nothing that stands out. But Abigail… she’s different."

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue. Finn took over, handing me a small folder that had clearly been prepared in advance.

"Her father," Finn said slowly, "is Ethan Golleger."

The name didn’t immediately click for me. I stared down at the folder, flipping it open to see a picture of a man, tall, with the kind of presence that made people pay attention. There was a list of details under his photo: Founder of the Golleger Group, owner of multiple malls, hospitals, and major businesses in the city and beyond.

I blinked, the pieces starting to come together. "Wait, Ethan Golleger? As in… one of the most powerful businessmen in the country?"

Emery nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Exactly. Abigail’s father runs a vast empire. He’s not just some rich guy, he’s someone who can influence things, big things. And more importantly, he’s got deep ties to this city."

"And his wife?" I asked, flipping through the rest of the documents. Another picture came up, this time of a graceful woman with dark hair and sharp features. "Ella Golleger. Is she involved too?"

Finn shook his head. "Not as much. She’s more of a silent partner in the businesses. But their influence runs deep, Nathalie. This isn’t just about wealth. This is about power."

I glanced back at the information, realizing something else. Abigail was an only child. No siblings, no one else to share the responsibilities of that empire with. It made her… significant. Important.

"So, what’s the plan?" I asked, my voice quieter now.

Emery crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "We’re still figuring that out. But there’s something about her, Nathalie. Finn and I, we both agree, she’s not just here for the usual reasons. We think she’s going to play a part in something bigger. This year… it’s a special one for Aurorium Academy, and Abigail might be a key in making our plans come together."

I didn’t ask what plans she meant. I knew better than that. When Emery talked like this, it usually meant there was something going on behind the scenes... something I wasn’t fully in the loop about, at least not yet.

"We need you to keep an eye on her," Finn said, his tone softer but still serious. "You’re in close contact with her now, thanks to the tour. Just… observe. See what you can find out."

I nodded slowly, my mind spinning. Abigail was more than just a transfer student. She was a potential asset to the academy’s future, someone they could use, if needed, to push forward whatever plans Emery and Finn were setting in motion. But what did that mean for her? Was she a pawn in their game, or something more?

As I left the room, my head full of questions, I couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of responsibility for Abigail. She didn’t know what was going on, and part of me wondered if it was even fair to let her walk into this without a clue. But I had my role to play, just like Emery and Finn did. And for now, that role was to stay close, keep watch, and make sure nothing went wrong.

This year at Aurorium Academy was going to be one none of us would forget.