Empire of Deception

Welcome to Wuthering Heights

Underneath the harsh morning sun, I hesitated at the entrance of Wuthering Heights. The bustling students, the laughter, and the familiar scent of cafeteria coffee hit me like a wave of nostalgia, and not the pleasant kind. The idea of diving back into this teenage circus was overwhelming.

Just as I contemplated a strategic escape, a voice sliced through my hesitation.

“Late on the first day? That’s a bold move, even for you,” a teasing voice remarked.

Spotting my one-and-only arch-nemesis, Kane Alaric Kingsley, frustration filled me.

He wasn’t always my arch-nemesis. We used to be best friends and I used to have a huge crush on him. But with the passing years, he underwent a remarkable transformation. He started working out, grew taller and grew into his features, becoming one of the most conceited people one could ever encounter. Unfortunately, that seemed to be what all the teenage girls were into, because he quickly rose to fame and became one of the most popular teenage boys in the country. His name was in every girl’s diary and his face was on the cover of many fanfictions and magazines. It was intolerable.

The worst part of it all and the part that I can't forgive, however, was that right as he was going through this transformation, my mother grew ill and he was too busy worrying about his face and his body to be there for me. He grew cold and reclusive right when I needed him the most. And then, to top it all off, a few months after my mother died, my father married his mother, and he became my stepbrother. As if it wasn’t bad enough that my crush was now my stepbrother, he also became the biggest jerk and acted as if I had somehow ruined his life. As if it wasn't obvious to even the blind that his mother was having an affair with my father while my mother was on her deathbed.

Kane was casually leaning against the school entrance as he peered at me through his sunglasses. A group of girls all stood around him, staring up at him as if he were their lord and saviour. It was pathetic.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes when I saw his mischievous grin though. He was clearly enjoying my discomfort a little too much.

I sighed, realizing there was no escape from the inevitable, and with a reluctant nod, I followed Kane into the maze of lockers and classrooms.

Once inside the school, the familiar scent of academic corridors mixed with a hint of teenage angst hit me. I considered turning on my heel and walking out but Kane intercepted my escape route with a charming smile, his deep brown eyes hinting at a mischievous agenda.

“Everyone,” he shouted towards the large crowds of students. Everyone in the corridor stopped what they were doing and turned towards the commotion. Kane wrapped his arm around her shoulder before he turned to his audience. “This is my sister, Summer. Anyone who disrespects her disrespects me. Understood?”

“Step,” I grumbled under my breath, which he ignored.

A few students took photos, and others simply nodded. I was humiliated. I pushed him away from me before I turned in the opposite direction, hoping it would lead to the auditorium.

“Come on,” Kane urged, pulling my arm and guiding me towards our destination. “Let’s make this year legendary.”

I had no idea what he meant by legendary, but it surely would be a legendary year in my books. After all, I was here to solve the murder of the legendary princess of Wuthering Heights.

I let Kane guide me through the torrent of students since I had no idea where to go and only once we had made it to the auditorium did I force his arm off of me.

“The assembly is inside the auditorium,” Kane said when he realised that I wasn’t following him in.

A few girls snickered as they walked past before smiling up at him with flirtatious grins. I forced myself to suppress the urge to roll my eyes.

“I am waiting for someone.”

He didn’t look convinced but he shrugged and walked inside anyway. Besides, at this point what I did was none of his business.

“I assume the hottie is the brother?”

I spun around and scrutinized the enchanting girl before me. Esther Otero embodied the very essence of beauty. She was a vision of effortless allure. Her blonde hair, cascaded in loose waves and framed her delicate but sharp face. Her beauty was anything but subtle and it was impossible not to take a second glance. Her eyes, a captivating shade of green, held a mix of intelligence and playfulness.

“Step,” I grumbled for the second time that day. This time I didn’t hold back and rolled my eyes.

I had encountered Esther during my last mission, though she wasn’t an agent like me. Instead, her sister-in-law, Lilith, held that role. Lilith’s objective involved bringing Esther’s father, Carlos Otero, to justice due to his involvement in various illegal activities. The mission concluded successfully, but with Carlos’s downfall, Esther sought a change of environment. At the suggestion of her brother, Valerio, she decided to enrol at Wuthering Heights. However, Esther had no desire to pursue the path of an undercover agent, opting instead to attend Wuthering Heights as a traditional student.

“Does that mean I can pursue him?” she grinned with a raised brow and crooked grin.

I gave her a disgusted look but didn’t answer. She could do whatever she liked, although I didn’t like the idea of her approaching that jerk. She could do better.

We entered the auditorium and took seats at the front of the room. Students rushed to enter until the final morning bell rang and the doors were closed.

Suddenly, a man dressed in a pin-straight suit entered and took the mic from the mic stand. I recognised him from the photos as Dean Plavnik. He was a strict but caring dean and, from what I could tell, the students respected him more as a teacher than the Wuthering family, which was why they kept him onboard.

"Dear students, please settle!" he called out, silencing his audience. Once everyone was settled, he continued with his speech. "For those of you who do not know me, I am Dr Sergei Plavnik and I will be your Dean this upcoming semester."

He looked around the room, his eyes lingering on Esther and me before he continued.

"A sincere welcome to Wuthering Heights. Today, we extend our warmest greetings to our new students.

With a heavy heart, we also acknowledge the recent loss of our esteemed student, Anastasia Wuthering. Anastasia was not just a member of our academic community; she was a bright spirit, and a friend to many. Her absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt.

As we navigate the upcoming academic year, let us honour Anastasia's memory by fostering a community of kindness and support. To our new students, you join us at a time of both reflection and resilience. Know that you are entering a community that values each unique contribution.

May this year be one of growth, learning, and shared memories at Wuthering Heights. Welcome."

He ended his speech and a few other teachers left some words of comfort to the students. A second bell went off signifying the end of the Monday assembly and time for the first class. The students all stood up to leave but before anyone could get far, the auditorium screen turned on and Anastasia's beautiful face sneered down at everyone.

"Welcome to Wuthering Heights, bitches," her voice echoed through the room. "Did you miss me?"