Falling For Kael Noir

EVELINA. The black Mercedes pulled over smoothly into the driveway, coming to a stop right outside the grand gates of Blackwood Academy. I remained in my spot at the back seat of the car, my gaze to the window, letting the scene unfold before me. The school grounds stretches out like a sprawling palace. The entire architecture screamed nothing but luxury. Elegant, Immaculate, and undeniably prestigious. The walls shimmered with white stones and were accented with gold trim that sparkled even in the soft morning sun, and the tall arched stained-glass window amplified the beauty even more. The front lawn, like a scene from a magazine, was adorned with emerald grass bordered by perfectly trimmed hedges and flowerbeds bursting with roses. Blackwood wasn't just any school. It was one of the top private institutions in New Jersey. It had earned its reputation, known for turning out artists, prestigious business owners, and elite socialites. The silent click of the door caught my attention as the door beside me was pulled open. Stepping out onto the smooth, glossy driveway, I gave a smalI smile to the chauffeur. "Thank you, Harry. " Harry, like always, had his usuaI calm professionalism. "I will be back to pick you up later in the evening, Miss Taylor" His voice was steady and respectful. "Do not hesitate to call if any problem arises. " I nod, reaching over to the strap of my bag as I let out a deep breath. s**t. It was finally senior year, which meant double the responsibilities and effort. The car behind roared to a start, driving off from the driveway while I remained rooted in my spot, taking more needed deep breaths as I stared at the building in front of me “Uuuurgh… Vanesa is getting on my last freaking nerves,” Naomi Hatch, my best friend, says as she walks up to me. Dragging my attention from the building in front of me. My gaze roamed over Naomi’s blond hair, which was styled in loose, effortless waves that shined almost as bright as the sun. Just like everyone present, she was dressed in a black and white pleated high-waist skirt, a white t-shirt, and a black bowtie. Her accessories were subtle but expensive-looking. “Morning, babes” I telI Naomi, suppressing a smile. There were a few things that could get her alI riled up, and I have no doubt whatever story she’s about to telI me is going to be wild. “At this point, I’m this close… this f*****g close to smash her head against the wall if I have to put up with her crap for one more day. I’m afraid you might end up having to bail me out from prison” Shaking my head, my lips lifted up to the side, knowing Naomi wasn’t joking about the wall part to be honest. Naomi has always been a fiery, quick-witted, and fierce type of girl and is never afraid to speak her mind. She was the type to wear her emotions on her sleeves, which was something I loved about her. “She is still over at your place? I thought she was supposed to leave a day before.” Naomi groans, her lips tilted down. “She clearly can’t seem to find the way out, apparently. Sometimes I wonder how in everything holy are we related. We are two polar opposites, And Miss I’m-on-Top-of-the-World thinks she can do whatever she f*****g wants, and I’m supposed to do what, kiss her feet and call her the messiah?” I shake my head and lean in, giving her my fulI attention. Having met Vanesa a couple of times, I could understand why Naomi can’t seem to get along with her. One being she was too over her head most of the time. She had tried befriending me, but I know it had nothing to do with her being close to me and more to do with who my parents were. “As much as I won’t mind helping you hide the damn body, it would be nice to still have a best friend to talk to.” With a smile on my face, hoping to cheer her mood, I gave her a playfuI bow. “With that being said, I implore you to spare her life, my queen. Even if you are tempted to do worse.” Naomi shakes her head, her lips twitching as she tries to fight back the smile but failing miserably at it. A familiar uplifting smile grew across her face as she teasingly said. "We both know who the queen is here. " With great wealth came hierarchy, and with hierarchy came popularity. Both of my parents are prominent business owners: my mother is a philanthropist with an eye for interior design, while my father is a well-known tech investor. They also happen to be one of the co-founders of Blackwood Academy, which in return earned me royalty treatment here. Both students and teachers tried to befriend me in the hopes of gaining the attention and favour of my parent. This made Naomi a breath of fresh air. She had been the only one that thought of me as more than just a tool to get to my parent. I snapped out of my thoughts as Naomi continued to speak beside me, "I might decide to Margaretfully be the bigger person of us two and not resort to a physicaI altercation, but I do plan on having my revenge. And you, my dear best friend, are going to help me. " I gave her a scepticaI smile, not sure what she had in mind for revenge, since she had a smirk on her face that said Vanesa wasn't going to like what's about to hit her. "Maybe you can start by telling me what wrong she did this time,” Naomi let out another groan, her shoulders sagging in exasperation. "Don't get me started girl" she muttered in frustration. “She slept with someone I thought I had some connection with and it hurt so bad. There was definitely a spark between us. At least I thought there was; I guess I was the only one who... " We both paused just at the entrance of the school premises; a puzzled look crossed both our faces, taking note of something unusual. No one was saying hi to us or waving our way like they usually did. Instead, the familiar bustling hallway that we were used to was awash with an undercurrent of apprehension that neither of us could ignore. Students gathered in twos and threes, heads bent together as conversations flowed between them in hushed whispers. It was like whatever was being shared was too scandalous for the world to hear. “I guess he is back,” Naomi whispers loudly next to me, and I wonder why she even bothers to whisper when it doesn’t help lower her volume even by one decibel. I turned to look at her, with furrowed brows. “Who is back?” She looks around the hallway, like she is on the lookout for something, wearing the same terrifying look on her face, before leaning in to whisper in my ears once more. This time her tone was lower than the first. “Kael Noir”