The Queen in the shadows
Seraphina's POV
Crestwood High hasn't changed. The same brick walls, the same faded banners hanging in the hallway, and also the same air of unspoken rules nobody knows about me.
I pull my hoodie lower over my head, hoping to stay invisible.That ways my plan I have been thinking about while coming to school, to stay unnoticed and survive this year.
" just one year and mother" I muttered under my breath. " then I'm out".
My boots scuff against the tile as I weave through the crowd of students.They move in groups, laughing and shoving each other like packs, it's a sad reminder that I'm not part of them. I never have been, and I'm not about to start now. Rogues don't belong here, especially ones like me.
The chatter of students fill the air, and one voice cuts through it all
"I said empty your bag"
My steps falter.I know that voice, Vanessa Harrow. Crestwood queen bee and professional nightmare.
Curiosity tugs at me instantly,and despite knowing I should mind my business,I peek around the corner. Vanessa stands in front of the hallway like she owns it. Her arms crossed and a wicked smile curling on her lips. In front of her, a young girl, maybe a freshman clutches her bag pack like her life depends on it.
"I....I don't have anything," the girl stammers, voice trembling.
"Liar." Vanessa steps closer, her group of followers watching eagerly.
" Don't make me ask again."
The poor girl's eye darts around, desperate for someone to help. No one does. They just keep walking heads down. Heads down pretending they don't see.
I exhale sharply. I should keep walking too, this isn't my problem.
"Don't" my wolf says to me. "You just can't let this go" shimer says the second time.
"Hey!" I snap before I can stop myself.
Vanessa's gaze whips towards me, her sharp brown eyes narrowing.
"Excuse me?" Her tone drips with disbelief, like she can't imagine someone interrupting her royal
A tense silence blankets the hallway, and suddenly I regret my decision, Vanessa steps away from the freshman and stalks towards me instead, her heels clicking on the titles like a countdown to my doom.
"And who exactly do u think you are?" Her friends giggle behind her, amused.
"Someone who's not afraid of you" I say trying to keep my voice steady.
My heart hammers in my chest.
Vanessa stops inches from my face, her gllossy red lips curling into a smirk. "You're new, aren't you?"
I've been here before," I answer
"But I guess you are to busy tormenting people to notice."
Vanessa snorted."You think you scare me? you're just some pathetic rogue.
That word rogue burned more than I wanted to admit. Before I could respond, Vanessa shoved me hard. My back hit the lockers, but I barely noticed. The power inside me flared again, stronger this time, crawling under my skin.
"I'm warning you", I said through gritted teeth.
"Yeah?" Vanessa smirked. "What are you gonna do about it, rogue?"
"She's going to shut the f***k up," a cold voice interrupted.
The crowd parted as Maximilian Blackwood stepped forward. His icy gazed locked on mine, and for a second, everything else faded away.
"Mate", Shimer roars.
I should have walked out but I couldn't.
"And what if I don't", I challenged
His eyes darkened, the muscles in his jaw tightening, then you'll regret it.
For a moment, neither of us moved.
Then, with a shake of his head, he turned and walked away, dragging Vanessa with him. The crowd dispersed, but my heart still pounded.
I had caught Maximilian Blackwood attention and somehow, I knew that wasn't a good thing.
