ARTON’S HIGH: The Predator’s Prey

Chapter 1: Red X

I didn’t look where I was going.

Because I was staring at him.

Cold eyes. Black uniform. Blood under his nails.

No one holds Damian Vex stare. I did.

Someone stepped in front of me.

“Who’s she?”

“New prey,” a girl giggled.

Then the bucket tipped.

Cold. Red. Soaking me to the bone. Paint.

“Smile for the camera, Ria Hunter.”

She sang.

Phones came out. The hallway exploded with laughter.

My vision went red.

I grabbed her collar. Drove her to the ground.

One punch. Then another.

She screamed under me.

“STOP. NOW.”

A teacher. Bell ringing.

I stood up, dripping red.

And that’s when I saw him.

Damian Vex. Leaning against the wall.

Smiling like this was his favorite show.

Our eyes met. He didn’t help.

He didn’t laugh.

He just watched.

The office was a joke.

“You attacked first. Scholarship kids should be grateful to be here.”

“1pm for your punishment.”

I didn’t answer.

Arton’s teachers were as rotten as it’s students.

I walked to the bathroom. Alone.

The mirror was fogged.

Someone has written through the steam in big, red letters:

I KNOW YOU, HAZEL.

The faucets were still dripping.

I wasn’t alone.