CHAPTER ONE
HER P.O.V.
Hi! My name is Seraphinna Abaddon.
I used to live a normal life in a normal world. That was until I lost my parents at the tender age of eight. Since then, I've been living with my uncle and aunt.
At first, I thought I would eventually forget the pain of losing my parents while staying with my uncle, but I was so wrong.
Don't get me wrong. My uncle treats me very well, and I have absolutely no grudges against him. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about his wife.
We're family, yet I can't shake the feeling that she hates me. And to this day, I still don't understand why.
On several occasions, she's tried to embarrass me in front of my brothers and uncle. Unfortunately for her, things never seem to go as planned because she always ends up getting scolded.
Emily Abaddon, my dear aunt. The woman who's constantly looking for ways to get rid of me but, unfortunately, can't.
Sometimes, I can't help feeling satisfied whenever she gets scolded. It's just so satisfying!
However, my mother always used to tell me, "Never hold a grudge against the people you call family."
I've tried to keep her words in mind, which is why I usually overlook the things my aunt does.
Oops! I got so carried away talking about my aunt that I almost forgot to introduce my brothers.
Meet Ethan Abaddon and Nathan Abaddon.
Ethan is the eldest, Nathan comes next, and then there's me, the lastborn and the only girl.
They're the best brothers anyone could ask for. They're always willing to stand by my side, even when they know I'm wrong.
Being the only girl and the lastborn definitely comes with its own perks. Of course, their overprotective nature can be a little too much sometimes, but I still love them, and I know they love me too.
Now, let's talk about my dear little cousin, Aaron Abaddon.
Oh, my adorable Aaron! I love that boy so much, and I know he loves me too. Unfortunately, his mother strongly disapproves of our relationship, so we usually sneak out whenever we want to play together.
And finally, we have the most caring man in my life: my uncle, Damon Abaddon.
Uncle Damon has a carefree personality and is incredibly easygoing. He also works in the military, which means he gets transferred quite often.
Whenever that happens, we usually move with him because he worries too much about leaving us behind.
As a result, I've had to change schools several times. Every time I made new friends, I eventually had to leave them behind.
But now, things are finally changing.
Uncle Damon has promised that he won't be taking us along whenever he travels anymore. Apparently, he's decided that we're old enough to stay behind.
And that means we've finally settled down!
It's time to start at a new school.
Well, remember when I said I used to live a normal life in a normal world?
Let's just say that everything changed when I stepped into this strange school.
Everything I had ever believed to be true turned out to have a deeper meaning. Things I thought didn't exist suddenly became real, and the things I should have run away from were the very things I found myself drawn to.
Literally, everything about that place seemed to scream, Stay away!
But why didn't I listen?
Why did I allow myself to get so lost in that dangerously attractive face of his?
One day, I simply couldn't take it anymore.
And that's how it all began.
Now, this is my story...
---
Seraphinna sat in the back seat of the car with her eyes closed and her head resting against the window. She took in the fresh air, hoping it would calm her nerves.
In the front seats sat her two brothers. Ethan was behind the steering wheel, while Nathan occupied the passenger seat, doing what he seemed to do best: talking almost nonstop.
Nathan glanced at the rearview mirror and caught sight of his sister's frowning face.
"Little sis, what's the matter? Why the frown?" he asked, turning slightly to look at her.
At the sound of his voice, Seraphinna opened her eyes. They looked a little misty as she turned toward him.
Nathan was already watching her closely, as though trying to figure out what was going through her mind.
"Why the frown?" he asked again, this time more seriously.
Seraphinna sighed.
"For five whole years, we've been moving from one place to another. Every time I make friends, I end up leaving them behind. And now..." She paused, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I'm not sure I can take it anymore if I have to leave again."
Nathan's expression softened.
"Uncle already promised us that he wouldn't be taking us along whenever he travels. So, rest assured, dear sister. You won't be leaving this place anytime soon."
"I hope you're telling the truth," she replied, her frown deepening.
Nathan chuckled.
"Have I ever lied to you?"
"Is that even a question worth asking?"
"Hey! That hurts, you know!" he complained, pretending to sulk.
"Oh, stop whining. You're not a child anymore. You should start behaving like an elder brother."
At her words, Ethan, who had remained quiet throughout their exchange, allowed a faint smile to appear on his otherwise serious face.
"Hey, I'm not that bad," Nathan protested.
Just when the conversation seemed about to turn into another argument, Ethan finally spoke.
"Enough with the talking. We're here."
Nathan's mouth fell open.
"Seriously? I was just about to prove to her how amazing I am!"
Seraphinna rolled her eyes.
"So much for being an amazing elder brother."
Nathan turned to glare at her, but she merely smiled innocently.
Ethan shook his head and brought the car to a stop.
Seraphinna settled back into her seat and turned toward the window. That was when she noticed the enormous fence surrounding the school.
A massive black gate stood at the entrance.
Her frown returned.
Why would anyone build a fence this high? How is anyone supposed to jump over it?
For some reason, the sight left her feeling strangely unsettled.
She couldn't explain it, but something about the place made her uneasy.
As the gate swung open, Ethan drove carefully into the compound.
Seraphinna glanced over her shoulder, watching as the gate slowly closed behind them.
For a brief moment, an unfamiliar feeling crept over her.
It was almost as though she had just crossed a boundary she wasn't supposed to cross.
A strange thought entered her mind.
What if I just turned around and left?
She blinked, startled by her own thoughts.
Why would she even think that?
Before she could dwell on it, a knock against the car window pulled her out of her thoughts.
"Little sis, don't tell me you plan on staying in the car all day," Nathan said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Seraphinna took a deep breath before slowly opening the door and stepping outside.
She looked around, taking in her surroundings.
The school was enormous!
There seemed to be so much space that she couldn't help wondering how a single school could occupy such a vast area.
Nathan noticed her wandering gaze and tapped her lightly on the head to get her attention.
She turned toward him, immediately narrowing her eyes.
"What was that for?"
"Come on, don't be so curious." He grinned. "Your two amazing brothers are still here. But once we've left, you can be as curious as you want."
Seraphinna rolled her eyes, although a small smile crept onto her face.
"Will you two hurry up? I'm going to be late!" Ethan called from a short distance away.
The siblings exchanged glances before hurrying after him.
Together, they walked into the school building, heading straight for the headmaster's office.