Nova Pov-
The moment I heard my name echo through the loudspeakers, my stomach dropped straight into hell.
"Nova Sinclair… please report to the principal's office."
Fuck.
Just fuck.
The class instantly went quiet, and I swear everyone turned to look at me like I'd just been caught stealing holy bread from church. Tessa gave me this wide-eyed good luck, you're dead look while mouthing what did you do?
What did I do? Oh, right—maybe crash into a whole-ass museum on my first day like a complete disaster and forgot about it. Maybe that.
Dragging my feet out of class felt like walking to my own execution. I whispered a prayer in my head—please let her be in a good mood, please don't expel me, I promise to pay back for the museum in blood, sweat, like a promised. I just can't believe I forgot about that, but who could blame me after all that's been happening.
By the time I stood in front of the principal's office, I was already sweating through my uniform. I pushed the door open and plastered the most innocent smile on my face.
"Good morning, Principal," I said quickly, bowing my head like some polite little angel. "Before you say anything, I just want to make it clear that I fully intend to help with the museum repairs. I even checked prices for cement last night—well, I didn't exactly check, but I googled it—and I promise I'll donate part of my lunch money if that helps. Or, um, I could maybe clean classrooms as community service? I'm very good with a broom. Don't let my face fool you, I'm hard working! I'll—"
"Nova."
Her voice sliced through my rambling. Calm. Too calm. Like she'd been watching me spiral and enjoying the show.
I snapped my mouth shut, cheeks burning.
She folded her hands neatly on her desk and looked at me with those unreadable eyes. "This isn't about the museum."
Wait. What?
I blinked. "It's not?"
"No."
Oh. So… I'd just embarrassed myself by offering to sweep classrooms for free. Nice. Fantastic. Someone bury me.
The principal leaned forward slightly. "This is about the Four Kings."
My heart stuttered. "The… the what now?"
"You've heard the rumors."
Oh, shit. The rumors. About me and Damien. And Kieran. And how apparently I was juggling the two hottest, most terrifying boys in school like some deranged soap opera heroine.
I threw my hands up instantly. "That is NOT true! I swear! Nothing happened—I mean okay, something happened, but not like that happened—and I don't even like them—" My words tumbled out faster than my brain could catch them. "I'm not their type anyway, I mean look at me, I can barely open my locker without breaking something. This is just people exaggerating! I have absolutely zero to do with Damien or Kieran or—"
The principal raised a brow. "Interesting defense, considering I haven't accused you of anything."
I froze. Oh. Fuck me sideways.
Heat rushed to my face. "I—I just meant—well—it's good to clear things up, right?" I forced a laugh that sounded more like a dying hyena.
Her lips curved into the faintest smile, like she was trying not to laugh. Then, with no warning, she said:
"The reason I called you here is because the school needs your help with them."
I blinked once. Twice. "Come again?"
"The Four Kings." Her voice stayed calm, steady, almost rehearsed. "They are the most gifted prodigies this school has ever had. Dangerous, yes, but exceptional. The board of governors didn't even want them here. They're difficult to control, difficult to… understand. That's where you come in."
Me?
My brain short-circuited. "Wait—wait—me?! I've been here, what, three days? I can't even find the right classroom half the time! I'm not qualified to handle… them!"
Her eyes glinted with something I couldn't quite name. "And yet they've noticed you."
My throat dried instantly.
She leaned back in her chair. "You'll study them closely. Get to know them. Learn how they think, what makes them tick. Anything you can bring back will be invaluable to the board."
My jaw hit the floor. She wanted me to… spy. On the Kings.
"That's— that's insane!" I blurted out. "I'm not some secret agent. You want me to, what, flirt information out of them? Play double agent girlfriend or friend? That's so wrong. And messed up. And morally bankrupt. And—"
"I'm not saying you have to date them just study them...And in exchange," she cut in smoothly, "you won't have to worry about the museum ever again. I'll wipe it clean. And… I'll take you under my wing. As my chosen apprentice."
Apprentice.
My breath caught. Being the principal's apprentice? Direct access to the most powerful figure in this school? It was an insane offer. A golden ticket.
But still… studying the Kings like lab rats? That wasn't fair. I chewed my lip hard, my brain ping-ponging between hell no and but imagine the perks.
I didn't even notice she'd stood up until her hand rested gently on my shoulder. My head snapped up, startled.
"You don't need to answer now," she said softly. "Think about it. Give me your reply tomorrow."
Her touch was light, but it felt heavy, like she'd just marked me somehow. I swallowed.
She walked back to her seat, her gaze pinning me again like a nail to a wall. "Oh—and one more thing."
My stomach twisted. "What… what thing?"
"You'll be accompanying me tonight," she said calmly. "Dinner with the Blackwood family. It'll be a good experience for you—as my future apprentice."
At first, my heart leapt. Dinner with one of the most influential families in Noctis Dominium? That was… huge. Elite. Life-changing.
Then my brain finally processed the name.
Blackwood.
As in Damien Blackwood.
As in Damien's family.
As in I was going to walk straight into Damien's house after everything that happened last night, after I swore to stay away from the four kings, kero a low profile and get through the school year.
Now I have to have dinner with his family, the AlPHA of Blackwood even.
Fuck.
Fuck.
FUCK.