Ravenshade City hummed with energy, sunlight glinting off tall glass towers and sleek cars rushing through crowded streets. It was nothing like the quiet town I had left behind. Here, every corner pulsed with power, luxury, and opportunity—like the city itself belonged only to those bold enough to claim it.
Crownwell University rose ahead of me, an intimidating blend of old stone and modern glass. It was the kind of place carved for legacies—politicians, billionaires, and prodigies. The kind of place where people like Leo Huntman walked as if they owned it.
I, however, felt like an intruder.
Inside my first lecture hall, the air buzzed with chatter. Students clustered in small groups, laughter spilling between them. My fingers tightened around my notebook as though it were armour.
At the front, Professor Eleanor Hartman tapped her pen against the desk. The sound silenced the room instantly. Her sharp gaze swept across us, making it clear she wasn't the type to tolerate laziness.
"Class, we have a new student joining us this semester," she announced. "Please welcome Maddison Ravenwood."
Dozens of eyes turned to me. Heat climbed my cheeks. "Hi," I murmured.
"You may take a seat wherever you're comfortable," Professor Hartman said.
I scanned the rows—and froze.
Sebastian sat near the window, casual as always, dark curls falling into his eyes. His gaze caught mine, heavy, unreadable, and I had to look away before the ache in my chest deepened.
Beside him lounged Leo, smirk already tugging at his lips. He patted the empty seat next to him, eyebrows lifted in a challenge.
Peter sat farther away, posture straight, his pen already scratching across a notebook. When his calm eyes met mine, he gave a small, encouraging nod.
I exhaled and slid into the seat near Leo.
Leo let out a dramatic sigh, flopping back in his chair. Sebastian's jaw tightened, though he looked away. Peter's faint smile steadied me, and for a moment, I could breathe.
Minutes later, the door creaked open and Sky Heins slipped in. Her chestnut hair caught the light as she flashed a grin at the boys. "Sorry, I'm late."
Professor Hartman didn't scold her—she never seemed to need to. Sky moved easily, sliding into the chair beside Peter, nudging him with a playful smile that earned a quiet curve of his lips. Their ease with each other was obvious.
I sat silently, surrounded by the very people I least expected to spend my college life with: Sebastian, my ex whose regret still lingered; Leo, the arrogant brat who seemed to enjoy testing me; Peter, steady and kind; and Sky, who fit here as naturally as I didn't.
Crownwell was already testing me.
And this was only the first day
The morning blurred into syllabi, introductions, and endless reminders. Professor Hartman lectured, her voice steady, but my mind drifted. I could feel Sebastian's gaze on me at times, weighted with things unsaid.
Leo, in contrast, never hid his attention. He leaned back, tossing out comments without raising his hand, smirking as if the world revolved around him. And more than once, his eyes slid to me, daring me to react.
When the bell finally rang, I bolted from my seat, relief rushing through me.
"Maddie!"
Sky's voice carried over the crowd. She hurried toward me, looping her arm through mine before I could retreat. "You're coming with us, right?" She gestured behind her, where Sebastian, Leo, and Peter followed.
"Us?" I echoed, hesitant.
"Don't even think about eating alone. Rookie mistake," she teased, tugging me toward the cafeteria.
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, catching polished tables and the glint of trays. Sky guided me to a corner where the boys had already claimed a table. Leo sprawled in his seat, stretching like a king on his throne. Sebastian sat beside him, quiet but restless. Peter was across, already unwrapping a neat sandwich from home.
Sky nudged me into the seat beside Peter.
Leo's grin sharpened. "Ravenwood joins the royals. How dramatic."
"Royals?" I asked cautiously.
"Us," he said, gesturing lazily. "Crownwell's finest. The brat, the brain, the ex, and Sky the sweetheart. Now…" his eyes flicked to me, "…you."
"Don't listen to him," Peter said, sliding me a spare bottle of water. "He thinks he's funny."
"I am funny," Leo muttered, leaning closer. "So, Maddie. What's your story? Small-town girl in the big city? Looking for adventure?"
My grip tightened around the bottle. "Just here for school."
His smirk deepened, like my guardedness amused him. "Mhm. We'll see."
Sebastian spoke then, quiet but careful. "You don't have to answer him. He likes to poke."
The softness in his tone twisted something in me, and I forced my gaze down to my food.
Sky jumped in, chattering about clubs, hangouts, and professors. She was effortless, making everyone laugh, and Peter's small smiles at her didn't escape my notice.
But what unsettled me most was Leo. Between Sky's jokes and Peter's quiet logic, I caught him watching me—longer than casual, sharper than teasing.
When lunch ended, we left together. Leo slowed his steps until he was beside me.
"Don't look so nervous, Ravenwood," he said low, just for me. "Crownwell can chew people up… but maybe you're tougher than you look."
Not a compliment, not really. But something about it lit a spark anyway.
For the first time since arriving, I realised Crownwell University wasn't just going to test my mind.
It was going to test my heart, too.