Forest Academy wasn't a place for the weak. Here, you didn't just pass exams; you earned your right to breathe.
The courtyard was thick with the scent of ozone and old grudges. Jude loomed over the fallen boy, his shadow cold and oppressive. "We all earn our place here, Jason," Jude sneered, his voice dripping with the arrogance of a boy whose mother ruled the Undead. He slammed Jason against the lockers, the metal groaning. "Just because you're Daddy's little pet doesn't mean you get our respect. Down, dog."Jason's jaw locked, a low, guttural growl vibrating in his chest—a sound more animal than human. He wiped a smear of blood from his lip, his eyes burning a dangerous, stormy amber. "I'm a werewolf, Jude. Not a dog."Jude's face contorted.
"What did you say to me, you piece of—""That's enough, Jude!" Maya shouted, her voice trembling as she stepped in. "Let him go. You've hit him enough."Jude spun on her, his lip curling in a snarl. "Are you stupid? Get out of my way, Maya. Don't be a dumb bitch like Elisabeth.
"I felt the temperature around me skyrocket. My skin began to prickle with a heat that was impossible to suppress. I couldn't stay a witness anymore. "And who the hell are you to decide who stays at Forest Academy?" I stepped forward, the air shimmering around me. "No one here takes your BS, Jude. Being the Prince of the Undead doesn't give you the right to treat people like trash."Jude let out a dry, mocking laugh. "Oh, I see. Someone's in love. Whatever. I'm out of here. Let's go, Maya.""Yeah, Maya," I snapped, the fire in my blood demanding an outlet. "Go with him like the little pet you are.
"I turned to the boy on the floor. Up close, he was striking—messy hair and eyes like a looming storm. "Are you okay, Jason?"For a heartbeat, Jason just looked at me. She's the bravest, prettiest girl I've ever seen, he thought, his heart hammering against his ribs. But I can't. Not her."I didn't ask for your help," Jason snapped, suddenly cold. "Move."He pushed past me, leaving me standing there with a stinging heart. Wow. Broken heart, much?"That was a sad waste of a helping hand," Rouna sighed, walking up to me.
"You're out of his league anyway, Elisa. He's a werewolf—arrogant and stubborn. What did you expect?"I sighed, watching his retreating back. "It is what it is. Let's just get to class.
"The Classroom: The Magnetic PullIn class
, I couldn't focus. My mind was a chaotic loop of those amber eyes. What is wrong with me? If I hear his name one more time, I'm going to go crazy."Class, settle down,
" Miss M announced. "Welcome your new classmate: Jason Mike Williams. Jason, introduce yourself."The room erupted in whispers. "He's so handsome." "Is he another hot shot?"I froze. Why is he here? Oh, right... he actually schools here."Elisa..." Rouna whispered, nudging me. "Why is your face turning bright red?""I—it's just hot in here! Isn't it hot?" I fanned myself frantically, but the heat was coming from within.Jason stood at the front, hands in his pockets, radiating a restless energy.
"I'm Jason. Eighteen. Werewolf. I like sports, drawing, and music. That's it."The girls in the front row practically melted. "The room just got hotter," Queen whispered."Hands off," Maya snapped back. "He's mine.""Settle down!" Miss M barked. "Jason, you'll be paired with Elisabeth. Sit next to her."Jason's face twisted in disgust. "Eww. Can I sit somewhere else? I don't want to be anywhere near her."I felt the sting again. "Dude, really? I'm right here."Jason didn't reply. He just stared at me with an unreadable expression. I know I'm being harsh, he thought, but it's for the best. I can't let her get close.
The PE Field: A Dangerous Spark
Three hours later, the PE alarm blared. On the field, Ray—the star athlete—ran past. "Elisabeth, watch out!"I tripped, bracing for the impact of the grass, but someone caught me mid-air with impossible speed."Stop shouting, you big baby," Jason laughed, his grip firm on my arm for a second before he suddenly let go, letting me tumble the rest of the way."How did you even get over here so fast?" I gasped."I'm so sorry!" Maya called out, looking guilty. "I should have watched where I was aiming!""Shut up, Maya," Jude groaned. "Must you be such a people-pleaser?"As the game ended, I caught Jason smiling. It was a real, beautiful smile—until he saw me looking.
He stuck his foot out, tripping me again."Ahhh! You dropped me! You asshole!" I yelled."You fat ass," he shot back with a smirk."You are so irritating!""You two are so cute," Rouna laughed.
"SHUT UP!" both Ray and I yelled at the same time.Ray turned bright red. "Elisa... I mean, Elisabeth," Ray stuttered. "Do you... do you want to go to the party together?"I glanced at Jason. He was staring at Ray with a look that could kill."I'll think about it, Ray," I said."Wow," Rouna whispered. "What a love triangle.
"The Locker Room: Fire and Rain" ,
The rain started pouring as I finished my late shower. I stepped out into the locker room, wrapped only in a towel, when I heard a floorboard creak."Who's there?" I called out, my heart racing. "Show yourself! I'm a Phoenix, and I'm not afraid of you!"A shadow moved near the lockers. Jason stepped into the dim light. "No wonder you're so hot," he murmured, his voice husky.
"This is pathetic," I snapped, clutching my towel. "Are you stalking me now? In the girls' locker room?
""Don't get ahead of yourself," Jason said, stepping closer. "I heard a noise. I came to check it out.
""Yeah, sure, Prince Jason. Save it, stalker.""Call me that one more time," he warned, his voice dropping an octave, raw and dangerous.
"Stalker.".
In a flash, he was in my space. He grabbed my waist, pulling me flush against him. We were so close I could feel the heat radiating off his skin."Stay away from me," I whispered, though I couldn't move."Your face says something else," he smirked.He leaned in, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of my neck.
My heart hammered against my ribs. He smelled like rain and forest pine, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.I was a Phoenix, but in his arms, I felt like I was the one about to go up in flames.