The sun's golden rays slipped through the curtains, landing softly on Tiara's face. She groaned and buried herself deeper under the blanket.
"Tiara!" Ma'am Rosa called from downstairs. "You'll be late for your first day at school!"
Her eyes flew open.
"Oh no!"
She jumped out of bed and rushed into the bathroom. Within twenty minutes she was dressed in the neat navy-blue uniform of Ravenwood Academy. Her long chestnut hair fell neatly over her shoulders, and she picked up her school bag before hurrying downstairs.
"Good morning, Dad. Good morning, Ma'am Rosa."
"Morning, sweetheart," Sir Chris replied with a warm smile. "Eat first."
"I don't want to be late."
"You'll need your strength," Ma'am Rosa insisted, placing pancakes, eggs, and a glass of orange juice before her.
Tiara smiled and quickly finished her breakfast.
Just then, a car horn sounded outside.
Sir Chris looked toward the window.
"That must be Eric."
"What?" Tiara almost choked on her juice.
"He offered to show you around school."
She remembered everything Eric had told her the previous night. There was something mysterious about him that made her both curious and nervous.
After saying goodbye, she walked outside.
Eric leaned against a sleek black SUV, dressed in the same school uniform. Several girls walking past couldn't help but stare at him.
"Morning, new girl," he said with a charming smile.
"Morning."
"You look nervous."
"It's my first day."
"You'll survive."
"I hope so."
He opened the passenger door for her.
"My lady."
She rolled her eyes playfully before getting into the car.
---
The drive to Ravenwood Academy took nearly thirty minutes.
As the school came into view, Tiara gasped.
The campus looked more like an ancient castle than a school. Tall stone buildings surrounded a massive courtyard decorated with fountains and centuries-old oak trees.
Students walked in groups, laughing and chatting.
"This place is huge."
Eric chuckled.
"I said you'd like it."
As soon as they stepped onto the campus, whispers spread through the crowd.
"That's her..."
"The chairman's daughter."
"So she finally came back."
"She's prettier than I imagined."
Tiara looked around, confused.
"Why is everyone staring at me?"
Eric's smile disappeared.
"They're just curious."
"I don't think that's all."
Before he could answer, three girls approached them.
The one in front had long blonde hair, flawless makeup, and an expression filled with arrogance.
"So... you're Tiara."
"Yes."
"I'm Vanessa."
She looked Tiara up and down with obvious disgust.
"I expected someone... more impressive."
Eric stepped between them.
"Back off, Vanessa."
Vanessa laughed.
"Protecting her already? That's new."
"I'm warning you."
She shrugged.
"We'll meet again."
The three girls walked away, laughing among themselves.
"What was that about?" Tiara asked.
Eric sighed.
"Vanessa thinks she owns this school."
"And you?"
"I just try to avoid unnecessary drama."
---
Their first class went smoothly.
The teacher introduced Tiara, and although many students were friendly, she couldn't shake the feeling that several of them were studying her for reasons beyond simple curiosity.
During lunch, Eric led her to a quieter part of the campus beneath a giant willow tree.
"This is where I usually eat."
"It's peaceful."
"I figured you'd like it."
Before Tiara could thank him, a loud scream echoed across the school grounds.
Students jumped to their feet.
Teachers rushed toward the forest bordering the academy.
Tiara followed the crowd until she froze.
Deep claw marks had been carved into one of the enormous oak trees.
The cuts were far too large to have been made by any ordinary animal.
The headmaster's face turned pale.
"Everyone back inside! Immediately!"
The students reluctantly obeyed.
Tiara glanced at Eric.
His fists were clenched.
"Eric..."
He didn't answer.
His eyes were fixed on the forest.
For just a split second...
She could have sworn they glowed a brilliant silver.
Then they returned to normal.
"What are you?" she whispered.
Eric slowly turned toward her.
His expression was darker than she had ever seen.
"The question isn't what I am, Tiara."
He looked toward the dark forest.
"It's what's waiting for you in there."