Novels by mulan asher

_Raven's POV_I nodded as the car moved forward. The school disappeared behind us but the tight feeling in my chest did not.For a while, we drove in silence. The sound of the engine was steady. It helped calm me a little. I kept my hands in my lap and stared out the window.Raphael glanced at me once....then again. “How long has he been doing that?” he asked gently.I swallowed. “Doing what?”“You know what,” he said. “Bullying you. Humiliating you. Acting like he owns the place.”I hesitated before answering. Talking about it made the humiliation feel fresh again. Still, Raphael wasn’t rushing me or pressuring me, so I forced myself to speak. “It started a few days ago. He is new. He just joined the school.”Raphael frowned. “A few days?” he repeated.I nodded slowly. “He seemed normal at first....just a bit annoying. Then it got worse. He keeps finding me no matter where I go.”Raphael let out a low breath. “He is very daring. A new student and he is already bullying people who hav

_Raven’s POV_I woke up with a tight feeling in my chest.The image of Cassian’s smirk from yesterday would not leave my mind. His voice. His eyes. The way he looked at me like I was something he could step on whenever he wanted.I stayed in bed for a few minutes and stared at the ceiling.It’s just school, I told myself. Just one more day. But my hands were already shaking when I got dressed.I chose my uniform carefully. I tied my hair back and checked my reflection. I looked tired. My eyes were dull. But I told myself that it didn’t matter.Mom had already left for work when I walked into the kitchen. The house felt quiet....too quiet.I grabbed my bag and left.School was loud the moment I stepped inside.The hallways were already full. Students laughed, shouted and pushed past one another. I kept my head down and walked forward, trying to disappear into the noise.I didn’t make it far.“Morning, Raven.”My steps slowed. I knew that voice.I looked up and saw Cassian standing near

_Raven's POV_Cassian’s whisper still rang in my ears.Looks like we’re stuck together.Before I could respond, my mom appeared behind me.“Lucas!” she exclaimed happily.She walked past me without noticing the storm inside my head and wrapped her arms around him. Lucas laughed softly and hugged her back. His hands settled easily on her waist.“I missed you,” my mom said.“I missed you too,” Lucas replied and leaned down to kiss her.I stood there, frozen, watching them like I didn’t belong in my own house anymore.Then, my mom turned toward Cassian.“Oh,” she said warmly, her eyes lighting up. “You must be Cassian.”She stepped closer and kissed his cheek.“Welcome,” she said. “I’m so happy you’re here.”Cassian stiffened...just slightly. Enough for me to notice.When my mom turned away, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his cheek slowly and carefully. Like he was erasing something unpleasant.My chest tightened.Did he really just do that?My mom didn’t

_Raven's POV_The car slowed down in front of the school gates and my heart sank a little as I looked at the building. It was big, loud and full of people. The holidays were over and reality was back.“You’ll be fine,” my mom said softly as if she could read my thoughts.I nodded even though I didn’t fully believe it.After my dad died of cancer a few years ago, things had changed. It was just me and my mom now. We had learned how to live quietly together. We didn’t talk about the pain much but it was always there. Sitting between us. Breathing with us.“Text me later,” she said while reaching out to squeeze my hand. “Tell me how your day goes.”“I will,” I said.I grabbed my bag and stepped out of the car. The cold air hit my face. I closed the door and waved as she drove away.For a moment, I stood there alone.Then I turned and walked inside.The noise swallowed me whole.Students filled the hallways. Voices bounced off the walls. Laughter echoed. Lockers slammed shut. Everyone see