Abaddon’s Girl

Aurelia

It was the night of our flight. I was not the most excited for this journey, tonight, we leave everything behind.

My father had made this decision solely without informing me, not up until two days ago.

I still remember the conversation we had in his office about leaving town so quickly without an ideal reason.

I slept the entire flight, only waking up to pee and hydrate myself.

“Trust me, Elia, you will love this new city,” Dad said as we walked out of the plane.

I scanned the city as the car drove past the tall buildings and beautiful streets; indeed, the city was pleasing to the eye, but that was all for now.

Dad insisted we relocate to this new city since he was shifting into the beverage business, and according to him, this city had promising prospects for that.

As we pulled into the gates of the villa Dad had purchased, I couldn't help but marvel at the loveliness it held.

“See, I told you,” his voice echoed from behind. “You love it, don't you...” Dad trailed off.

“It's beautiful, Dad,” I said honestly.

The servants offloaded our luggage while I strolled into the building, eager to see its interior.

Dad did his thing with the mansion, he made sure everything was entirely in place for our arrival.

My room was bigger than my old one back at home, with my favorite colors, pink and yellow, painted across the walls.

It was beautifully decorated, just the way I loved it. Dad was really trying his best, and that was enough reason to not hate him for dragging me all the way to a new country to start over.

Yes! I was starting my life over. Moving to a new school and making new friends was a nightmare for my nerdy ass.

Later that night, I stared out the window of my room, watching the moon stand full in its glory, several thoughts running through my mind until a knock on the door stirred me out.

“Dad?”

“Hey, honey, still up?” he said as he walked towards the bed.

“Can't sleep.”

“Me neither,” he murmured. My lips tugged up in a smile at his retort.

“I know everything happening must be overwhelming, but I assure you things will fall in place soon.”

“I'm slightly anxious about school, that's all,” I admitted as he wrapped his arms around me.

“I'm certain you'll make new friends soonest. I mean, you are, after all, the most likable person I know.”

I chuckled at his words.

“Get some rest. You don't want to be late on your first day of school.”

The entire night, I tossed around until it was morning. I wasn't sure if it was the anxiety of beginning a new school that kept sleep away or the fact that I didn't like it here yet.

I quickly got ready that morning, glancing at my choice of outfit for the day. I wore my favorite blue jeans, my white shirt, and a sweater on top to match, paired with my white sneaks.

I admired my work and loved my choice of outfit. Deciding to take my Gucci bag, gifted to me by Dad on my 16th birthday, I left my room.

Arriving downstairs, I was welcomed by a beautiful lady.

“Hi, Elia. I’m Maggie, your new housekeeper. Food is ready.” She had the brightest smile I’d ever seen.

“Hi,” I waved back. “Where is my father?”

“Oh, he already left early this morning, but he left you something.”

I watched as Maggie brought with her a wrapped-up package, and I rolled my eyes—typical Dad. Always missing important occasions but never failing to send gifts for them.

“Thank you, Maggie,” I said, grabbing a sandwich from the table and exiting the room.

My driver was to bring me to school that morning since Dad had bolted out on me, capitalizing on his work as the reason.

We arrived at school fifteen minutes before my first class, which was a good thing.

This new school was a bit odd. I noticed the population of students wasn't as numerous as I had imagined.

The cold stares I got from students as I strolled through the halls, and the ancient structures and sculptures encircling the premises sent a certain chill down my spine.

Yet, I shoved the feeling off, trying to be confident, after all, it was my first day.

“Hi, ma’am. Aurelia Rivers,” I motioned to the lady at the front desk. She flashed me a cute smile before handing me my curriculum.

“You're the new girl.” I nodded.

“Your class is on the first floor, down the hall, to the right. And Aurelia, welcome to Blacks High.”

Okay, maybe she sounded way too comfortable, which kind of freaked me out.

Unluckily for me, the teacher had already arrived in class at my arrival, yeah, thanks to the pretty lady at the principal's office.

“You're two minutes late, Miss Rivers,” the young professor let out.

All eyes darted in my direction. I would gladly run back down the hall if given the chance. Shame washed over me.

“Everyone, welcome our newest addition, Miss Aurelia Rivers.”

If anything, I was bad at giving speeches or anything of the sort.

“Hi, I'm Elia,” I said before rushing to find an empty chair.

Of course, the front seats were all taken, so I had to make do with the back.

“Welcome, Elia.” I heard someone whisper.

The most striking brown eyes searched mine. She had a warm smile on her face; I couldn't refuse her gesture.

“Thank you.”

“I'm Jane. It's so nice to meet you.”

Class eventually ended with me trying hard to keep up with the professor.

I had four classes for the day, and thankfully, I was done with three. It was lunch time already, and the students rushed out of their different classes, all in groups.

“Hey, Elia.”

I veered around to see Jane standing outside my class. Kind of weird, but she gave off a friendly vibe, one which, I admit, I needed.

“You're here.”

“Yes, Elia, I'm here. It's lunch time, and I want you to eat with us,” she said.

“Who is us?”

“You'll see. Come on.” She grabbed my hand, pulling me along.

As we walked through the double doors of the lunch area, all eyes darted toward me.

Why the weird stares? Some students were even whispering about us.

“Hi, people!” Jane greeted a certain group as we arrived at their table.

A girl and two guys were already seated. They all exchanged greetings while I merely watched.

“So, you're the new girl...” One of the boys said, eyeing me intently. “Not bad.”

“Hey! What do you mean, not bad? She is freaking gorgeous.” The Asian girl said, her English was way too good to be Asian.

“Hi, Elia, I'm Kira.” She knew my name?

Jane introduced the boys. Drey, the calm one, simply nodded at me, while the sharp-tongued one was Wesley.

We had barely settled in when the girls in the room began to squeal excitedly, like they had seen a god or something.

“Of course, they would create a scene,” I heard Kira scoff before focusing on her phone.

I raised my head to see what might be causing the commotion, only to notice two figures walking into the area.

Both boys looked hot as hell—reasons for the girls screaming so loud. Yet one caught my attention.

For a second, his eyes were fixed on me—or not.

They seemed to be headed this way, and I couldn't help but gulp hard as they approached.

“When does the drama end?” Jane said, rolling her eyes.

“The show never ends, Janelle... especially with a new girl now in the picture,” Wesley retorted, causing Jane to hit him with her purse.

My gaze moved back to the gorgeous creature whose presence was already suffocating me. Our eyes met, and I quickly looked away.

“Hey, Abaddon, you met the new girl already?” Wesley yelled, and I was sure I was about to disappear with the attention now on me.

Yet, before he could say a word, someone bolted into his arms. A very pretty blonde.

She wrapped her arms around him before they shared the hottest French kiss I’d ever witnessed.

Fuck! Mr. Gorgeous was already taken.