Chapter 1 : Welcome to Elysium University

*Lily*

When I set foot into Elysium University that morning, I had no idea how much my life was about to change.

The chill of the autumn breeze greeted me as I stepped out of the taxi, clutching my backpack and pulling my luggage behind me. The classic buildings, weathered by time, stood tall with intricate details etched into their stone facades. Vines, like nature's artwork, adorned the walls, adding a touch of wild beauty to the historical charm.

An intoxicating mix of excitement and anxiety bubbled within my chest as I surveyed the campus, my heart quickening at the thought of what awaited me here.

Having just transferred from another college, this was more than a simple change of scenery for me. Financial struggles had forced my father and me to pack up and move to a new city in pursuit of a more affordable life.

Taking in the grandeur of Elysium University now, I couldn't shake the weight of responsibility that rested on my shoulders. The scholarship I had earned through relentless determination was my lifeline now. This prestigious institution was my shot at providing both me and my dad a peaceful and comfortable life in the future, proving that smarts could beat the odds.

"Hello there! You must be Lily Everhart!" A radiant voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my eyes to a young woman with a cheerful grin and an official-looking badge pinned to her shirt. "I'm your orientation guide, Harper. Welcome to Elysium University!"

"Hi, Harper," I replied, returning her smile. "Thank you. I am really excited to be here."

"Let me help you with your bags," she offered, taking hold of my suitcase handle. "We'll head straight to the Bronze Wing. That's where all the scholarship students like us stay."

I knew what she was talking about. I had researched this place before coming here. Its social dynamics were intriguing—Silver Wing for the privileged elite, and Bronze for the ones whose dreams were bigger than their bank accounts.

I was about to step into a world where financial status dictated your residence. Harper's friendly demeanor provided a semblance of comfort, but the invisible lines of division were palpable, reminding me that I was here merely for my education and my future career.

"Sounds great," I added, grateful for her assistance and eager to learn more about my new home.

As we navigated through the campus and into the labyrinthine corridors of the Bronze Wing, I couldn't help but notice the vibrant atmosphere that surrounded us. Students lounged in common areas, their voices blending into a symphony of laughter and camaraderie. Today was supposed to be the first day of the academic year, so everyone seemed more excited than what I imagined they would be by the end of the semester.

"Everyone here seems so friendly," I remarked, unable to suppress my delight at the sudden sense of community I felt.

"Right?" Harper agreed, nodding enthusiastically while she guided me through the hallways. "And that's just one of the many perks of living in the Bronze Wing. We may not have the glitz and glamour of the Silver Wing, but we're supportive of each other. Most of us really value the opportunity to be studying here, and we want everyone to feel welcomed."

Her words resonated deep within me, stoking the fire of determination that had driven me to transfer to Elysium in the first place. I wanted to become a geneticist, and Elysium was the best place for me to start my journey. Knowing I would have people around me with the same hunger and resolution was the boost I needed.

As I gazed at the eager faces around me, I knew that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

"Thank you," I said softly to Harper.

"Of course!" She beamed at me, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Now, let's get you settled in!"

As we approached the door to my new room, Harper gave me an encouraging pat on the back and left me with a final 'good luck'. With trepidation and excitement churning inside of me, I turned the knob and stepped inside.

My eyes scanned the space, taking in the simple furnishings and twin beds. The left side of the room was already adorned with string lights and posters, indicating that my roommate had moved in before me.

I set my luggage down on the unoccupied bed and began unpacking, thoughts racing through my mind about what kind of person my roommate might be.

Her desk was a canvas of inspiration, adorned with art supplies, notebooks, and a kaleidoscope of sticky notes with scribbled ideas. The shelves displayed a curated collection of novels, each spine hinting at a different genre.

Just as I was hanging up my favorite lab coat, a burst of vibrant, curly hair and contagious laughter filled the doorway.

"Hey! Lily, right?" the girl exclaimed, bounding into the room with an infectious cheerfulness that lit up her face, her lively, expressive eyes sparkling as she took me in.

"Hi! Yes, that'd be me," I replied with a smile. "I'm guessing you're my roommate?"

"Guilty as charged!" She extended a hand to me, which I shook enthusiastically. "I'm Rachel Martinez. It's so great to finally meet you!"

"Likewise," I responded, feeling an immediate connection to her. Rachel exuded energy and positivity, two qualities that I knew would make my time here much more endurable and enjoyable.

As I continued to settle into our shared space, our banter flowed effortlessly. We discussed our hometowns, families, and dreams for the future while adorning my side of the walls with more posters and string lights.

It didn't take us long to realize that we were going to share almost the entire same class schedule within the Biological Sciences course. While I aimed to pursue a career in biotechnology, Rachel, on the other hand, harbored a passion for contributing to non-profit organizations dedicated to preserving the planet.

"I am so happy we've been paired in the same room," Rachel mused excitedly.

"Me too," I agreed, feeling a surge of optimism. If the rest of my time at Elysium was anything like this first day, I knew that I was in for an experience unlike any other.

Only, I was too hasty to affirm something like that.

At that point, I had no idea what I was going to face–much less who I was going to meet.

"By the way, have you heard about Elysium's social hierarchy?" Rachel asked as she hung the last string of lights over my bed.

"I kind of did my research, but I didn't find much other than the explanation about the division of houses," I replied hesitantly.

"Yep. Exactly. As you said, there are two main wings in the university–the Bronze Wing and the Silver Wing," Rachel started as she sat on her bed. "The Bronze Wing is where we are now, obviously. It's mainly for scholarship students, like us. It's a nice place and people are generally friendly."

"I noticed that as Harper guided me here earlier," I added softly, nodding my understanding.

"And then there's the Silver Wing," Rachel continued, her tone changing slightly, becoming a bit more serious and warning. "That's where the wealthy and influential students live. It's not that they're all bad or anything, but let's just say that some of them can be a bit...entitled."

I felt a twinge of alertness at this revelation, knowing that navigating the social dynamics of college life would be even more challenging by adding a layer of wealth and privilege. However, I was determined to make the most of my experience at Elysium, regardless of any social barriers.

"Okay…" I mumbled, unsure of where she was going with this.

Rachel waved her hand at me eagerly. "I didn't say this to scare you. Just make sure you don’t get in their way. You know…if we are invisible to them, they won't realize we're here and won’t try to make our lives harder."

I wondered if there was something else Rachel wasn’t telling me, but truth be told, I felt like she was just being dramatic, or maybe wanting to cause a big impression on me on my first day.

I honestly didn't think it could be that bad.

But, boy, if I only knew.

After settling in, Rachel and I headed out to the welcome event. Stepping into the crowd in the auditorium, I was instantly blown away by the immense crowd and the buzz in the air, the atmosphere electric with excitement and anticipation.

"Isn't this amazing?" Rachel exclaimed. "You will see people here love to throw parties. Not these events organized by the school, but the nice, fun kind of party. I think they are expected in every college, but somehow, Elysium is even better at that."

"Seriously?" I wasn't one who liked to party much, but I was suddenly feeling a bit more open to the idea.

I knew that my time here would be transformative, since it would help me become who I wanted to be professionally, but until that moment, I hadn't considered how much it would also affect my personal life.

And as if on cue, fate intervened to provide me with my first test.

My eyes suddenly fell upon a figure who stood out from the crowd. His black leather jacket and nonchalant demeanor set him apart from the sea of fresh-faced students, immediately drawing my attention. Not to mention his striking features and undeniable handsomeness.

His eyes, piercing blue as the crystal-clear ocean, scanned the surroundings, an intensity radiating from him. His athletic build and messy black hair hinted at a silent confidence, the air around him carrying a rebellious aura that set my heart racing, even from a distance.

Unable to mask my intrigue, I turned to Rachel. "Who's that?" I asked, trying to sound casual but unable to tear my gaze away from that mysterious guy.

"Ah, that’d be the infamous Adrian Sterling," she replied with a sly grin. "I was wondering when you'd notice him."

"Infamous?" I raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Why's that?"

Rachel leaned in conspiratorially, her voice low. "Well, for starters, he's a Silver Wing resident. And not just any Silver Winger, mind you–he's got quite the notorious reputation around here. He's somewhat of a bad boy, although a very intelligent and influential one. He's got excellent grades and is also the president of the Campus Cinema Program." She paused, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "But don't let that fool you. Adrian screams trouble…you know, the 'crush-your-heart-in-a-blink-of-an-eye' kind of guy?"

As I listened to Rachel's words, I couldn't help but feel a strange mix of intrigue and caution. On one hand, Adrian's enigmatic persona drew me in, making me want to learn more about him, peel back the layers of mystery surrounding him. But at the same time, I knew he was out of my league–especially since he belonged to the Silver Wing.

I needed to tread carefully moving forward, mindful of the social dynamics around me. Mingling with someone like him would definitely lead to complications I wouldn’t be able to deal with.

I hummed in response, attempting to mask my fascination and curiosity for this man I didn't even know.

"Let's go grab something to eat and enjoy this event, shall we?" Rachel offered, flashing me a knowing smile as if she knew what I was thinking.

"Sure," I agreed, forcing myself to turn away from Adrian and focus on immersing myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the welcome event.

As we moved further into the crowd, I tried to take Rachel's advice and enjoy myself, but as much as I wanted to be fully present in the moment, my mind kept drifting back to Adrian Sterling.

I could feel the magnetic pull drawing me toward him, urging me to steal a glance at him every now and then. And each time I did, I found myself captivated by his presence–the way he carried himself, the air of confidence that surrounded him, and the aura of mystery that seemed to envelop him like a cloak.

It was during one of these stolen glances that our eyes suddenly locked, and the world around me seemed to fade away. I felt my heart race as his piercing blue gaze bore into mine, instantly sending a shiver down my spine.

It made my entire body stiffen with tension, and I had to force myself to look away.

And even though I tried to avoid Adrian for the rest of the evening, I’d soon find out he wouldn’t be as far away from me as I wanted him to be.