Chapter 220: Hearts and HomeworkSERENA'S POVI'm trying my possible best to ignore everything that Gabriel told me a few minutes ago, but it's extremely really, really hard. Really hard to picture everything he says. The words echo in my mind like a relentless drumbeat, each syllable carved into my consciousness with startling clarity. His voice, deep and melodious, replays over and over again, describing things that should be impossible—things about my heritage, my bloodline, the dormant power that apparently flows through my veins like liquid fire waiting to be awakened.Everything feels confusing, and I feel like I need to just clear my mind from everything by burying myself into homework. The familiar weight of textbooks and assignments seems like the only anchor I have left in this increasingly surreal world. Mathematics equations and history dates feel safe, predictable—unlike the chaos that my life has suddenly become. So the moment school closes, I find myself locked up in t
Chapter 219: Supernatural StirringsSERENA'S POVThe first sign that something is wrong comes during third period Chemistry. I'm trying to focus on Mr. Patterson's explanation of molecular bonds when the shadow cast by the lab equipment begins moving in ways that have nothing to do with the overhead lights. At first, I think I'm imagining things—my sleep has been restless lately, filled with dreams I can't quite remember but that leave me feeling anxious and drained.But then Jessica Morrison, who sits two tables over, lets out a startled gasp and points at the wall behind me."Did anyone else see that?" she whispers, her voice tight with confusion. "The shadow just... moved. Like, by itself."I turn to look, and for just a moment, I swear I see a dark shape sliding along the wall before it snaps back to its normal position. Mr. Patterson continues his lecture, oblivious to the disturbance, but several students are now glancing around nervously."Probably just the air conditioning mo
Chapter 218: The First TouchSERENA'S POVGabriel's words from yesterday echo in my mind like a song I can't stop humming as I make my way through the school hallways. *You don't have to settle for scraps of someone's attention when you deserve their full devotion.* The truth in his statement sits heavy in my chest, making it hard to concentrate on anything else.I try to focus on my morning classes, but my thoughts keep drifting back to our conversation under the oak tree. The way Gabriel looked at me when he said I was worthy of being someone's first priority—like he really meant it, like he could see something in me that I'd forgotten existed. It's a dangerous train of thought, one that makes guilt twist in my stomach every time I catch myself thinking it.By fourth period, my head is spinning with confusion and conflicted emotions. I feel like I'm standing at the edge of a cliff, and every interaction with Gabriel pushes me closer to stepping off into something I can't take back.
Chapter 217: Growing DistanceSERENA'S POVThe laptop screen shows 8:47 PM, and still no call from Damon. I refresh my messages for the hundredth time in the past ten minutes, hoping to see some explanation for his silence, but there's nothing. Just the growing hollow ache in my chest that's become my constant companion over the past three weeks.When my phone finally buzzes at 9:23, I practically lunge for it, desperate to see his face and hear his voice after what feels like an eternity."Hey, beautiful," Damon says when the video call connects, but his smile looks strained around the edges. Behind him, I can see his dorm room—messy, with textbooks scattered across his desk and what looks like pizza boxes stacked in the corner."Hi," I say, trying to keep the hurt out of my voice. "I was starting to worry something had happened to you."Damon runs a hand through his hair, and I notice it looks different—longer, more styled, like he's actually putting effort into his appearance for
Chapter 216: Secrets and LiesSERENA'S POVThe smell hits me first—rich, dark coffee mixed with the sweet aroma of fresh pastry. It's such an unexpected combination in the sterile hallways of Crescent Moon High that I stop walking and look around in confusion. Then I see him, and my heart does that annoying flutter that I've been trying to ignore since yesterday.Gabriel is leaning against my locker with casual elegance, like he's been posed there by some invisible photographer. In his hands are two steaming coffee cups and a small white bakery bag that makes my stomach growl despite my confusion. When he sees me approaching, that mysterious smile spreads across his perfect features, and I feel my carefully constructed composure begin to crack."Good morning, Serena," he says, his accent wrapping around my name like silk. "You look tired. Rough night?"I clutch my backpack straps tighter, using them as an anchor to reality. "What are you doing here? How do you even know which locker i
Chapter 215: Dangerous AttractionSERENA'S POVAgainst every logical thought screaming in my head, I find myself nodding at Gabriel's request. The word "yes" slips from my lips before I can stop it, and the smile that spreads across his face is both beautiful and somehow predatory, like a wolf who's just convinced a lamb to follow him into the forest."Wonderful," he says, releasing my wrist slowly, his fingers trailing across my skin in a way that makes goosebumps race up my arm. "I'm in your debt."Unable to shake the strange spell he seems to cast simply by existing, I lead Gabriel out of the literature classroom and into the bustling hallway. The noise of slamming lockers and chattering students feels muted and distant, like I'm experiencing everything through a thick fog. All I can focus on is Gabriel walking beside me, his presence both comforting and unsettling in ways I can't begin to understand."So," I say, desperately trying to fill the charged silence between us, "what bri