Chapter 4: A New Girl's Fire

Calla’s POV

“You know…” Fenrir began carefully, his voice low. “I think it was the triplets who locked you inside.”

I turned to him, my eyes narrowing.

“I saw you running back, but you stayed longer than I expected. I passed one of them on my way to find you,” he added.

I didn’t answer. I stared out the window, gripping the edge of the seat. My dislike for the triplets intensified with every thought of their cruelty.

When we arrived at the castle, I froze for a split second. One of them stood at the entrance. He didn’t move, just leaned casually against the doorframe, watching us.

I ignored him, taking a deep breath. “Fenrir, come on,” I said, gesturing him to follow me inside.

“And where do you think you’re going?” The triplet’s voice was smooth, dangerous.

“She invited me in,” Fenrir said firmly, his jaw tight, eyes steady.

The triplet stepped closer, a shadow of authority, towering over him. “Leave. Right now,” he said.

Fenrir didn’t flinch. He looked at me once, calm and unwavering. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said.

“No, you won’t,” the triplet snapped, a warning edge in his tone.

As Fenrir climbed back into his car, I turned to glare at the triplet. “What the hell is your problem?” I demanded, heat rising in my chest.

“Trust me,” he said smoothly, “Fenrir is not as nice as he looks. He’s cunning.”

I scoffed, crossing my arms. “Right. And yet he rescued me from the equipment room where you locked me up, and then drove me home safely.”

“What? No. We had no idea you were trapped there,” the triplet replied quickly, voice smooth but defensive. “We didn’t see you and assumed you followed your new friend.”

I muttered under my breath, walking away, fuming. “Keep messing with me…”

How could they be so cruel? So deliberate?

I pictured myself trapped alone in that room if Fenrir hadn’t shown up. My chest tightened, anger and fear mingling. How could anyone be so heartless?

That night, I insisted on having dinner in my room. Nina quietly served the tray, the warm scent of food filling the large, elegant space. I ate slowly, letting the calm of the room settle over me.

After finishing, I changed into my pajamas and was just about to crawl into bed when there was a soft knock at my door.

“Baby,” my mother’s voice floated through.

I smiled before I opened the door, and she pulled me into a warm hug. All the anger, frustration, and anxiety from the day melted away in that instant.

Her presence had a way of grounding me, reminding me that no matter what chaos swirled around me, I had someone on my side.

“How was school?” she asked gently, pulling back just enough to look at my face.

“Good,” I replied softly.

“You didn’t join us for dinner,” she noted, a hint of concern in her tone.

“I’m just tired,” I lied, not wanting her to worry.

She smiled knowingly. “I can understand. First day in a new school can be overwhelming.”

We sat together for a while, talking quietly. I told her about the classrooms, the division between A and B, and my new friends. She listened intently, her eyes warm and bright, occasionally laughing at my expressions.

“Calla, I need to tell you something,” she said suddenly, her tone softer, almost hesitant.

I tilted my head. “What is it?”

“I’m leaving for my honeymoon this weekend,” she said carefully, as if gauging my reaction.

My eyes lit up. “That’s beautiful, Mom!” I exclaimed, hugging her again.

Relief washed over her face. “Will you be okay here while I’m gone?” she asked, worry threading through her words.

“Of course,” I said, smiling warmly. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll take care of myself. You can enjoy your honeymoon without thinking twice.”

She lingered for a moment, squeezing my hand gently. “I know you will. You’re so strong, Calla. Always remember that, even when things get complicated.”

“I will, Mom,” I whispered. I meant it. Her confidence in me felt like a shield I could carry into every challenge the triplets or anyone else could throw my way.

She finally kissed the top of my head and left, leaving me in the quiet, luxurious room. I stared out the window at the twinkling city below, feeling the weight of the day fade, but also knowing that the next few days would be anything but calm.

The next day at school, I had just finished meeting with the home teacher in the office and was making my way back when two mean-looking girls suddenly blocked my path.

It took me a second to register their faces, these were the same girls I had seen with the triplets in the cafeteria yesterday.

“So… you’re the gold digger staying with the triplets,” one of them sneered.

I raised an eyebrow, letting my gaze slide over her like a blade. “Excuse me?” I asked. Others passing suddenly stopped to watch.

“Don’t pretend you don’t understand. You may be living with the triplets, but don’t try anything funny,” the other spat.

I tilted my head slightly, a faint smirk playing at my lips. “When you say ‘funny,’ what exactly do you mean? Because I’m dying to know.”

“Shut up while we talk!” she barked.

I let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Of all the students in this school to pick on a new girl, it’s… you two? Really? The ugly ones? How ambitious.”

“I beg your pardon?” the first girl hissed, her face flushing.

I leaned just a little closer, letting the words cut. “My pardon refuses to be begged. Take notes, in your remaining miserable lives, never, ever think of picking on me again…”

“Did you just…” the other girl started, shocked.

I cut her off. “Don’t ever interrupt me while I speak.”

Sue growled sharply through the mindlink, her anger buzzing in my skull. ‘Allow me out, let me teach them a lesson.’

I let her simmer for a moment. ‘Don’t worry,’ I assured her. ‘I’ve got this.’

The first girl opened her mouth again. “How dare you?”

I sighed dramatically, rolling my eyes. “Intelligence seeks you out… but it appears you two are masters in hiding. Excuse me.”

I strode past them, shoulders brushing theirs deliberately, a subtle assertion of dominance. If they thought they could intimidate me, they were very, very wrong. Those around began to murmur, some giggling.

By the time I reached class, I spotted Elera waiting for me, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“The school’s mating ball is happening this weekend,” she gushed.

“I see,” I said, leaning back against my desk casually.

“All students can attend! Please tell me you’ll come,” she pleaded, eyes wide, practically sparkling with hope.

I shrugged lightly, feigning indifference. “I don’t know yet.”

“Pleaseeeee, come with me!” she begged, eyes darting rapidly, almost hypnotically persuasive.

I exhaled, surrendering just a little. “Fine,” I said, letting a small smile slip.

“Thank you!” Elera squealed, practically bouncing in her seat.

I returned her smile.