LOGIN“Settle down, everyone. We have a lot to discuss.”Calian steps onto the makeshift wooden platform he had erected for himself in the dead center of the room. The space is cramped, hidden deep within the underbelly of the old farm villa, illuminated only by the harsh, flickering amber glow of lamps. Scores of people surround him. There are about a dozen of them, by the looks of it. A dozen wolves who want a revolution.Troy settles quietly into the far corner of the room, drawing her denim jacket tightly around her shoulders. She fades purposefully into the background, a ghost in the shadows, positioning herself where she can closely observe every micro-expression, every shifting posture, and every secret glance exchanged in the crowd.“So, this is going down,” Calian announces, his voice dropping into a deep register. “First off, let’s vote. Who here feels it's time for Dorian to go?”Troy’s stomach immediately turns at the way he says his name. Dorian. As if it is just another name a
Sitting back in the stands, the next fight has just begun. But Troy’s head is still spinning from what he just did at the bar.The guy with the razor teeth sits back in his place. When he smiles at Troy, his teeth are covered in fresh blood. “The fat guy died, sssso I bought him.”“Oh,” Troy says.For a second only, the idea shocks her. But then, she smiles back at him. Genuinely. Because nothing about him is scary to her anymore. He is just another being trying to survive the best way he can.Troy looks at Dorian then, but he has been quiet since they got back from the bar. And his eyes are completely unreadable.“What?”Tilting his head, he doesn’t say anything. But then his eyes snap to something behind her. Or someone.Then, with a sudden frown, he quickly looks back at her as if he wants to say something to her. But he slides his arm over her shoulders, protectively drawing her closer.“Dorian, my friend.” Someone says from behind her. A smooth, low voice that doesn’t sound quit
They drive into an underground parking lot, circling endlessly before hitting a dead end in front of a shady space.He holds the door open for her, and she gets out. “You ready?”“Yes.”He holds his hand out to her. “Take my hand. And don't let go.”Troy swallows. “Okay.”When she takes his hand, he interlaces his fingers with hers tightly. “We might have to pretend to be a couple. Depending on who is here.”“Okay” is the only word she seems able to get out.Standing in front of a worn, graffitied door, they wait a few seconds before it automatically opens. Then they walk in.As soon as the garage door closes behind them, electric music, smoke, and the smell of blood overwhelm her. It's dizzying. He didn't joke about this. This place is different. The smell of death hangs in the air, and the cheers that follow prove people are loving it.Her fingers clasp tightly around his, and he glances down at her. “Keep your head high. Pretend not to be too bothered. Otherwise, you'll pull attent
At eight, Troy slips out of her dorm.Soft music hums behind closed doors. People pass with drinks, some already drunk, some carrying books they don't intend to open.She scans the crowd once before her eyes settle on him.Dorian already leans against his door, as if he has nowhere to be. His eyes stay fixed on something entirely unimportant.A toothpick hangs lazily between his teeth, one eyebrow lifted as if deep in thought. His hair is neatly braided back, then left loose into a low bun. A fitted black T-shirt sits over black jeans.Scores of people move between them. No one suspects a thing. Or so says the plan.Troy walks in his direction, slow and unhurried, closing the distance between them.And as soon as she does, his eyes flick to her. Quick. His jaw twitches, even from a distance. Then he looks away.After a few steps, she flings her denim jacket over her shoulders in a swift movement. His eyes draw to her again.When she walks past him, she flicks her hair free from under
Troy sits inside the bathroom stall, her fingers trembling so badly she has to rewrite the same sentence three times before the words finally make sense.I need to see you. It’s urgent.She stares at the message for one long second before pressing send. Then she waits. And waits.Her leg bounces uncontrollably under her short checkered skirt while the noise from the hallway outside completely quiets down. By the sound of it, everyone else is already in class. No more students laughing. No chairs scraping. A heavy, absolute silence settles over the room, somehow making the panic clawing at her chest feel worse.Finally, her phone buzzes against her palm.What’s wrong?Her fingers fly over the glowing screen.Where are you?A moment later:Just stepped into class. You?Come to the bathroom on the left of the dining hall. Now.The typing bubble appears immediately. Then it disappears. And appears again.Finally: Hold on.Troy presses both hands over her face, letting out a ragged breath.
Troy has been hanging around Calian’s group for the past couple of days, mingling and trying her best to feel socially involved. Calian hasn't been awkward at all. There has been no mention of the kiss, which makes sense since it wasn't really supposed to be romantic anyway. Trish has been joining in as well, which meant they had to stop talking about wolf stuff whenever she was around completely.Sitting with the group now on the courtyard grass, Trish mentions she has to head out to hockey practice so that she won't be joining them for a couple of days.The moment Trish moves away out of earshot, Troy slides closer, sitting down next to Calian. “Are you planning on telling her?”Calian glances toward Trish’s retreating form. “Why would I do that? That's too risky.”“Yeah, I get it. But she’s really into you, I think.”“Well, I'm not an ideal person to get hung up on, obviously.” He turns his green eyes back to Troy.“Did you… the other night?” Troy probes, lowering her voice.“Wha







