Chapter 1

*Ariana*

"Arianaaaaa!!!!!" My mum screamed.

Ughhhh!! I swear that woman sure makes a lot of noise for someone so tiny. It's like she has a personal vendetta against my eardrums every single morning. Can a girl not sleep in peace for once?

"I'm coming mum!" I yelled back, reluctantly peeling myself off my cozy bed and dragging my feet down the stairs. Each step felt like a protest against the cruel injustice of early mornings.

I found my mom in the kitchen, hovering over a pot of something that smelled suspiciously edible. For once, her cooking might actually be safe to consume. Miracles do happen, I guess.

"Good morning," I said, layering my voice with so much fake sweetness it could give someone diabetes. I deserved an Oscar for this performance, honestly.

"Sweetie, your dad wants you to accompany him to the hospital for charity on Friday. He already went for a business trip, so he won't be back till Friday morning to pick you up."

I inwardly rolled my eyes so hard I'm surprised they didn't get stuck. Of course. Another perfect family outing where I get to play the doting daughter while smiling at sick children. How delightful. But outwardly, I was the picture of obedience.

"I'll be right there, you know I love helping the children." I smiled—wide, bright, and absolutely fake. Practically glowing with manufactured sincerity.

"That's my good girl." She gave me one of those big parent smiles that made me want to gag. The kind that says "I'm so proud of you" while having absolutely no idea who I actually am. (Yuck.)

"Now go prepare for school and come have breakfast. You don't want to be late."

As if. I live for the chaos of almost being late. The adrenaline rush, the narrow escapes, the teachers' frustrated sighs—it's its own kind of entertainment.

I trudged back to my room, ready to transform from the sweet little princess they all know into something far more interesting. 'I honestly don't want to be late and get a detention, I'm scaredddd.' I laughed at my own joke. Yeah, right. Detention is just a different kind of playground.

Anyway—time for introductions, I suppose.

I'm Ariana Kings. Ari to my friends, Anna to my siblings, and "that little demon" to anyone who's crossed me at school. I'm 17—well, 17 and a half, but who's counting? I'll be 18 soon by December. My birthday can't come fast enough.

I love singing and dancing. Most importantly, I love destroying people. Oh, the joy. The pleasure. The melodious sound of pain—so satisfying, so exquisite. It's like music, but better. The way their faces fall when they realize they've underestimated me? Chef's kiss.

Ahem. Where were we? Oh right, introduction.

I'm the third child, basically the last born of my family. So everyone treats me like their little princess who is so innocent and caring. If only they knew who I was at school. If only they knew what I did when they weren't watching. I snickered at the thought. The irony is delicious.

Let's just cut that bullshit. Time to prepare for school. Don't want to be late, heheee.

A/n

Well, that went well, I guess... there's more to come.

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