Autumn Reynolds had barely gotten through her second day at Blackwood Academy, and already she had a new enemy.
Vanessa Sinclair had made it clear: she didn't like Autumn, and she wasn't going to let her presence go unnoticed.
Autumn had tried to ignore her, focusing on her classes and keeping her head down, but Vanessa wasn't one to be ignored. Not when she felt threatened.
It started in the first class of the day—English Literature. Autumn had just settled into her seat when Vanessa strolled in, wearing her usual perfect uniform and a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Autumn's stomach twisted. She knew that smile meant trouble.
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A Subtle Attack
Vanessa didn't sit near Autumn, at least not yet. Instead, she positioned herself where the entire class could see her, flanked by her two loyal friends, Chloe and Miranda. The three of them whispered and giggled under their breath, clearly aware that all eyes were on them.
Autumn tried to focus on the teacher, but Vanessa's gaze found her anyway. Autumn could feel it, sharp and assessing, like a predator studying prey.
Then, in the middle of the lesson, Vanessa raised her hand.
"Yes, Vanessa?" the teacher asked.
Vanessa's voice was sweet, almost innocent, but it carried an edge. "I just wanted to ask… how does someone like Autumn even qualify for this school? I mean, scholarships are great, but… don't you think it's a bit unfair?"
A few students snickered, glancing at Autumn.
Autumn's cheeks burned, but she kept her voice calm. "I worked hard to earn my scholarship. Just like everyone else works hard to achieve their grades."
Vanessa's smirk faltered for the briefest second. "Oh, I see. So she thinks she belongs here," she whispered to Chloe and Miranda, loud enough for a few people near them to hear.
The rest of the class tried to focus, but the tension had already spread. Autumn could feel it—Vanessa had just made her the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.
---
After Class
By the time the bell rang, Autumn was ready to escape. She quickly gathered her books and headed toward the courtyard. She wasn't surprised when Vanessa appeared in front of her, blocking her path.
"Going somewhere, charity girl?" Vanessa asked, her voice low and dangerous.
Autumn stopped but didn't back down. "I'm just going to the library. Why?"
Vanessa smiled, but it was sharp, like a knife. "No reason. Just making sure you're… staying in line."
Autumn raised an eyebrow. "Line? I don't follow your lines, Vanessa."
Vanessa's eyes narrowed. "Watch your mouth. You're new, and you already think you can speak to me like that? I suggest you start being careful. People who make me angry… don't last long here."
Autumn didn't flinch. "I don't plan to disappear. And I'm not scared of you."
Vanessa's two friends snickered, but Vanessa's glare only grew colder.
"Good," she said, her voice almost a whisper. "Because I'll be watching."
And with that, she walked away, her two followers trailing behind her like obedient shadows.
Autumn let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Great. Just great.
---
An Unexpected Ally
As Autumn walked toward the library, she spotted Theo waiting by the entrance, leaning casually against the wall.
"Everything okay?" he asked, noticing her tense expression.
Autumn shook her head. "No. Vanessa Sinclair is… she's a problem."
Theo smiled faintly. "I noticed. And honestly, I'm not surprised. She doesn't take well to anyone challenging her."
Autumn groaned. "Challenging her? I just… spoke my mind!"
Theo laughed softly. "Yeah, but apparently, speaking your mind is a crime in Vanessa's world. Don't worry. You're stronger than you think. She's just used to people being afraid of her."
Autumn smiled faintly, feeling a bit of relief. Theo had this way of making everything seem a little less overwhelming.
"Thanks," she said. "I just… don't know how long I can handle this. She's relentless."
Theo's expression softened. "You'll handle it. Trust me. And if she gets too aggressive, you've got me to back you up."
Autumn felt a warmth in her chest. Theo wasn't just kind. He genuinely cared, and it showed.
---
A Meeting With Fate
Later that afternoon, Autumn had finished her last class and was heading toward the cafeteria when she ran straight into someone familiar.
Zayden Calloway.
He was leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed, a smirk on his face. Autumn felt her chest tighten—not out of fear, exactly, but a confusing mix of irritation and curiosity.
"Well, look at you," he said, tilting his head. "Still standing strong after your first real encounter with Vanessa?"
Autumn raised an eyebrow. "You mean, still alive after your queen bee decided to make my life miserable?"
Zayden chuckled. "That too. But honestly, I didn't think anyone could stand up to her. Most people fold the second she opens her mouth."
Autumn frowned. "I don't want to stand out. I just… want to get through school without being… tortured by people like her."
Zayden studied her for a moment. "You're different," he said. "You're not afraid of her. You're not afraid of me. I like that."
Autumn crossed her arms, unsure how to respond. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
Zayden smirked. "Maybe. Or maybe I just find it… interesting."
Autumn groaned. "Great. So now I'm interesting to the two most impossible people in this school."
Zayden laughed, a low sound that made her heart skip in an annoying, confusing way. "Yes. Welcome to Blackwood Academy."
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The Storm is Only Beginning
That evening, Autumn sat in her small, cramped room at her aunt's house, staring at her school books. Her day had been exhausting, terrifying, and… strangely exciting.
She thought about Vanessa's sneers, Zayden's smirk, and Theo's reassuring smile. She knew one thing for sure: nothing at Blackwood Academy was going to be easy.
Vanessa would continue her schemes, trying to humiliate her. Zayden would continue to be annoying, unpredictable, and inexplicably fascinating. And Theo… well, Theo would be her anchor in this storm.
Autumn closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She had survived two days. She could survive more.
And she would not let anyone push her around, no matter how rich, powerful, or charming they were.
Because one thing was certain: Autumn Reynolds had arrived at Blackwood Academy, and she wasn't leaving without a fight.