The man in black slid a folder across the desk.
Inside was a printed schedule.
A dorm assignment.
A list of rules.
And a name stamped in silver.
ROOM: 3C — CRESCENT WING
Mary's fingers tightened around the folder.
The principal continued, voice lower. "You leave today."
Mary's mouth went dry. "Today?"
The man in black finally spoke, voice smooth and empty.
"You will pack the following: uniforms, toiletries, personal items. Anything not on the list will be provided. You will not return to Hawthorne High."
Mary blinked hard.
It was happening too fast.
Mary forced herself to ask the question that mattered most.
"Who are you?"
The man's eyes flicked to her hair.
The platinum streaks.
Then back to her face.
"An escort," he said. "And your protection."
Mary's skin prickled.
Protection from what?
Or from who?
She clutched the folder to her chest and stumbled out of the office.
The moment she stepped outside—
She saw them.
Black vehicles lined up in the parking lot, engines running.
Men dressed in dark uniforms stood near the doors, scanning the school like wolves waiting to claim prey.
Students pressed against windows, watching like it was a show.
Mary's lungs tightened.
This isn't a school invitation…
This is a capture.
⸻
When Mary got home, the house was chaos.
Boxes.
Clothes.
Bags.
Marvin stood in the living room holding up a black blazer like he was evaluating battle armor.
Mary stared, stunned. "What is all this?"
Marvin glanced over, completely calm.
"You're packing."
Mary's voice cracked. "You knew I was leaving today too?!"
Marvin didn't answer right away.
He just walked over and handed her something.
A phone.
Sleek. New. Expensive.
Mary stared at it. "Marvin…"
He shoved it into her hand. "Latest one. Don't break it."
Mary blinked. "How did you—"
"Don't ask," he grumbled. Then he pointed toward the couch where brand-new clothes were folded neatly. Dresses. Jeans. Shoes. A makeup bag.
Mary's throat tightened.
He'd never bought her things like this before.
Not because he didn't have money.
Because Marvin didn't believe in spoiling people.
So this meant one thing.
He was scared.
Mary's voice went quiet. "You really think I'm going."
Marvin's eyes flicked to her face, sharp but softer than usual.
"You're going," he said simply. "Because they won't take no."
Mary swallowed. "What if I don't come back?"
Marvin's jaw clenched.
He walked closer, and for a second… Mary thought he might hug her.
He didn't.
Instead, he lifted her chin with two fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze.
"Then you make sure you do," he said, voice rough. "Knock 'em dead, kid."
Mary let out a shaky breath that almost turned into a laugh.
Almost.
Then Marvin cleared his throat and stepped back quickly, like emotions embarrassed him.
"Now go put on something decent," he barked. "You're not walking into that place looking like you lost a fight."
Mary blinked away the burning in her eyes.
"Okay," she whispered.
⸻
Later, when Mary stepped outside in her new outfit—dark jeans, a fitted top, clean shoes, hair sleek and shining—she felt like a different person.
Not confident.
But… sharper.
Prepared.
She walked toward the car where her friends had rushed over the second they heard.
Jada gasped. "MARY?!"
Avery covered her mouth. "Okay, miss model—"
Mary rolled her eyes. "Stop."
Miles stood a little apart, hands shoved in his pockets, staring at her like he forgot how to breathe.
His cheeks turned slightly pink when she looked at him.
Mary paused. "What?"
Miles blinked, pushing his glasses up too fast. "Nothing. You just—um."
He swallowed.
"You look really great."
Mary's stomach fluttered strangely.
It wasn't fear that time.
It was something warm.
Something that made her glance away quickly.
"Thanks," she murmured.
Jada elbowed Avery and whispered loudly, "He's in love."
Miles choked. "I am NOT—"
Avery cackled. "He totally is!"
Mary's cheeks warmed. "Guys, stop."
But for the first time all day…
Mary smiled for real.
Then the sound of a car door opening snapped her back to reality.
The man in black stood by the vehicle, waiting.
The escort.
The cage on wheels.
Marvin stepped onto the porch behind her, hands in his pockets.
He looked nonchalant like always.
But his eyes were heavy.
"Don't start crying," he muttered.
Mary laughed softly. "I wasn't going to."
Marvin grunted. "Good."
Mary turned toward him.
For a second, she didn't know what to do.
So she did the only thing she could.
She hugged him.
Marvin froze like someone had stabbed him.
Then, after a pause, his arms wrapped around her awkwardly, holding her close like he didn't know how to let go.
His voice was low, rough.
"Be smart," he murmured. "Be mean if you have to. Don't trust pretty faces. And if you feel something's wrong—run."
Mary's throat burned. "Okay."
Marvin pulled back first, clearing his throat harshly.
"Go on," he snapped. "Before I change my mind and lock you in the basement."
Mary smiled, watery.
"I love you," she whispered.
Marvin's eyes flicked away.
"Yeah," he muttered. "Whatever."
Mary turned toward the car.
Toward Obsidian Moon Academy.
Toward her unknown past.
Toward the Alphas she'd only seen in a dream.
As she stepped closer, the escort opened the door for her.
Mary hesitated.
Her friends stood behind her, eyes wide with excitement and fear.
The parking lot was full of staring students.
The air felt too still.
Mary climbed inside.
The door shut with a final, heavy click.
And as the car began to move—
Mary realized something she couldn't stop thinking.
If this academy is already watching me…
what happens when I arrive?
Because if the murdered Alpha's warning was real…
Mary wasn't just chosen.
She was next.