The gates of Evercrest High loomed like iron sentinels, tall and polished, guarding the secrets of the elite. It wasn't just a school—it was a kingdom, ruled by the powerful and admired by the meek. Reputation mattered more than kindness. Status was everything. And walking into this world, for the first time, was Aria Vale.
Sixteen years old, quietly beautiful, with stormy blue eyes, long brown hairs and a presence that made time slow. She stood outside the school's entrance in a modest black skirt, crisp white shirt, and a cardigan a shade too big—an outfit that screamed "invisible," which was exactly what she wanted to be. But Aria was never meant to be invisible—not here.
Reign stood beside her. His jaw was tense, shoulders squared. Protective. Always had been, ever since they were children. He glanced sideways at her.
"You sure you're ready?" he asked gently, his voice deeper than she remembered it from the night before.
Aria gave him a half-smile. "I don't think anyone's ever ready for a school like this."
He sighed. "Stay close to Vammy. You'll like her."
She nodded silently, gripping her backpack strap. Her heart pounded. Not from fear. But something else… Something heavy. As if her soul knew this place was the doorway to everything she had forgotten—and everything that was waiting to ruin her again.
---
Inside Evercrest High...
The moment Aria stepped through the glass doors, she felt it.
Eyes.
Dozens of them.
Girls in designer heels, lip gloss glinting. Boys with cocky grins and calculated charm. Gossip whispered like wind. She could hear them already:
Who is she?
Is she new?
She's pretty… but who's she wearing that sweater for?
Her legs trembled slightly but she kept walking, her gaze down.
And then—it happened.
A storm stilled.
Across the hallway, by the massive marble staircase, stood The Elite Four.
Four boys who weren't just students, but legends.
Ares Knight. The king. Cold. Lethal. Unsmiling. Jet-black hair, a sharp jaw, and eyes that burned like a frozen fire. He leaned against the railing, dressed in a dark tailored uniform, watching her with a gaze that made her breath hitch. His hands clenched slightly.
She didn't see him.
But he… saw her.
Every cell in his body screamed.
She's here.
Kael Westwood, standing beside him, with his blonde hair, frowned as his storm-grey eyes followed Ares' line of sight. His usual smirk slipped. He blinked slowly. "Is that…"
"Aria," Ares murmured under his breath.
Kael straightened. "You sure?"
Ares didn't respond. His chest was rising slowly, deliberately, like a beast controlling the urge to run.
She had returned.
Zephyr Vale, with his wild honey brown hairs and mischief-filled eyes, turned too. His playful expression fell away. For the first time in years, he felt something in his chest twist.
And Rowan Sinclair, with his black hairs, ever the calm strategist, narrowed his eyes. "She doesn't remember. Look at her face."
Ares didn't move. Didn't blink.
He wanted to run to her. Grab her. Ask why she left. Why she forgot.
But instead…
He watched.
Like a ghost haunted by the only thing he ever cared for.
---
In the front office...
Principal Madden smiled politely as Aria sat beside Vammy Collins, who was bubbly and full of warmth. Vammy was a recent transfer too—and Leo's cousin.
"I'll take care of her," Vammy said, throwing an arm around Aria like they were lifelong friends. "We'll be besties before lunch."
Aria smiled for the first time that morning. "Thanks."
Vammy leaned in, whispering, "Heads up. This school is insane. But you're gorgeous, so you'll survive."
---
Meanwhile, in the parking lot…
Cassie Montgomery, Evercrest's crowned queen, strutted across the lot with her squad—Nova, Sierra, Kiara, and Blair—trailing like glittery shadows.
She saw Ares standing still. Too still.
Her manicured hand slipped into his.
"What are you staring at, babe?"
His eyes didn't move from Aria.
Cassie's grip tightened. "Ares?"
He blinked slowly. "Nothing."
Cassie narrowed her eyes, following his gaze to the girl walking down the hall.
The new girl.
Her smile twitched.
There's something about her, Cassie thought. Something familiar.
But Cassie wasn't used to being ignored. Especially not by Ares.
---
Back in class...
The teacher gestured toward Aria. "Everyone, this is your new classmate, Aria Vale. Please welcome her."
Murmurs. Stares. Smirks.
She felt like prey.
And then her eyes locked with Ares.
Something in her stomach twisted violently. The air vanished.
Her legs wobbled.
Why does he look at me like he knows me?
She sat down beside Vammy, heart racing.
Across the room, Ares hadn't blinked once.
Kael leaned in, voice low. "Control yourself, Knight."
"She's here," Ares whispered.
"She doesn't remember you."
"She will."
---
After class…
In the hallway, as students rushed around her, Aria turned the corner—only to bump into someone.
Hard chest. Cold silence.
She looked up.
It was him.
Ares.
Up close, he was even more terrifyingly beautiful. And his eyes—so dark, so broken.
"I'm… sorry," she mumbled.
He stared at her like she was a memory he didn't want to let go of.
"It's okay," he finally said.
She walked away.
He didn't move.
But his voice whispered behind her, so soft it sent shivers down her spine:
"Welcome back, Aria."