Scarlett
As I stepped through the creaking school gates, a sudden, violent shove sent me sprawling onto the cold pavement. Pain exploded in my ribs, sharp and unforgiving. Gasping, I forced myself to steady my breath and looked up.
There he was—Bret Willer, looming over me with a dark grin. His cold eyes bored into mine, full of fury and something far more dangerous.
"How dare you get my babe into detention?" he snarled, squatting low before me. His hand shot out, grabbing a handful of my hair and yanking sharply. The sting was brutal, and I couldn't help but let out a small, involuntary gasp.
"I'm gonna make you pay for this," he said with a cruel smirk.
Panic surged in my veins, but my survival instincts kicked in faster. My eyes scanned frantically for anything I could use—anything to defend myself.
My gaze landed on an iron pipe, abandoned near the fence. Heart pounding, I lunged, grabbed it, and swung with all my might. The pipe connected hard with Bret's nose.
"Holy sh—!" he yelped, staggering backward, blood spurting from his nostrils.
He released me immediately, clutching his face in agony. I scrambled up as fast as I could, chest heaving, adrenaline surging through every muscle.
Just as I turned to run, a strong grip seized my arm. One of Bret's goons had appeared from the shadows and was holding me tight.
"No!" I screamed, struggling to break free, but his grip was ironclad.
Bret pushed himself up, wiping blood from his nose with a sneer. The cruel smile he wore twisted into something darker, almost possessive.
"You know…" he said, voice low and dangerous, "I've always liked you, Livana."
I froze. My mind screamed to run, but I was trapped in his gaze.
"But you rejected me," he continued, stepping closer, "it could've been us… ruling this school together."
Before I could respond, his palm slammed against my cheek, pain radiating instantly.
He grabbed my chin roughly, forcing me to meet his eyes—wild, burning with anger and something disturbingly passionate.
"But you've gone weak," he spat.
He leaned in closer, voice dripping venom, "Thanks for the rejection though. Otherwise, I'd never have found the love of my life. And unlike you, she's forever a badass."
I gritted my teeth, tired of his sick words. Summoning every ounce of strength, I kneed him hard in the stomach and head-butted his minion beside him.
Both men groaned, clutching their injuries.
Without wasting a second, I bolted down the street, heart pounding like a war drum in my chest.
But they were fast—too fast. Footsteps thundered behind me, closing in with terrifying speed.
Luck had abandoned me.
I darted into a narrow alleyway, hoping to lose them in the maze of shadows and crumbling walls.
But instead of safety, I found an ambush.
More of Bret's gang blocked the path, faces cruel and merciless.
Had this been planned?
I spun around, fear and fury battling inside me.
Bret stepped forward, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.
"You think you can run away that easily?" he sneered. "Today, you're going to hate living."
The anger inside me flared hotter than ever, but I forced myself to keep control.
"Bret," I said, voice sharp, "leave me alone. I'm crazy—and right now, I'm angry. Keep pushing me, and I might do something I'm not supposed to. You of all people should know that."
His smirk deepened as he unbuckled his belt slowly, deliberately.
The others cracked their knuckles, eyes glittering with anticipation.
"You were crazy," Bret said slowly, "but now you're nothing."
"Don't," I warned, voice steady despite the fear swirling inside me. "Don't do this. You'll regret it."
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Brianna standing a little ways off, watching with cruel amusement.
My gaze snapped back to the men closing in.
"Will you actually beat up a lady?" I challenged, voice rising. "Will you beat up *me*? Livana Muldoon? What if I kill you for this? Do you want me haunting you forever? Huh?"
Bret laughed, dark and hollow, shaking his head.
"Sweetie," he said, "we both know you can't do shit."
Suddenly, searing pain ripped through my body as they shoved me roughly to the ground.
I bit down hard on my lip, desperate to keep quiet, to not give them the satisfaction of hearing me scream.
Their fists and feet pounded relentlessly, the cold stone beneath me slick with sweat and blood.
Each blow made my vision swim, but I fought to stay conscious, to stay alive.
Then, breaking through the chaos, a shrill, commanding scream pierced the air.
"STOP!"
The alley fell deathly silent.
Every hand froze mid-swing.
I barely dared to breathe, waiting for what would come next…