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Chapter 3: The First Warning
Friday morning started like all the others—quiet, gray, cold.
Maya didn't speak to anyone. No one spoke to her. Her presence was an unwelcome shadow that haunted the hallways of Blackridge High.
But when she opened her locker that morning, she knew something had changed.
Inside, taped to the back wall with black electrical tape, was a single folded paper.
Her stomach twisted.
She peeled it off with trembling fingers, heart thudding in her ears. Slowly, she unfolded the note.
"You should've died that night."
There was no name. No handwriting she recognized.
Just the words, etched in black ink, sharp and venomous.
She stood frozen, the note clenched in her shaking hands, when a shadow fell over her shoulder.
"Cute morning reading?"
Her breath caught.
Elias.
He leaned against the locker next to hers, arms crossed. His school tie was loose, his uniform sleeves rolled up to the elbows, revealing veined forearms and ink-black tattoos peeking just above his wrist.
He looked bored. Dangerous. Beautiful.
Maya didn't answer. Her hand crushed the note behind her back.
"Let me guess," he said smoothly. "Anonymous death threat?"
She stiffened. Her silence was confirmation enough.
His eyes flicked to her face. "People say what they mean more when they don't have to sign their name."
Her voice barely came out. "Why are you always watching me?"
"Because you breathe like you're still allowed to."
The words cut her open.
He leaned closer, dropping his voice to a near whisper, "If I wanted you gone, Maya, I wouldn't leave a note. I'd make sure no one even remembered you were here."
Her body froze, her heart stopped.
Then—he stepped back.
Smirked.
And walked away.
But she caught something in his eyes.
Not just anger.
Possession.
He hated her.
But he didn't want anyone else touching her.
Not even to hurt her.
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