Adrian's POV
The next evening came faster than expected. By the time the sun dipped behind the Blackville hills, Ethan was already pacing by the front door, jacket half-zipped, grin wide.
Ethan ➡ "Come on, man, you're so slow. It's a party, not a funeral."
Adrian grabbed his hoodie from the chair. ➡ "Relax. You act like you've never been to one before."
Ethan ➡ "Not one like this. Jake's parties are insane. Bonfire, music, drinks—you'll thank me later."
They stepped out into the cool night air, the sound of distant music floating through the trees as they made their way toward the woods. Adrian wasn't exactly the party type, but Ethan's excitement was contagious.
Ethan ➡ "You might even meet someone."
Adrian ➡ "You sound way too hopeful."
Ethan ➡ "Hey, miracles happen." He elbowed Adrian playfully.
By the time they reached the clearing, the party was in full swing. A massive bonfire roared at the center, sending sparks swirling into the starry sky. Music blasted from portable speakers, kids danced, shouted, and laughed. The smell of smoke, cheap beer, and weed filled the air.
Ethan was swept away almost instantly, dragged by a group of classmates toward a drinking game. Adrian grabbed a cup from the cooler and lingered by the edge of the crowd, taking it all in.
That's when it happened.
He turned—and collided with someone. Cold liquid splashed down his shirt.
Adrian ➡ "Whoa—sorry, I wasn't—"
Ella ➡ "Well, that's one way to make an entrance."
She laughed, bold and unbothered. Ella Winters. Famous, magnetic, with a reputation that preceded her. Short leather jacket, ripped jeans, hair catching the firelight.
Adrian ➡ "I think I owe you a drink."
Ella ➡ "I think you owe me more than that."
She took his cup, sipped, then handed it back, eyes sparkling with mischief.
They talked. First casually, then with growing ease. She was bold, flirty—leaning closer when she spoke, brushing his arm just enough to make his pulse skip.
Ella ➡ "You're quieter than I expected."
Adrian ➡ "You expected something?"
Ella ➡ "Everyone knows who you are, Shadow. You've got that mysterious thing going on."
He laughed. She grinned wider, clearly enjoying herself.
Later, near the bonfire, music thumped while students danced in wild circles. Ella pulled him toward the crowd. At first, he stumbled through the rhythm, but soon their movements synced—her hands on his shoulders, his on her waist. The heat between them built slowly.
Across the clearing, Lucian watched. Silent. His golden eyes caught the firelight, sharp as a blade.
Ethan stumbled past at one point, already half-drunk, throwing Adrian a teasing grin before disappearing again.
As the night wore on, the crowd thinned. The music softened. Ella slipped her fingers through Adrian's and led him toward the darker edge of the woods, away from prying eyes.
Ella ➡ "You're not backing out, are you?"
Adrian ➡ "Should I be?"
Ella ➡ "Only if you're scared."
She kissed him first—soft but deliberate. His hands slid to her waist; hers tangled in his hair. The world narrowed to the space between them.
Fade to black.
---
General POV
The bonfire crackled, laughter echoed, but beneath the noise, a quiet menace coiled. Lucian stood apart, shadows flickering across his face as he observed the party like a predator watching prey.
Somewhere deeper in the woods, a twig snapped. A shape moved between the trees—silent, deliberate. The
night held more than teenage chaos. Something else was out there, waiting.