Fionna Ramos slumped into her usual spot in the corner of the high school cafeteria, her tray balanced precariously in one hand while she clutched her notebook in the other. The room buzzed with the usual chaos,kids laughing, trays clattering, the smell of greasy fries hanging heavy in the air.
At twenty, she was older than most of her classmates, having repeated a year after some family troubles, but that just made her feel even more out of place.
Her silver-blonde hair fell over her face like a curtain, hiding the green eyes that always seemed to draw stares. "Cursed," they called her. Born on a full moon, with wolves howling in the distance that night. Yeah, right. Small-town superstitions.
Cynthia slid into the seat across from her, flashing a grin that could light up the whole room.
"Hey, Fi. You okay? You've been spacing out since that new guy showed up in class the other day."
Fionna shrugged, poking at her mashed potatoes with a plastic fork.
"I'm fine. Just... that David guy. Something about him feels off. Like, familiar or something."
She didn't mention the voice in her head, the weird whisper that had hit her like a punch when their eyes met. 'This is him.' What the hell did that even mean? She shook it off, forcing a smile.
Cynthia was the only one who didn't buy into the curse crap. They'd been friends since middle school, when everyone else avoided her like she had the plague.
Before Cynthia could reply, a shadow fell over their table. Fionna looked up to see Rose Bradford standing there, arms crossed, her perfectly highlighted hair flipping over one shoulder.
Rose was the queen bee, daddy's money buying her way out of everything. Flanked by her minions, Anna Roberts and Queen Williams, she looked down at Fionna like she was something stuck to the bottom of her designer shoes.
"Well, if it isn't a freak show."
Rose sneered, her voice loud enough to turn heads.
"Heard you were lurking around my locker yesterday, Ramos. Missing something?"
She held up a shiny necklace, dangling it like bait.
"Does this look familiar? Everyone knows you're desperate enough to steal."
Fionna's cheeks burned. She hadn't been anywhere near Rose's locker. This was just another game, another way to make her the punchline.
"I didn't take your stupid necklace, Rose. Go bother someone else."
Anna and Queen snickered, stepping closer. The cafeteria noise dipped as kids pulled out their phones, sensing drama. Rose leaned in, her fake smile twisting.
"Oh, really? Prove it, curse girl. Empty your bag."
Cynthia jumped up, her voice laced with venom.
"Back off, Rose. This is bullshit and you know it."
But Fionna felt something snap inside her. The whispers and the stares,it was too much. Her hands clenched into fists, and for a split second, she saw flashes: a grand hall, flames licking at her skin, a betrayal that cut deep. Her wolf,wait, her what?,stirred, urging her to fight.
She stood slowly, her voice steady despite the rage bubbling up.
"You want a fight? Fine. Touch me and see what happens."
Rose laughed, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. Anna grabbed Fionna's tray, tipping it over. Mashed potatoes splattered across her shirt, gravy dripping down her arms.
The crowd erupted, laughing and whoops filling the air. Fionna lunged forward, ready to shove Rose back, her nails digging into her palms hard enough to draw blood.
That's when he appeared. David Phillip pushed through the crowd, his blue eyes locked on the scene. He was taller up close, his chocolate-brown hair messy like he'd just run his hands through it.
"Enough."
He said, his voice calm but cutting through the noise like a knife. He stepped between Fionna and Rose, grabbing Anna's wrist gently but firmly to stop her from dumping anything else.
"This stops now."
Rose blinked, caught off guard.
"Who the hell are you? Her bodyguard?"
David didn't even look at her. His gaze was on Fionna, soft and knowing.
"You okay?"
He asked quietly, like the whole cafeteria wasn't watching.
Fionna nodded, her anger fading into confusion. Why was he helping her? And why did that voice in her head whisper again? 'Mate.' She wiped the mess off her shirt, muttering.
"Yeah. Thanks."
The bell rang, breaking the tension. Rose huffed and stormed off with her girls, but not before shooting Fionna a glare that promised more trouble. Cynthia grabbed Fionna's arm.
"Come on, let's get you cleaned up."
As they headed to the bathroom, David fell into step beside them.
"Hey, Fionna. We should talk. Later?"
She hesitated, but something in his eyes made her nod.
"Sure. Whatever."
In the bathroom, Cynthia handed her paper towels.
"That was intense. And that new guy? Total hero vibe. You think he likes you?"
Fionna stared at her reflection, the flashes from earlier ling
ering like a bad dream. A father's face, kind but stern. A kingdom? It didn't make sense.
"I don't know, Cyn. But something's changing. I can feel it."