CHAPTER 3

(Lyra’s POV)

The moment I step into the classroom, I feel it again—that strange, unexplainable pull. My eyes land on two boys sitting near the back. One has messy black hair and sharp, intense eyes, while the other has a softer, playful expression with brown hair. They're both striking in their own way, but it's the black-haired one who makes my stomach twist in a way I don’t understand.

The second our gazes lock, something shifts inside me. My heart pounds. My breath catches. It’s like a wave of energy slams into me, and for a split second, I swear I see a flicker of surprise in his eyes too. But then, just as quickly, his expression hardens, and he looks away.

What... was that?

I shake my head, trying to brush it off. It was probably nothing. Maybe I imagined it. I take my seat, forcing myself to focus on class, but I can’t help glancing toward him now and then.

Later, during lunch, I’m caught off guard when the brown-haired boy slides into the seat beside me.

“Hey there,” he greets casually, flashing a charming grin. “I’m Aiden. You’re Lyra, right?”

I blink, surprised that he knows my name. “Uh… yeah. How do you—?”

“We’re new here,” he says, nodding toward the black-haired boy sitting a few tables away. “That’s my twin, Ash. He’s the grumpy one.”

I glance over just in time to see Ash glaring at Aiden with something close to murder in his eyes. Aiden just smirks and leans in slightly, like he’s enjoying himself.

“So, what’s your deal? You looked kind of stunned when you saw my brother earlier,” Aiden teases.

I stiffen. “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Uh-huh. Sure,” he drawls, clearly unconvinced. “Anyway, you seem cool. We should talk more.”

Before I can respond, a shadow looms over us. Aiden barely has time to react before Ash grabs his collar and hauls him to his feet.

“We’re leaving,” Ash grits out, his voice low and dangerous.

Aiden just laughs, completely unfazed. “Alright, alright, I get it. No need to be jealous.”

Ash’s glare deepens, and he practically drags his brother away. I watch them go, unable to stop the amused smile that tugs at my lips. What was that all about?

I don’t know why, but suddenly, I want to know more about Ash.

I walked home alone after school, my mind completely occupied by the twin brothers. Ash and Aiden. There was something about them that I couldn’t shake off, especially Ash. Every time I thought about his intense eyes, my heart raced in a way I couldn’t explain.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t notice the group of guys closing in on me until it was too late. One of them, presumably the leader, grabbed my wrist with a smirk.

“Where are you going, sweetheart?” His grip tightened as he tried to drag me closer.

“Let go of me!” I struggled, panic setting in. My heartbeat pounded in my ears.

The other boys laughed, surrounding me like a pack of wolves ready to pounce. My chest tightened—there was no way I could fight them all off.

Then, before I could even scream, a fierce growl tore through the air.

Ash and Aiden.

The next few moments were a blur. Ash lunged forward first, his fist colliding with the leader’s face with a sickening crack. Aiden took on the others, moving like a whirlwind of fury. One by one, the boys fell, groaning in pain, until only the leader remained.

He still had my wrist in his grasp, though I could feel his hand shaking. Even in the face of fear, he refused to let go.

Ash’s voice was low and dangerous as he stepped forward. “Nobody touches what’s mine.”

Something in his tone sent a shiver down my spine.

Then he attacked.

Punch after punch, he didn’t stop until the leader was gasping on the ground, his face swollen and bloody. He scrambled to his feet, tripping over himself as he ran away.

I barely had time to react before Ash turned to me, scanning me from head to toe.

“Did they hurt you?” His voice was softer now, but there was an urgency to it.

I shook my head. “No… I’m okay.”

He exhaled, his entire body relaxing. Then, before I could process what was happening, he pulled me into his arms.

For a moment, the world disappeared. It was just me, wrapped in his warmth, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“I’ve been trying to fight this, but I can’t,” he murmured. “I don’t just want to protect you, Lyra. I want you.”

I looked up at him, my breath catching. “Ash… I feel the same way.”

A slow smirk appeared on Aiden’s face. “Well, that’s cute.”

Ash shot him a glare. “Shut up.”

Aiden only chuckled. “Oh, don’t mind me. I’m just enjoying the show, sister-in-law.”

My cheeks burned as I giggled, nudging him playfully.

Ash groaned. “I swear, Aiden—”

“Alright, alright, I’ll behave,” Aiden said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Let’s walk our love-struck Lyra home before she gets kidnapped again.”

Rolling my eyes, I let them lead the way.

By the time we reached my doorstep, Noah was already outside. His sharp eyes moved between me and the twins before settling on me.

“Who are they?” he asked, crossing his arms.

“They’re my classmates,” I answered casually.

Noah squinted at me. “Classmates? Lyra, I might be Younger but I'm not stupid"

I sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to drop it. “Fine,” I admitted. “I’m in love with Ash.”

Noah blinked. Then, to my horror, his mouth stretched into a devilish grin.

“Ohhh, I’m so telling Mom.”

My eyes widened. “No, no, no, you can’t!” I rushed toward him, grabbing his hands. “Please, Noah. Don’t tell her.”

He tilted his head, thinking. “Hmm… okay, I won’t tell. But only if they promise they won’t hurt you.”

I turned to Ash and Aiden, who both looked at Noah with amusement.

Ash crouched slightly so he was eye-level with my little brother. “I swear on my life, I will never hurt her.”

Aiden grinned. “Yeah, I’d probably break Ash’s face if he did.”

Ash shot him an unimpressed look, but Noah nodded, satisfied.

“Alright then,” Noah said dramatically, crossing his arms. “Your secret is safe with me… for now.”

I sighed in relief, but I had a feeling Noah wasn’t going to let me off that easily.