12.

Ravencrest University was everything I imagined and more.

The huge exclusive campus was a mix of old-world charm and modern luxury. 

Ivy-covered buildings stood tall against the backdrop of perfectly manicured lawns, and students dressed like they’d walked straight out of a catalog strolled by, chatting and laughing. 

The air buzzed with energy, and I felt an overwhelming mix of awe and nerves as I took it all in.

“Wow,” I muttered under my breath, walking past a massive fountain in the center of the quad. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and I couldn’t help but stop for a moment to admire it.

I pulled out my phone and hit the video call button for Elara. She answered almost immediately, her face filling the screen.

“Evie!” she squealed, practically bouncing in excitement. “Did you miss me?”

“Yesss. I did. Like…oh my God. Guess where I am?”

“You’re at Ravencrest, aren’t you? Turn the camera around! I want to see!”

I laughed, flipping the camera so she could get a full view of the campus.

“Oh. My. God,” she said dramatically. “It’s like a movie! Look at that fountain! And those buildings! Ugh, you’re making me want to go to school. I feel so underachieved right now. Why am I not smart enough..”

“Please,” I said, rolling my eyes as I walked toward one of the academic buildings. “You’d last, what, a week here before you got bored?”

“Rude,” she said, pouting. “But accurate. Still, this place is insane. It’s like Hogwarts for rich people.”

I laughed, scanning the area as I walked. “It’s definitely… intimidating.”

“You’ll be fine,” she said confidently. “You’re smart, and you’re hot. That’s like the perfect combo. Plus, you’re at Ravencrest. You’re basically living the dream.”

“Living the dream, huh?” I muttered, turning the camera back to my face. “I don’t know about that.”

“Stop it,” she said, pointing at the screen. “Don’t be all self-doubt-y. You’re going to crush it. And don’t forget, there’s Ryder. I know he’s a complicated, hot mess, but at least he’s a hot mess with abs. That’s gotta count for something.”

I groaned, covering my face with my free hand. “Elara, don’t start.”

“What?” she said, feigning innocence. “I’m just saying, if I had a hot stepbrother who also happened to be the captain of the football team, I wouldn’t be complaining.”

“You’re impossible,” I said, though I couldn’t help but laugh.

She grinned. “That’s why you love me. Now, tell me, what’s the plan? Are you just wandering around aimlessly, or do you actually have stuff to do?”

I flipped the camera back around, showing her the tall building I was approaching. “I’m supposed to meet with my academic advisor to finalize my schedule. Then I need to get my student ID photo taken, and after that… orientation, I guess?”

“Ooh, orientation,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows. “That’s where you’ll meet people and make friends. Or enemies. Either way, drama!”

“I don’t need more drama in my life,” I said, shaking my head.

“Too late,” she said, smirking. “You’re literally living a soap opera. Drama is inevitable.”

I sighed, pausing outside the building. “Thanks for the pep talk.”

“Anytime,” she said, grinning. “Now go do your fancy school stuff and call me later. I want all the details. And, Evie?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t forget to breathe,” she said, her tone softening. “You’ve got this.”

I smiled, her words giving me a small boost of confidence. “Thanks, Elara. I’ll call you later.”

“Bye, babe!” she said, blowing a kiss before ending the call.

I tucked my phone back into my bag, taking a deep breath as I stepped inside the building. The air was cool and smelled faintly of polished wood and fresh coffee. Students milled around, some carrying books, others chatting in small groups.

This was it. My new beginning.

I just hoped I was ready for it.

*****

Collecting my stuff was a whirlwind. The campus office was a maze of smiling administrators and stressed-out students.

 I managed to pick up my ID card, a map of the campus, and a pile of paperwork detailing all the “student expectations.” By the time I finished, I felt like my brain was about to explode.

Orientation wasn’t any better.

The auditorium was packed with new students, all of us crammed into rows of seats while a polished woman with a headset clicked through slides about the prestige of Ravencrest University. The speeches dragged on, and I zoned out halfway through a presentation about the university’s history.

Eventually, the crowd thinned, and I was free to explore. That’s when I remembered my mum’s push to check out the cheerleading squad. Against my better judgment, I decided to swing by their practice session.

The gym was massive, and the echo of sneakers squeaking on the polished floor greeted me as I stepped inside. A group of girls in matching uniforms was practicing stunts in the center of the court, their synchronized movements almost unnervingly perfect.

As soon as I approached, though, the vibe shifted.

One of the girls noticed me first—a tall blonde with a face that looked like it belonged on a magazine cover. She nudged the girl next to her, and soon enough, all eyes were on me.

I forced a smile, awkwardly waving. “Hi. I’m Evelyn Hayes. I’m thinking about trying out for the team.”

The blonde stepped forward, her sharp blue eyes scanning me from head to toe. She looked like she’d just smelled something unpleasant.

“Oh, you’re Evelyn,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Riley mentioned you might stop by.”

Riley. Of course.

“Yeah,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. “I thought I’d check things out.”

The blonde smirked, folding her arms. “Let me guess—you’re here because your mummy pulled some strings? Hoping to just slide onto the team because of your ‘connections?’”

I bristled, my hands balling into fists at my sides. “No,” I said sharply. “I’m here because I actually want to be on the team.”

She raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Right. Well, let me make one thing clear, Evie,” she said, her voice cold. “Ravencrest cheer isn’t for amateurs. And just because you’re playing house with the Caldwells doesn’t mean you’re going to waltz in here and take a spot that belongs to someone who’s earned it.”

The other girls snickered, and I felt my face heat with anger.

“Listen,” I said, stepping closer, “I don’t know what your problem is, but I’m not here to steal anyone’s spot. If I try out, it’ll be because I worked for it. If you are biased towards it, then everyone would know you are doing favoritism.” I flipped my hair, not the best but I tried. “Besides, who seems to have worked hard to perfect being a stuck-up bitch.”

Her eyes widened, and the girls around her gasped.

“You little—”

“Save it,” I snapped, turning on my heel. “I don’t have time for your high school Mean Girl act. I recommend taking some grown up lessons. It will do you good. ”

I stormed toward the exit, muttering under my breath about how cheerleading was clearly overrated.

And that’s when I ran straight into him.

Ryder.