Chapter 4

KAIA'S POV:

The next day, the morning sun coming into my room is too bright that it almost takes my eyesight.

No kidding.

It streams in through the lavender curtains, painting stripes on the floor like it’s proud of waking me up. I lie still, tangled in silky sheets that still feel too luxurious for someone like me. For a moment, I forget where I am until the weight of it all comes crashing back.

Canada. Brothers. A new school.

I groan and drag myself out of bed, padding barefoot to the closet where someone, probably the maid, has already hung up the new clothes we got yesterday. It’s still bizarre, being taken to a massive mall with a black credit card and told to "get whatever you want." I’d never had the freedom to choose before.

I didn’t know it could be so… overwhelming. I haven't even gotten any new clothes since my 16th birthday.

I slip into a dark purple hoodie and skinny jeans. Comfortable armor.

Downstairs, the scent of cinnamon and something buttery wafts through the air. The dining room is massive like something out of a magazine. Ezra waves me over with a slice of toast in his mouth.

Rowan sits at the head of the table, reading something on a tablet, and Lucien sips black coffee like it’s the only thing keeping him sane.

"You ready for school?" Ezra grins at me, sliding over a plate of waffles.

"No," I answer honestly, sitting cautiously at the end of the table. I wish I didn't have to resume so early.

Lucien raises an eyebrow. "At least she’s honest." I ignore his snide remark and face t other two.

"I don’t know where my classes are. I don’t even know where the bathroom is in that place."

"Don’t worry," Ezra says, reaching for another piece of toast. "You’ve got a guide. Someone will show you around."

I narrow my eyes. "Who?"

They glance at each other.

Rowan finally speaks. "Her name is Rhea. She’s… reliable."

The car that picks me up is sleek and black, windows tinted to keep out the nosy world. I’m driven to a school that looks like it belongs in a N*****x teen drama.

Modern buildings, a courtyard with actual trees, students in trendy clothes. I step out, gripping my backpack tightly like it’s the only stable thing I have left.

Yup, definitely a private school.

My driver nods once. "Have a good day, Miss Kaia."

Miss Kaia. Like I’m someone important.

Inside the main office, I’m handed a map, a schedule, and a tight-lipped smile from the receptionist.

"Rhea should be here shortly to guide you to your homeroom."

Before I can ask what a "Rhea" looks like, a girl with mocha skin, icy blue eyes, and perfect curls strolls in like she owns the place.

"You must be Kaia," she says. Her voice is melodic but confident, not sugary. "I’m Rhea. I’ll be your school babysitter for the week."

"I don’t need babysitting."

She smirks. "Good. Then we’ll get along fine."

We walk through hallways bustling with students who barely glance my way, but I still feel like a neon sign. Rhea points out classrooms and bathrooms with quick nods. She’s easy to listen to - smooth voice, quick wit. Like someone who knows how to walk into any room and own it.

"You new to the country or just the school?" she asks as we cut across a sunny courtyard.

"Both."

"That explains the deer-in-headlights vibe." She says it without judgment.

I snort. "Thanks."

She glances sideways at me. "You’ll be fine. Stick with me. I’m weird, but not mean."

N. NAs we walk into third period, History of Supernatural Integration, whatever that means, Rhea pauses and nods toward two guys sitting near the back.

"That’s Kai and Axel,” she says. “Try not to stare. Everyone does."

I glance over, not expecting much..Then my breath catches.

Kai is dark-haired, broad-shouldered, with this quiet brooding intensity like he’s constantly doing calculus in his head or judging everyone silently.

Axel is the opposite; black curls, dimples, a flirtatious grin aimed at every passing student. His posture screams mischief, while Kai’s screams don’t-come-near-me.

But it’s not just their looks.

The moment I step into the room, they both look up. Their eyes lock on me like magnets. Unblinking. Sharp.

Axel’s cocky smirk falters. Kai stiffens.

And their eyes,.both pairs of them, glow.

Not a sparkle. Not a trick of the light.

Glow.

Goosebumps rise along my arms.

"What was that?".I whisper.

Rhea’s expression doesn’t change, but her body shifts slightly between me and them. "Don’t worry about them. They’re… complicated."

We sit near the front, but I can feel their eyes boring into the back of my head like lasers. I can’t focus. The teacher might as well be speaking another language.

Every time I turn around, Axel’s looking at me like I’m a riddle he wants to solve. Kai looks like he wants to burn the page the riddle’s written on.

By lunch, I’m done pretending to be okay.

Rhea leads me to the cafeteria, handing me a tray and pointing to a table by the windows. "Let’s sit there. Less chance of drama."

But just as I’m settling in, a loud clang echoes behind us.

Axel’s voice carries. "Hey! New girl!"

I look up.

He’s grinning, sauntering over like he owns the place. Kai follows, slower, expression unreadable.

Rhea mutters, "Of course they would."

They stop at our table.

Axel flashes a dimple. "Mind if we join?"

Kai’s eyes never leave mine. "You’re new."

"Obviously," I say.

Axel chuckles. "Feisty."

"What do you want?" They sit anyway.

Kai leans forward slightly, voice low. "What’s your last name?"

"None of your business."

They glance at each other, and something silent passes between them.

Kai’s jaw tightens. Axel exhales like he’s been punched in the gut.

I shove back my chair, suddenly needing air. "I’m going for a walk."

They don’t stop me but I hear them say it.

As I step through the cafeteria doors, the wind catches their voices like a secret not meant to be heard.

“Mate,” they both say.

At the same time.