CHAPTER FOUR

HADES

I adjusted the tie around my neck for what felt like the hundredth time. The material pressed against my throat, suffocating, like a noose rather than part of a uniform. I stalked through the pristine hallways of Rockwell Academy, my jaw clenched, and my expression set in stone. Everything about this place screamed “too much.”

The polished marble floors gleamed so brightly I could see my reflection in them. The walls were adorned with plaques and framed photos of past students, each one looking more accomplished than the last. The air smelled faintly of expensive cologne and freshly polished wood. It was suffocating.

I shoved my hands into my pockets, my eyes darting around as I tried to make sense of this labyrinth of a building. The school map I’d been handed earlier was crumpled in my back pocket, completely ignored. I wasn’t about to walk around with a map in my hand like some lost tourist. I’d figure it out on my own, even if it took all day.

Students milled about, their laughter and chatter filling the halls. Most of them didn’t spare me a second glance, too wrapped up in their own worlds. But a few did—a mix of curious and judgmental stares that made my skin crawl. I could almost hear their thoughts: Who’s the new guy? He doesn’t belong here.

And they were right. I didn’t belong.

Everywhere I looked, I saw reminders of just how out of place I was. Designer bags slung over shoulders, shiny new cars parked in the lot, conversations about vacations in Bali and designer brands I couldn’t even pronounce. It was a world I’d never been a part of and never wanted to be.

A group of guys in crisp uniforms brushed past me, laughing loudly about something I couldn’t quite catch. One of them bumped into my shoulder hard enough to make me stumble.

“Watch it,” I muttered under my breath, but they didn’t even glance back.

My fists clenched at my sides, and I forced myself to take a deep breath. Losing my temper on the first day wasn’t going to help anything.

I turned a corner and found myself in what appeared to be the school’s main lounge area. Plush leather couches, a coffee bar, and even a grand piano sitting in the corner. I stared at it for a moment, my lips curling into a bitter smirk. Of course, this place would have a piano just casually sitting in a lounge.

“Yo, new kid!”

The voice was loud, grating, and impossible to ignore. I turned to see a tall, muscular guy striding toward me with a swagger that made it clear he thought he owned the place. His blond hair was perfectly styled, and his uniform looked like it had been tailored specifically for him.

Hector.

I had overheard his name in passing earlier. Apparently, Hector was something of a big deal around here—star athlete, son of some tech billionaire, and self-proclaimed king of the school.

“Lost, are we?” Hector asked, a smirk spreading across his face as he stopped a few feet away from me.

“I’m fine,” I replied curtly, already turning to walk away. I wasn’t in the mood for this.

But Hector wasn’t done. He stepped in front of me, blocking my path. “Whoa, hold up there, buddy. You’re the new guy, right? What’s your name?”

I gritted my teeth, my cold stare locked on Hector.

“Hades,” I said flatly, voice barely above a whisper.

Hector raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Hades? Like the Greek god of the underworld? That’s… dramatic.”

I said nothing, my eyes boring into his. I wasn’t in the mood for this, and I could feel the simmering frustration starting to build up in my chest.

Undeterred, Hector leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “Listen, Hades. Let me give you a little advice. This school? It’s not for people like you.”

I narrowed my eyes. “People like me?”

“Yeah, you know,” Hector said, gesturing vaguely at me. “People who don’t fit the vibe. You look like you crawled out of a garage sale, man. No offense.” He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.

I took a step closer, my jaw tightening. “None taken.”

Hector’s grin faltered for a split second, but he quickly recovered. “Look, I’m just trying to help you out. This place can chew you up and spit you out if you’re not careful. Stick to the sidelines, keep your head down, and maybe you’ll survive the year.”

“Thanks for the advice,” I said flatly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me…”

I tried to sidestep him, but the guy moved to block me again.

“Hold up, man. You’re not leaving until you say ‘thank you’ properly,” Hector said, his tone now mocking.

I stared at him, my fists curling tightly at my sides. Every instinct screamed at me to deck the guy, but I forced myself to stay calm. Getting into a fight on my first day wasn’t worth it.

“Thank you,” I said through gritted teeth, the words dripping with sarcasm.

Hector clapped me on the shoulder, his smirk returning. “That’s more like it. Welcome to Rockwell, Hades. You’re gonna love it here.”

With that, he finally stepped aside, letting me pass.

I walked away, my shoulders tense and my mind racing. The encounter left a bitter taste in my mouth, but it also ignited a fire in my chest. I didn’t need Hector’s approval or anyone else’s. I’d survived worse than this.

As I made my way down the hallway, I spotted a group of students laughing and chatting near the lockers. Among them was Lara.

She caught my eye, her bright green gaze locking onto mine. She smiled—soft, genuine, and completely disarming. For a moment, the tension in my body eased, and I found myself almost smiling back.

Almost.

I quickly looked away, shoving my hands deeper into my pockets as I walked past. I couldn’t afford distractions. Not now. Not ever.