Chapter 1 (Continued): The Social Divide
As Alex took his seat beside Luv, he turned to him with a casual nod.
"Morning," he said.
Luv glanced up from her book and replied, "Morning," before returning to her reading.
Alex found it strange. Everyone else had been desperate for his attention, yet this girl barely acknowledged him.
Lunch Time
When the lunch bell rang, Luv packed her books and headed to the cafeteria. Unlike most students, she didn't eat with the rest of the class. Instead, she met his one and only friend, Marie.
Marie was different from the others—she was rich but never looked down on him. They had met the year before, and despite the social divide, she always treated him with kindness.
As they entered the cafeteria, the energy in the room shifted.
At the center of it all sat the Backmen—a notorious group of five elite boys. They weren't just rich; their parents were powerful, famous, and influential. Among them was their leader, Dylan Carter, the school's untouchable prince.
But Dylan wasn't the only force in the room.
By his side was Jessica Monroe, the most feared girl in the academy. With flawless beauty, sharp intelligence, and a last name that commanded respect, Jessica ruled the school like a queen.
Her uncle owned the academy, meaning teachers, students, and even some parents treated her like royalty. If Jessica didn't like you, you were as good as invisible. And if she hated you? Your life at Starlight Academy became a nightmare.
At her table sat Sophia and Syndia, her two best friends, just as cruel as her. They thrived on power, influence, and the ability to destroy anyone who crossed them.
When the Backmen and their girls walked in, the cafeteria fell silent.
Then, in a synchronized motion, everyone bowed their heads—a sign of respect and submission. It was their law, and everyone obeyed it.
Marie sighed beside Luv. "I hate this stupid rule."
Luv didn't bother bowing, like always.
The tension was thick, but before Jessica or Dylan could react—
Alex Lumien walked in.
The room exploded into chaos.
Students rushed toward him, phones out, desperate for a selfie. Girls fixed their hair, boys adjusted their clothes—everyone wanted his attention.
But before anyone could get close—
Jessica stepped forward and raised a hand.
The crowd froze.
With a smirk, she turned to Alex. "You don't need to waste time with them," she purred, linking her arm through his. "Come, sit with us."
The Backmen and their girls never invited outsiders—unless they were worthy. And for Jessica, Alex was the perfect new addition.
With everyone watching, she led him straight to their table, taking her place beside him.
Marie nudged Luv. "Well, that was fast."
Luv didn't respond. Instead, she watched as Alex, the only other person in the school who might have understood what it felt like to be different, was now seated at the throne of the very people who ruled over everyone else.
A part of her had expected Alex to be different.
But maybe he was just like them.
Maybe he was one of them.