At the end of the hall, they stopped in front of a heavy oak door. Oliver placed a steady hand on her back, guiding her forward as he knocked once and opened it.
Inside, the principal's office matched the school's elegance. A tall window spilled sunlight across a wide mahogany desk, while shelves filled with books lined the walls.
The principal, a man in his fifties with sharp eyes and glasses resting low on his nose, looked up the moment they entered. His expression shifted when he saw Oliver.
"Mr. Hales," he greeted with a respectful nod, standing up. "What brings you here?"
Oliver kept his tone steady. "Her enrollment," he said, tilting his head toward Athena.
Athena clasped her hands lightly in front of her, her nerves hidden under a calm face. "Good morning, sir," she said politely.
The principal's expression softened at her manners. "Good morning, young lady. Please, have a seat. We'll begin right away."
Oliver gave her a reassuring look as he led her to the chairs, his hand briefly brushing her arm. Athena caught her breath at the small touch but sat quietly, her mind already racing about the new life about to begin.
The enrollment didn't take too long. The principal asked a few questions here and there, mostly about her previous school and her academic records. Oliver handled most of the talking with ease, his calm voice filling the room whenever Athena hesitated. Papers were signed, forms were stamped, and just like that she was officially a student of Gravecrest Academy.
When it was over, Athena exhaled quietly, almost in disbelief. Oliver gave her a small smile, and the principal promised that she could start classes the very next day.
The next day
Athena was already dressed neatly in her school uniform.
The white blazer hugged her frame perfectly, lined with golden details that shimmered lightly under the soft light of her room. The crest rested proudly on the side of her chest, making her look like she belonged to something grand. Her skirt was short but proper, with gold trims at the hem, and her long socks gave her an elegant but youthful vibe.
The only thing missing was her hair.
Oliver pushed the door open and stepped inside, his eyes immediately softening at the sight of her. She sat before the mirror, brushing her fingers nervously through her long hair, clearly unsure how to style it.
Without a word, Oliver walked up behind her, his reflection appearing over her shoulder in the mirror. He picked up the brush gently from her hands, and their fingers brushed for a second, making her cheeks heat up.
"Let me," he said softly.
Athena's lips parted slightly, but she only nodded, lowering her gaze as her cheeks turned red.
Oliver began brushing her hair, slow and gentle, his movements careful as though her silver strands were the most delicate silk in the world. He gathered her long hair and began weaving it into a braid, his tall frame leaning close as he concentrated. The braid formed beautifully, thick and full, cascading down her back until it almost touched her butt.
It looked similar to Elsa's braid in Frozen, but fuller, longer, and far more captivating on her. It gave the white uniform a completely different vibe, making her look both elegant and untouchable, like she was walking straight out of a dream.
Oliver tied the end neatly, then stepped back, admiring his work before his gaze slowly fell to her reflection again.
"You look good," he said with a small smile, his voice carrying a softness that made her chest tighten.
Athena's blush deepened immediately. She tried to look away, but her eyes kept meeting his through the mirror, and her lips curved just slightly.
"Thank you…" she whispered, embarrassed.
Oliver's grin widened. He fixed his tie casually and said, "Come on. Let's go. You don't want to be late on your first day."
He himself was dressed sharply in a suit, clearly ready for work. His presence alone filled the room with a quiet authority, but the warmth in his eyes when he looked at her was what made her heart beat faster.
After a short drive, the tall iron gates of Gravecrest Academy appeared in front of them, grand and intimidating. The gates opened smoothly, and the car rolled inside. Oliver parked neatly in the lot, where rows of luxurious cars gleamed under the morning sun, every vehicle screaming wealth and power.
Athena's heart thumped lightly, her fingers brushing against her school bag as she stared at the buildings in the distance.
Oliver's voice broke her thoughts.
"Focus on your studies, and nothing else. Do you understand?"
She nodded quickly, her soft hair swaying with the movement. "Okay."
She reached for her bag, ready to step out, when his voice dropped lower, deeper, carrying a teasing edge.
"What… aren't going to give me a kiss?" His eyes glinted, his tone hot and shameless.
Athena froze, her cheeks instantly flushing red. She turned to him, lips pressed together nervously, but then leaned in and pressed a shy kiss to his lips.
Oliver's hand tightened slightly on the steering wheel, about to smile at the sweetness, when she suddenly deepened the kiss. Her hand slid up, grabbing the back of his neck as her lips moved hungrily against his.
Caught off guard, Oliver groaned low in his throat, one hand finding her waist to steady her as the kiss grew hotter, deeper, almost desperate. The warmth of her pressed against him made his chest burn, and he kissed her back hard until his breath started to grow heavy.
Finally, he pulled away just a little, his forehead resting against hers as he exhaled. "You're going to be late…" he murmured, his voice husky.
Athena's face burned. She gave him one last quick peck on the lips before pulling back completely. With a shy smile, she opened the door and stepped out of the car, her braid swinging behind her.
She waved at him, her smile bright and innocent, and he didn't drive off until she disappeared into the crowd.
Athena walked confidently toward the main building. She reached the tall glass doors at the entrance, pushed one open, and stepped into the grand hall.
Athena walked slowly down the corridor, her footsteps echoing softly against the shiny floor. Her eyes shifted around, studying everything again like she wanted to soak it all in at once.
But it wasn't the building that caught attention. It was the way people were glancing at her.
As she walked, students that passed by couldn't help but look. Some only dared to steal a quick glance, but others let their eyes linger too long. Their whispers began to trail behind her.
"Is that her… the new girl?" one girl whispered to her friend, her tone filled with disbelief.
"No way, it can't be…" another muttered.
"Look at her hair, oh my god… it's glowing…" one boy said, his voice not even low enough.
Athena heard every word, but her face remained calm. She didn't let their voices pierce through her composure. With her head held high, she ignored their stares and whispers, walking as though none of them existed. The confidence in her step made her stand out even more.
Finally, she reached the door to her class. She was supposed to have Biology that morning, yet the hallway was silent, and the classroom looked deserted. No chatter, no sound of books flipping, nothing.
She frowned lightly and decided to take a look.
Her hand pushed the door open, and she slipped inside, closing it softly behind her.
But the second her eyes lifted her entire body froze.
The sight hit her like a strike to the chest.
Her eyes instantly turned red, glowing faintly with the rush of emotion she couldn't control.
Eryx was there.
His eyes were already locked on her the moment she stepped in, like he had been waiting. His stare was intense, burning hot, the kind that stripped her bare where she stood.
He was buried deep inside Adrianna, taking her from behind with rough, steady thrusts. One hand gripped Adrianna's waist tightly, forcing her to take every movement, while his other hand slid beneath her uniform skirt, rubbing her with slow, wicked precision. Adrianna's moans filled the empty classroom, echoing against the walls.
Yet Eryx didn't look at Adrianna. He wasn't even seeing her anymore. His eyes were locked on Athena, sharp, possessive, and dark, like a predator that had just caught sight of the prey it wanted most.
Athena couldn't move. Her body wouldn't listen. She just stood there, frozen in place, her breath caught in her throat as Eryx's burning gaze held her hostage.