The classroom door clicked shut behind Eli as he stepped into the crowded hallway. His first period had been manageable just introductions, syllabi, and the usual shuffle of students too focused on their phones or friends to notice him. He adjusted his glasses and smoothed his golden hair from his forehead, tucking a strand back into place before hoisting his bag higher onto his shoulder.
Kingston Academy was overwhelming in a quiet sort of way. The halls gleamed with polished floors, walls lined with banners boasting championships and honors, and glass windows that let sunlight spill across everything. It wasn't just a school it was a display of wealth, order, and power. Eli walked carefully, scanning his surroundings, trying to memorize the path from one class to the next.
His second and third periods blurred together, both teachers distributing thick packets of syllabi that students groaned over. Eli didn't speak, didn't raise his hand he simply listened, making neat notes in the margins, his brown eyes quietly following the pace. Every so often, he felt the curious stares of classmates flick toward him. He ignored them, though the weight of being "new" pressed against his skin like an itch he couldn't scratch.
By midday, the smell of food carried through the halls, and the steady hum of voices grew louder as students filtered toward the cafeteria. Eli followed the current, stepping into the lunch area and stopped.
It was extravagant. Wide glass panels stretched from floor to ceiling, flooding the room with natural light. Polished marble floors gleamed beneath crystal like chandeliers, and tables weren't simple rows of plastic but sleek wood with metal accents. It looked more like a hotel dining hall than a school cafeteria.
Eli's lips parted slightly in awe, though he quickly shut them, adjusting his glasses again as if the motion could shield his reaction. He had seen wealth before, but Kingston Academy's presentation felt different showy, intimidating, meant to remind students of their place.
As he scanned the room for an empty table, someone noticed him.
A tall boy with long blue hair styled in a messy wolf cut that framed his face with wild elegance paused mid-step. His piercing blue gaze lingered on Eli with sharp curiosity. The boy was striking, almost foreign-looking, his appearance so unusual that Eli half-expected someone to pull out a camera. A silver ring glinted from his eyebrow, another from the corner of his lip, subtle but bold. He carried himself with the casual poise of someone who knew he was being watched, the kind of beauty that drew attention the way stars drew night skies.
Eli blinked when the boy started walking toward him.
"Hey" the boy said, voice smooth, lightly accented. "You're new here right?" His smile was easy but genuine, eyes flicking over Eli's face like he was trying to memorize it. "Need a friend to show you around?"
For the first time that day, Eli felt his guarded composure waver.
The boy extended a hand, grin widening. "I'm Emris."