Anya twisted her neck with a crack, sat up straight, staring at the frail little reflection in the mirror. Her body felt fragile, almost like glass under a hammer.
First thing: get strong. Powers barely usable, almost a whisper left.
Ever since that night she'd taught Luna a lesson, Luna seemed quieter. But the redness on her face, the broken hand… Marina and Brandon definitely noticed.
"I… I fell last night, my hand got crushed by the cabinet…" Luna said, voice trembling. She glanced at Anya—hatred clear as neon.
Brandon turned to Anya. "Your sister's injury… your fault?"
Anya just heard him. Looked at Luna. "Do you think it's me?"
Luna bit her lip, forced a tiny smile. "Not your fault… sister."
Marina glared. My daughter… hurt because of this Anya! Wait till Brandon leaves…
Brandon packed up, reminded Marina, Luna, and Flynn, then left.
Anya stayed silent.
Not his daughter. Inheritance bypass. Yeah, not much to say.
Today wasn't just Brandon leaving; it was Purple Star Academy's first day.
Luna hopped into the car. "Drive."
"But Miss Anya…" the driver stammered.
"Who told you to wait? Drive!" Luna barked.
"Yes, Miss," he answered. New guy, didn't know their relationship.
Back in the day, the Ye family's cars were basically Luna's toys.
Anya stepped out, watching the car zoom away. Tail lights fading. Beep—beep!
A black convertible stopped in front.
"Flynn," she said, light.
The boy—Flynn—in the driver's seat blinked. Uniform crisp, tidy, youthful aura.
Anya still wore the uniform, pants, white shirt. Shoulder-length hair, formerly chest-length. Ambiguous. Androgynous? Manga rebel?
Her greeting made Flynn frown. Weird.
"Getting in?" he asked, cold.
She played with her car key. Action answered: door open. Passenger seat. Boom.
Flynn glanced at her, pressed the pedal. Car roared.
The road looked like… hell, I dunno, like someone tried to pave a war. Silence between them.
"You've changed." Out of nowhere.
Anya blinked. Surprised? Calm. "Mm." Not hiding anything.
Sudden brakes. If she weren't steady, pancake.
"You're not her."
Fifteen. Cold. Too old-soul.
Anya tilted her head. "Remember? You chased me for orange lollipops."
Flynn's eyes softened. Nostalgia.
She stared ahead. "No one stays weak… just missed chances."
Flynn watched. Her? But not. Changed?
Anya smiled. "Do you want a strong sister who can protect you, or a weak one everyone pushes?"
Eyes locked. Frozen.
Transformation wasn't overnight. Warning the closest better than suspicion.
She occupied Anya's body. Every inch hers.
Flynn frowned, silent. Pressed pedal. Moving.
"That also depends if you've got the chops," he said lightly. Slight contempt.
Her lips twitched. Smile… maybe sinister.
Few minutes, Purple Star Academy. Gates. Cars, lined up. Flashy. Brand clear.
She stepped out. Flynn didn't glance. Bag over shoulder, walked in.
Not surprised. Their relationship? Nonexistent. Ride today? Miracle.
She walked in. Head held high. Shirt white, tie straight, bangs angled. Shoulder hair. Slightly wild. Cold. Manga protagonist cold.
No… forbidden cold. Boyish, distant.
Girls stared. Couldn't place her. New transfer? Boy?
The iron-blooded chill inside her—hid the girl she once was.