"Hello, Indianna."

Indianna looked up in surprise when Greyson sat next to her in their next class-French. She quickly lowered her gaze the moment their eyes met, fidgeting nervously in her seat. She didn't say anything.

"Now, this is the part where you say hi back," Greyson said in a low voice. "Otherwise, it's considered rude, Indianna."

He smirked, his dark eyes glinting with amusement as Indianna's eyes widened and she forced out a quiet, "Hi."

"I don't think I introduced myself in our last class. I'm Greyson Evans."

He spoke with a confidence Indianna had never known. It was obvious he wasn't used to being questioned-or challenged. He was used to being in control. And he liked it.

"Yeah... Brooke told me," Indianna said softly.

She was certain she wouldn't forget who Greyson Evans was anytime soon. Just having him this close made her nervous. Her skin buzzed from their proximity, and he seemed to take over all her senses. She could feel his body heat, smell his cologne, and when he spoke, all she could focus on was his deep, velvety voice.

"Brooklyn," he murmured, nodding.

His gaze lingered on her, studying her carefully. He noticed how she avoided eye contact.

"You'd do well to stick with her. Brandon, however... he's a miserable jerk."

Indianna glanced at him briefly. "He seems nice."

Greyson rolled his eyes. "Not everyone in this town is who they say they are, Indianna."

Her brows furrowed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Just be careful who you make friends with," he said firmly.

Indianna hesitated. Why did he care?

"But Brandon and Brooke-"

"They're good people," Greyson cut in with a dismissive wave. "I just don't like Brandon. It's not them I'm talking about."

"I haven't met anyone else."

Not unless she counted the voice in her head.

"I'm not surprised."

"Why?"

This time, she met his eyes.

"You're not exactly approachable, are you... Indie?"

"Indie?"

Greyson ignored her reaction.

"I get it. You're shy. You're not used to people, are you?" He leaned back slightly, still watching her. "I plan to change that, though. It's not every day I get to help a social outcast."

"What? I'm not a-"

"I'm teasing," he interrupted with a quiet chuckle. "Relax."

Then his expression shifted-something darker, more intense.

"Besides... do you know how many girls would kill to be in your position right now?"

Indianna blinked. "No?"

Greyson leaned closer.

Her breath hitched.

"With a snap of my fingers, I could have anything I want," he whispered. "People are terrified of me... but they want me too. And here I am-talking to you."

"Oh... okay."

Indianna didn't know what else to say. She wasn't good at conversations-especially not with someone like him. Confident. Cocky. Completely sure of himself.

"So, Indie," Greyson continued when she stayed quiet, "why did you move here?"

"My mom wanted a change of scenery," Indianna answered.

But her voice had gone distant.

She didn't want to talk anymore.

She wanted to be left alone.

She could feel the stares around the room-students watching, whispering, wondering why Greyson Evans was talking to the shy new girl.

And she hated every second of it.

"Do you live with your father?" Greyson pressed, fully aware of the students whispering about the two of them.

He didn't care.

"No," Indianna answered after a pause, fiddling with the ring on her finger. "He's not with us."

"Away," Greyson murmured, raising an eyebrow. "Okay."

"Why are you talking to me?" Indianna asked suddenly, surprising even herself with the confidence in her voice. She knew boys like Greyson. They didn't waste time on girls like her.

"Because I want to," he said simply. "And I always get what I want."

There wasn't a hint of doubt in his tone.

Indianna frowned, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. She didn't understand what he wanted-but she nodded anyway.

"Okay."

"What's this?" Greyson asked suddenly, grabbing her wrist and turning it over.

Indianna froze.

Her face went pale, eyes wide as her entire body tensed. Her pulse spiked under his grip.

"G-Greyson... let go of me."

"What is it?" he repeated, watching her closely.

"You're making me uncomfortable!" She tried to pull away, but his grip didn't loosen. She swallowed hard, meeting his dark eyes. "You can see what it is," she whispered shakily.

Greyson blinked once. "How did you get it?"

Indianna's voice hardened, a bitter edge slipping through. "How else do you get a bite mark scar? You get bitten."

"You were attacked?"

Silence.

"Answer me, Indie. I don't like being ignored."

Indianna gulped, looking away. He was starting to scare her-but she knew the easiest way out was to answer.

"Yes," she said quietly. "I was attacked."

Greyson let go.

But before she could move, she shot out of her seat-only for him to block her path instantly.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked, smirking down at her.

Indianna stared at him, shock turning into anger.

"Are you insane?" she hissed. "Do you enjoy terrorizing new girls? Is that what gets you-"

She groaned in frustration when he blocked her again. Pressing her palm to her forehead, she exhaled sharply.

"Please. Just let me pass."

"Don't move," Greyson said, his voice turning sharp.

"You can't tell me what to do!"

Her temper snapped.

The quiet, shy girl faded-replaced by something fiercer.

"Move!" she snapped.

Greyson's jaw tightened as he grabbed her arm again, holding her in place.

"I said," he whispered in her ear, his voice low-dangerously close to a growl, "don't move. Now sit down... and do as I say."

A shiver ran down her spine.

She was scared of him.

But her anger burned hotter.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" Indianna shot back. "My father? You don't get to order me around. You're insane. Move-or I will scream."

For a second-

Something changed.

The coldness in Greyson's expression faded, replaced with something softer. Not kind... but different.

His grip loosened.

Indianna pulled her arm free.

"It's anger," he said after a moment, studying her.

She blinked. "W-what?"

"Anger," he repeated. "That's what brings out your confidence. It makes you stand up for yourself."

Indianna stared at him in disbelief.

"You did that on purpose?" she demanded. "You were trying to piss me off?"

Greyson's lips twitched. "I wanted to test a theory."

"You were scaring me!"

"I wanted to see how long it would take."

"That's cruel!"

"Don't worry about it," he said dismissively, dropping back into his seat. He gestured beside him. "Are you going to sit down?"

"Tell me, Greyson!"

"It's not the right time."

Indianna froze.

The same words.

The voice.

It's you.

She stared at him, saying it in her mind.

Greyson didn't react. His face stayed blank.

Slowly, she sat back down-missing the faint smirk tugging at his lips.

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Indianna jumped.

The voice echoed clearly in her head.

Her eyes snapped to Greyson.

There it was again-that presence. Like someone pushing into her mind, forcing their way in.

"Are you okay, Indie?" Greyson asked casually.

Indianna narrowed her eyes, staring at her hands. "I'm fine," she muttered.

You do know what I'm talking about, she pushed back.

No. I'm afraid I don't.

Then tell me who you are-and what you're doing in my head. If you're in my mind... does that mean-

Yes, the voice cut in smoothly. I can read your thoughts.

"Oh my gosh..." Indianna whispered. Who are you?

I can't tell you yet, Indie.

Her breath caught.

She looked up at Greyson.

He was on his phone.

Then slowly-he turned to her.

"Do you want something, Indie?"

"I-uh..." She shook her head quickly. "No. Nothing."

You're going to drive me insane, she thought.

Glad I could help, sugar.

Sugar?

Is there a problem with that?

Yes. I don't like it.

Then it's perfect.

Indianna clenched her jaw.

She barely knew him-but she could already imagine that smirk.

She already hated him.

Aren't you just a ray of sunshine?

Stay out of my head. Leave me alone.

You're no fun.

Get out of my head!

I'll be back, sugar.

The presence vanished.

Just like that.

Indianna let out a slow breath.

It was only second period...

And she already felt exhausted.

"Are you alright, Indie?" Greyson asked.

Indianna rubbed her eyes, tired.

"I honestly have no idea."

Indianna had made it to lunch, and she couldn't be happier.

All she wanted was to find a quiet corner in the library and be by herself for the first time that day. During her third lesson, Ace-Greyson's friend-had tried talking to her, and then Brandon in the fourth. They both seemed nice, but Indianna hated the attention.

She was better alone.

Being alone was what she was good at.

The voice hadn't spoken to her again, and Indianna smiled as she opened her locker.

Maybe she had just been nervous. Maybe she imagined it.

She crossed her fingers, hoping that was the case.

She placed her books inside, and as soon as she shut the locker-

"Indianna!"

She jumped.

Brooklyn stood there, grinning.

"You scared me," Indianna said, letting out a breath, and Brooklyn gave her an apologetic smile.

"Sorry," she laughed.

Indianna found herself wondering if Brooklyn was ever not happy. She had yet to see her without that bright, bubbly smile.

"So," Brooklyn continued, "I was thinking... since you don't really know anyone yet, do you want to sit with me and my friends at lunch?"

"Oh..."

Indianna bit her lip, shifting awkwardly. She avoided eye contact.

"Um, thanks, but I was actually going to go to the library."

"You don't want to meet everyone?"

Brooklyn's smile faltered slightly, and guilt tugged at Indianna-but she still shook her head.

"I... I need to get some work done," she said quietly, making up an excuse.

Brooklyn's attention suddenly shifted to something behind her.

"I told you that you were a social outcast."

Indianna turned.

Greyson stood there, looking down at her, one eyebrow raised in amusement.

"Greyson!" Brooklyn snapped. "Don't be rude!"

He smirked. "What? It's the truth."

"You're an asshole, but you don't see me saying that every five seconds!"

"I already know what you think of me, Brooklyn," Greyson said, brushing it off. "Now why don't you run along so I can talk to your new friend?"

Brooklyn crossed her arms, glaring at him. "You're such a dick."

Greyson's eyes darkened slightly. "Watch your mouth," he warned. "I was just with Harry. He's looking for you. Might want to find him before he finds you."

"Tell him to piss off," Brooklyn muttered.

She turned back to Indianna-but then Ace and Kal walked up, followed by another guy.

Blond hair, pushed back, a few strands falling forward across his cheekbones.

And his eyes-

"Speak of the devil," Greyson murmured, glancing at Brooklyn.

He turned to greet the blond guy, who was already staring at Brooklyn.

She avoided his gaze completely.

"Indianna, do you want me to show you the library?" Brooklyn said quickly, stepping aside-

But the blond guy moved faster.

He stepped in front of her, shaking his head, and placed his hands on her hips, gently pushing her back against the lockers.

"Harry, I-"

"You've been avoiding me," he said quietly, narrowing his eyes. "You know I don't like being ignored, babe."

"I haven't been ignoring you," Brooklyn said, forcing a sweet smile. "Why would I? You're such a delight to be around."

Her tone was light-but edged with sarcasm.

"Now do me a favor and leave me alone so I can show Indianna to the library."

Harry finally looked at Indianna, like he was only just noticing her.

"Find your own way to the library," he said, barely sparing her a glance.

Then he turned back to Brooklyn-

And her mouth dropped open.

"You can't-" Brooklyn started, but Harry cut her off by leaning down and kissing her.

Indianna noticed immediately how Brooklyn relaxed in his embrace, their lips moving in sync. Brooklyn gripped his arms, and Harry tangled his fingers in her curly hair. It was as if the world had disappeared around them-they were completely focused on each other.

Indianna looked away, awkward at watching their intimate moment. She caught Greyson rolling his eyes at the couple.

They only pulled apart when Kal, the ginger boy, made gagging noises and pretended to be sick. "God, you'd think you two don't spend every night going for it-"

"Kal!" Brooklyn cried, eyes wide. "Stop talking!"

Indianna realized no one was paying attention to her, so she stepped back slowly, hoping to slip away unnoticed.

Greyson, however, had noticed her immediately. He turned his head, eyebrows raised.

"Going somewhere, Indie?"

Her cheeks flushed as all eyes turned to her. This was exactly what she hadn't wanted.

"Er... yeah. The library. I'm just..." She took another step back, pointing behind her. "Gonna go."

"I don't mind showing you where to go," Brooklyn offered kindly, stepping away from Harry.

"No," Harry interjected, blunt. He wrapped an arm around Brooklyn, holding her to his chest. Brooklyn narrowed her eyes and elbowed him lightly in the stomach. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear, making her roll her eyes-but a faint smile tugged at her lips.

"It's fine," Indianna said quickly and hurried away, pushing past the guilt of being rude. She focused on weaving through the crowded school corridors, desperate to get away.

Indianna felt utterly exhausted when she finally sat in the library. She let out a long sigh, closing her eyes as she basked in the quiet. For the first time all day, she felt at ease-surrounded by books and the few students who had come to the library during lunch. Even the smell of dust and the stuffy ventilation somehow calmed her.

She was alone.

Sugar?

Indianna sighed. The voice didn't make her jump this time; she had been expecting it. She chose to ignore it.

Indianna, don't ignore me.

Indianna scowled. Leave me alone, she told the voice, reaching into her pocket for her phone to distract herself.

The voice didn't give up. Indianna?

She shook her head, scrolling through her messages, ignoring it.

Indianna! The voice exploded in her head, so loud that her brain rattled. She gasped as a sharp pain seared through her skull. It passed quickly, but she felt disoriented and rubbed her eyes, trying to focus.

Did you do that? she asked cautiously. Did you hurt me?

A silence.

I think I did.

You think! Indianna's mind screamed. You think? That hurt! You hurt me!

I can find it hard to control my anger sometimes, sugar. It'd be wise to do as I say, and we can avoid that in the future.

You hurt me because you got angry? Indianna hissed. What the hell is wrong with you?

This is new for both of us, sugar. I didn't plan on causing you pain, but you made me angry, and it just happened.

Are you even going to apologize?

Are you going to apologize for ignoring me?

That's not fair! You're insane! What do you want with me?

I can't tell you.

Why the hell not! Indianna's frustration flared.

I want to tell you, sugar-

Stop calling me that!

Don't interrupt me. I want to tell you, but I don't know if you're ready.

Indianna frowned, rubbing her temples. Ready for what? she finally asked.

The truth.

What do you mean?

I can't tell you until you're ready, sugar.

I'm scared. You're scaring me, Indianna admitted. Her head was a storm of emotions-anger, fear, confusion.

I'm sorry, Indie. It's not my intention.

Answer me one question?

That depends on the question.

Do you go to this school?

The voice paused. Yes, I do.

Are you in-

Only one question, sugar.

"How was school?"

Indianna's mother, Iris, stood by the door when Indianna arrived home. She was smiling kindly, but Indianna didn't return it. She had a complicated relationship with her mother, and lately, she was growing tired of it. Iris had been wonderful when Indianna was younger-adored her, doted on her, did everything she could. That changed after her father died. Since then, Iris had retreated into herself, and the warmth she once showed Indianna had faded. She still cared, but Indianna often felt unwanted.

On the rare days Iris seemed interested in her life, Indianna knew it wouldn't last. Tomorrow or the day after, Iris would return to wandering the house, lost in her own thoughts, and their conversations would remain basic and distant.

"It was fine," Indianna said, climbing the stairs to her new room, still cluttered with cardboard boxes filled with unpacked belongings. She collapsed onto her double bed, letting the soft duvet swallow her. Her eyes fluttered shut as she replayed the day in her mind, first thinking of the voice in her head, then Greyson, before realizing a strange pushing sensation in her skull-the voice was back.

Indianna's eyes snapped open. She sat up, bracing herself to confront the voice-but immediately felt the world spin. Nausea hit her like a wave. Her stomach churned, sweat beaded along her back, and she gagged. Her gaze landed on the door to her ensuite, swaying slightly as she rose cautiously.

"Oh no," Indianna whispered, stomach lurching as she scrambled to the bathroom. She fell to the floor by the toilet, gagging again. Seconds later, the contents of her lunch were in the bowl. Gasping, she clutched the side, gripping the seat to keep herself upright. Her body weakened further, and she groaned as she emptied more. Eventually, she collapsed back onto the cold bathroom floor, too weak to move. Darkness edged in.

Indianna woke with a start, jolting upright from the floor. Her skin was slick with sweat, her breathing ragged. She rubbed her eyes and stumbled back into her room. Outside, it was dark. Glancing at the clock, she realized she had slept all night on the bathroom floor.

Sighing, she returned to the bathroom and flicked on the light. Her reflection was pale, dark circles under her eyes making her look as bad as she felt.

She decided to shower, hoping the cool water would soothe her headache and calm her body. It helped briefly, but stepping out, the heat returned, stronger than the night before.

Dressing was slow and arduous. Any quick movement blurred her vision, and nausea churned in her stomach. She tugged a vest over her head, stumbled, and grabbed her bed for support. Eventually, fully dressed, she collapsed back onto the mattress, panting with effort.

Her body felt prickled by tiny needles, and she whimpered quietly. Hating this feeling, she reached for her shoes. She didn't want to go to school, but maybe a distraction was all she needed. Surely, she'd feel better once she was on her way.

Why are you going to school? You are clearly ill, sugar.

Indianna had been waiting for the voice. She'd felt him before she fell asleep, and since waking, his presence had lingered. Finally, you speak up.

Why are you going to school, sugar?

It's my second day. I can't skip already.

Yes, you can, and you should.

No, I shouldn't. Besides, I'm not staying at home with my mother.

You don't get along?

Indianna frowned. Not really.

That shouldn't be the reason you go to school.

It's not the only reason.

You should stay home, sugar.

I'm fine. This will probably all pass in a couple of hours. Her voice sounded like she was convincing herself more than the voice.

It probably won't.

Indianna ignored him and stood, bracing herself. I guess we're going to find out.

The sun was shining brightly, and it only made Indianna feel worse as she walked into school that day.

You shouldn't have come in, sugar.

If you aren't going to answer my questions, then don't talk to me, Indianna replied quickly, narrowing her eyes at the ground as she entered the building. Her temper was particularly short today.

"Hey, beautiful."

Indianna froze when a brown-haired boy stepped in front of her. Her eyes went wide.

"Are you new around here?" the boy asked, and Indianna felt immediately uncomfortable as his eyes shamelessly scanned her from head to toe.

She hadn't dressed as modestly as the day before because of her soaring temperature, but her shorts and vest top were not an invitation for him to leer like that.

"I'm sure I'd remember someone like you," he continued, smirking. He clearly thought he was charming, but Indianna just felt wary, the sleazy glint in his eyes putting her on edge.

"Sorry," she murmured quietly and stepped aside. "I have somewhere I need to be."

"Where are you in such a rush?" the boy said, placing a hand on her arm. Indianna stiffened, recoiling from his clammy touch. "I can show you around, sweet cheeks."

"I'm good, thank you," Indianna said, trying to step back-but suddenly, he pulled her forward. She crashed into his chest, dazed for a moment, before his tight grip on her arm snapped her back to reality.

"You should be more grateful!" the boy snapped. Indianna shrank as far away as she could. "A pretty little thing like you shouldn't be left alone-there are some mean guys around here."

"G-get off me!" Indianna whimpered, her heart hammering in her chest. She pushed at him, but he was strong.

"You need someone like me to look after you, darling." The edge in his voice sent fear coursing through her.

"P-please! Please, let me go!"

"You-"