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-"

The boy was cut off by a very familiar voice. Indianna turned to see Greyson, his eyes dark and locked on the guy holding her. "The girl asked you to let her go."

The boy scoffed without facing him. "Fuck off, mate, I'm busy."

Greyson raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp on the back of the boy's head. "Big mistake," he murmured. Indianna gasped as she saw Greyson's fingers wrap around the boy's throat.

The boy froze, eyes wide with fear as Greyson pressed closer. "Let her go," he whispered, his tone dark and menacing. The shiver it sent down Indianna's spine had nothing to do with her illness.

Immediately, she was released. She stumbled backward, crying out in surprise as she bumped into someone. Panic set in-whether from shock or feeling ill, she wasn't sure-but the person steadied her.

"Relax," a calm voice said. Indianna looked up into the kind eyes of Ace, Greyson's friend. The nice one. "Relax, it's just me. I'm not going to hurt you. Are you-"

Indianna's attention was ripped from Ace when she heard a loud crash. She looked over to see Greyson had thrown the boy into a row of lockers. He crumpled to the ground in pain.

"Mate, I'm sorry-"

Greyson grabbed the boy off the floor and shoved him up against the now-dented lockers. "Don't fucking call me mate," Greyson hissed.

"What happened?" Brooklyn appeared at Indianna's side as a crowd began to gather around Greyson and the boy. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost!"

"I..." Indianna looked back at Greyson and cringed as he punched the boy, the force making the boy's nose bleed.

"Apologise to her!" Greyson growled, and all eyes turned to Indianna. Her eyes widened, her skin paler than she thought possible. "Apologise now, Josh, or I'll make sure you won't live to see the sun! Now!"

"Fuck!" Josh shouted, prying at Greyson's arm that was across his throat. "I'm sorry! Fuck, I'm sorry!"

"I don't think you mean it," Greyson hissed, applying more pressure to Josh's throat.

"I do!" Josh yelled, eyes wide with fear. "I'm sorry! I am!"

"Better," Greyson snapped, dropping Josh to the floor. "Now get out of my sight before I do something I will not regret!"

Josh scrambled away within seconds, eyes darting nervously toward Indianna. Her mouth fell slightly open, staring at Greyson in shock. She hadn't thought he could be that terrifying.

"What?" Greyson barked, glancing at the crowd of curious students. "Move along!"

"What happened?" Brooklyn asked as the crowd started to disperse.

"I..." Indianna's eyes stayed locked on Greyson as she stepped backward. "I... I have to go-"

"Indie, wait!" Before she could turn, Greyson gently grabbed her wrist. "Wait."

"No, no, I need to-"

"I'm sorry you had to see that," Greyson said seriously. "Josh is a sick bastard. He won't bother you anymore."

"O-okay," Indianna stuttered, unsure how to view Greyson after witnessing that.

"You can stop looking at me like I'm going to hurt you," Greyson said, raising an eyebrow.

Luckily, Kal and Harry approached before Indianna could respond.

"Dude!" Kal exclaimed, grinning at Greyson. "We heard what happened!"

"What exactly happened?" Brooklyn asked, looking around as Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"Josh was being inappropriate and manhandling Indianna," Ace explained.

Brooklyn's eyes widened. "God, he never learns! He's such a creep! Are you okay, Indianna?"

All eyes turned to Indianna. She groaned inwardly. "I'm fine, thank you. I think I'm going to go."

"Indie, are you really alright?" Greyson asked, scanning her up and down-not in a sexual way, but in concern. "You really look like shit."

"Thanks," Indianna said bluntly.

"He could have said it more politely," Brooklyn said, giving Greyson a look, "but he's right. You don't look well."

"I'm fine, really," Indianna insisted, turning and walking away.

She wasn't fine. The incident had distracted her briefly, but now her symptoms were flooding back-her head was pounding, she was sweating, and her whole body ached.

Go home, sugar. You're ill.

Indianna groaned. No...

Go home, the voice repeated. Now!

Make me. Indianna ducked into the girls' toilets as a sharp pain shot through her head. She cried out, clutching the sink. Stop it! Stop it, please!

The pain ceased, and the voice spoke again. I apologise. That was not intentional. As I've mentioned, I get angry easily, and I can't always control what I do when I'm angry, sugar.

You need to learn! Indianna shouted. God, you can't keep doing that!

Go home, and I pinky promise I'll work on it.

You're crazy!

Go home!

No!

I won't tell you again.

Tell me who you are, and I'll go home, Indianna said, attempting reason.

The voice scoffed. Not happening.

Then I'm not going home.

I can make the pain worse, sugar. Don't make me.

You're blackmailing me? Indianna gasped.

You are in no fit state to be at school. If blackmail is what it takes, then that's what I'll do.

You're evil.

I'm trying to look out for you.

By hurting me?

Are you going to go home?

No, Indianna said stubbornly.

The sharp pain returned, making her double over. When it passed, she noticed Brooklyn crouched in front of her, eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"Indianna, sweet, what's wrong? Are you in pain?"

"My head," Indianna whimpered, groaning as she pulled herself up. "I had a really bad pain in my head."

"I have painkillers if you need them," Brooklyn suggested.

"Thank you, but no. It's gone now."

I don't like hurting you, sugar. I don't want to.

Then don't!

It's extremely hard to control, especially when I'm trying to help you and you're not listening.

Help me by leaving me alone!

Indianna groaned, rubbing her head. She refused to let the voice win-she would not go home.

"Maybe I should get the nurse?" Brooklyn said softly, looking at her unsurely.

"P-please don't. I'm fine."

"Lessons have started," Brooklyn said gently. She studied Indianna carefully. It was easy to tell she was ill. "You really don't look well at the moment."

"I'm fine."

"You seem to say that a lot, sweet," Brooklyn said. "I'm starting to think you aren't actually fine."

"But I am-"

"No. You're ill. You need to go home and rest."

You should listen to her. She's right. Don't make me force you, sugar. Neither of us will like it.

Indianna sighed, nodding. "Fine. You win," she whispered-not to Brooklyn. "I'll go home."

Indianna had been home for a few hours, lying on the couch, feeling like death. She tried to sleep when the doorbell rang, making her head throb. Her mother, Iris, answered.

"Hello, Mrs. Hughs."

Indianna became alert at the voice.

"I'm a friend of Indianna's. I just wanted to check in and see how she's doing."

"That's very kind. I'm glad she's making friends. What did you say your name was?"

"I didn't."

There was a pause before Iris spoke again, cautiously. "You seem familiar."

"I'm sure I do."

"What is your name?"

"Greyson Evans."

Iris gasped, and Indianna heard a thud. "You need to leave."

"Not very polite, Mrs. Hughs. My foot hurts now. Why don't you open the door fully and let me in?"

"Get out," Iris said firmly. Surprisingly, Indianna found herself agreeing. She couldn't face Greyson now-she had spent hours comparing his voice to the one in her head.

"Let's have a chat, Iris," Greyson said, stepping closer. Indianna closed her eyes, pretending to sleep.

"Indianna is sleeping. You should leave," Iris said.

"Sit, Iris," Greyson commanded, taking a seat. He gestured to the couch beside him.

"What do you want, Greyson?" Iris asked meekly.

"I want an explanation."

"You're not getting one."

"I get what I want," Greyson snapped. "The more I understand, the easier it will be for her."

"I can deal with her when the time comes. We don't need your help."

"You do, Iris. This is going to happen to her very soon. She didn't randomly get ill. It's time."

"No, it's too soon!" Iris gasped.

"No, it is not."

"She's nearly eighteen. She has time-"

"She does not."

"Yes, she does!" Iris cried, panic rising in her voice.

"Do not raise your voice at me, Iris. I am here to help."

Iris sighed and looked at her daughter. "We shouldn't have come here."

"Did you really think you could help her go through this alone?" Greyson asked.

"Yes. I did."

"Then you are stupid," Greyson scoffed. Iris gasped. "You're a fool if you believed you could help her."

"How dare you-"

"How dare you," Greyson growled. "You came onto my land with her and expect us not to interfere? It's my duty to look after my own. Pack or not. The moment you crossed into this town, you signed her over to us. She belongs with us."

"W-what? No!" Iris cried. "H-how?"

"You two belong to no one. She needs a pack, and you happen to live where there is a very powerful one. Mine. I choose who's in my pack, and when the time comes, she will join mine. You have no say."

"You can't do that! She's my daughter!"

Greyson raised his eyebrows. "And?"

"We'll leave. We won't cause trouble. We'll leave tomorrow."

Greyson laughed. "Don't be a fool, Iris. If you try to leave this town, you'll never see her again. I promise."

"You're evil! You can't do that!"

"I'm trying to look out for her. I'm being nice, giving you time with her. But once it's time, she won't see you as often."

"You can't do this!" Iris pleaded.

"Do not push my boundaries, Iris. You know who I am. I'm not always this nice. Accept the time I'm giving you with her."

"She's scarred," her mother whispered. "Please."

"Her wrist."

"Not just physically. Mentally," Iris said. "She's been through a lot. You know what happened to us? The attack changed her. She used to be full of life, confident, bubbly. That day, I lost my daughter. She's a shell now. You can't just shove this life onto her."

"I'll deal with her. She'll be fine."

"She won't. I'm her mother. I can't even reach her anymore. I'm trying now, but she wants nothing to do with me."

"Trust me, Iris. She'll be fine with me. I'll get her through this."

Iris paused, narrowing her eyes at Greyson. "Why? Why are you interested in her?"

Greyson looked over, and Indianna sighed. "I think you know."

Indianna twitched, feeling both Greyson's and her mother's eyes on her.

"She's waking up," Iris said, and Indianna knew her pretending to be asleep was over.

Indianna opened her eyes and blinked, staring at Greyson. He was looking directly at her, arms crossed over his chest.

"W-what are you doing here?" she asked, sitting up on the couch.

"I came to see how you were," Greyson said.

"I'm fine."

"I think that's a lie."

"Greyson, you've seen her-you can leave now," Iris said. "She needs to rest."

Greyson raised his eyebrows at Iris, almost warningly, but he stood. "I hope you feel better, Indie," he said. "I'll see you soon."

Indianna fell back onto the couch and rubbed her eyes. She was glad the exchange hadn't lasted long; her head hurt even more, and she felt extremely confused.

Iris looked at her questioningly. "He's your friend?"

"No," Indianna answered immediately. "He's not."

"Then why would he check up on you?"

"He beat a guy up today in front of me. He must have felt bad," Indianna shrugged.

"You need to stay away from him, Indianna."

"Since when do you care about me, Mum?" Indianna snapped suddenly. "Why do you suddenly care? You've been distant for years-you can't decide out of the blue to start being a decent mother again."

"I do care about you, Indianna," Iris said softly. "Please know that."

Indianna sighed and stood, fanning herself with her hands. "Do you?" she asked, heading for the door. "That's nice to know."

She made her way to her room and sat on the window sill, opening the window wide, hoping the cool air would soothe her burning skin.

She thought back on the conversation she had overheard and frowned, trying to connect the dots but coming up empty. She desperately wanted to sleep, but her thoughts kept her wide awake. She wanted answers. Her mother was hiding something from her, and Greyson knew things about Indianna she didn't even know herself.

How?

Indianna sighed as pressure began forming in her head. She knew the voice was back. What do you want? she asked before he could speak.

That's not a very nice greeting, sugar.

I'm not in the mood.

Well, I was going to supply you with some answers, but seeing you're like this, I think I'll leave it.

No! Indianna shouted. What were you going to tell me?

It can wait.

Tell me!

Why should I, sugar?

Because I deserve to know something! Anything! Even my mother is keeping secrets from me! My head is all over the place, and I'm freaking out!

I didn't think you were really asleep.

Indianna froze, her breath catching in her throat. It's you. It really is you.

I said I'd give you some answers, sugar.

Indianna gripped the window sill, steadying herself. She had a feeling it was him, but saying his name aloud still shocked her. She swallowed nervously. Greyson?

Hello, Indie.