Chapter Two — The Boy Everyone Knows
Aurora woke up with a pounding headache and the memory of silver eyes flashing through the forest. She tried convincing herself it had been her imagination, but something deep inside her refused to believe that.
When she arrived at Rosewood High, the atmosphere was loud and energetic as always. Students rushed around the courtyard, talking, laughing, comparing notes. Aurora didn't feel new anymore—she had made friends, started adjusting to the halls, and almost felt comfortable.
Almost.
"Aurora!" Tessa waved from beside the fountain. Malik and June were with her, arguing about music as usual. "Hurry. You're going to see something interesting today."
"What thing?" Aurora asked as she walked up to them.
Tessa smirked. "Basketball practice."
Malik scoffed. "Just say you want to stare at Damon."
June raised her book without looking up. "Everyone stares at Damon."
Aurora blinked. "Who is Damon?"
Tessa gasped dramatically, grabbing Aurora's shoulders. "Girl. How have you been here for a week and not heard of Damon West?"
Malik spread his arms like he was announcing a celebrity. "Star of the basketball team. Top of his class. Everyone likes him, and he doesn't care about anyone."
June finally looked up. "He doesn't date. He barely talks. He's… quiet. Cold."
Aurora felt a strange chill.
Cold.
Just like the boy she saw in the forest.
Tessa pulled her toward the basketball court. "Come, you can see him before class starts."
At the Basketball Court
The court was already surrounded by students. The sound of bouncing balls echoed loudly. Coaches shouted instructions. Shoes screeched against the floor.
And there he was—
Damon West.
Tall, sharp jawline, messy black hair, sweat glistening on his skin. He moved quickly and effortlessly, as if he was born to be on the court. Every shot he made was perfect. Every pass was smooth.
Students whispered his name like he was some kind of legend.
But what caught Aurora wasn't his playing.
It was his eyes.
Silver.
Cold.
Exactly like the boy in the forest.
Her breath caught.
Tessa said he's popular… so how did I not notice him before?
And why did I see him last night?
"Come on!" Tessa nudged her. "That's Damon. Every girl in this school has a crush on him."
Aurora swallowed. "He's… good."
"Good?" Malik laughed. "He's insane. People think he's not normal—"
June hit him with her book. "He means Damon is too talented. Calm down."
Aurora's eyes remained glued to him.
Damon didn't look at the crowd. Didn't smile. Didn't talk to anyone. He played with zero expression, as if this wasn't a game but a routine he'd grown tired of.
Then the ball rolled toward Aurora's feet.
She bent to pick it up—
And Damon walked toward her.
Her breath hitched.
He stopped in front of her, towering slightly. His eyes locked with hers.
For a moment, Aurora felt frozen in place. There was something dangerous, something ancient in his stare.
But Damon only extended his hand.
"Ball," he said flatly. His tone was cold, uninterested, almost annoyed.
Aurora handed it to him quickly.
He didn't say thanks.
He didn't smile.
He turned around and walked away without another word.
Tessa raised her brows. "Wow. You've been officially Damon-ed. Congratulations."
Malik laughed. "Yeah, he ignores everyone equally. Don't take it personally."
But Aurora didn't feel offended.
She felt unsettled.
Because the boy who had warned her in the forest last night…
Looked exactly like Damon West.
After School
Aurora tried to distract herself with homework, but Damon's emotionless stare kept replaying in her mind. After classes ended, she walked home with Tessa, Malik, and June. They joked and talked, but Aurora felt distant.
When she reached her house, the sun was already low. She waved her friends away and entered quietly.
Her dad wasn't home yet.
She climbed the stairs, pushed open her bedroom door—
And stopped.
Her window was open again.
A cold breeze swept through the room, carrying that same icy scent from the forest. Aurora walked slowly toward the window and peered into the backyard.
Stillness.
Silence.
But she felt it.
She wasn't alone.
Late Night
Aurora tried to sleep. She tossed and turned for hours, her mind racing.
Why did Damon ignore everyone?
Why was he in the forest last night?
Why do his eyes look… unnatural?
She turned towards her window—
And froze.
A shadow stood by the trees. Tall. Motionless. Watching her room.
Her throat tightened.
She blinked—
And the shadow stepped back…
…then vanished.
Just like last night.
Aurora sat up in bed, trembling.
This wasn't a coincidence.
Damon West wasn't just cold, popular, handsome, or distant.
He was hiding something.
Something dark.
Something dangerous.
And whether she liked it or not—
He was watching her.
🔥 can't wait for chapter 3???
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