Author's Words
Hi guys, if you've read this far, I just want to say thank you for sticking around 🤍
Stay tuned for the unexpected. And don't forget to comment—I'll be picking a lovely fan with the most reactions to be part of the story.
Yours,
Bookishvibes
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CHAPTER 5: THE WOOD BURN
Leah's POV
"Do we really have to go?" I complained. "How do we even know this isn't some kind of ritual to sacrifice us? Because why not have a normal welcome party during the day?"
I lay flat on the bed, staring at the ceiling, while Natasha rummaged through my wardrobe, pulling out clothes like her life depended on it.
"Oh, stop being paranoid," she said. "They just do things differently here—and it's cool."
She held up a mini skirt and a brown V-neck top.
"What do you think of this?"
I blinked.
Clothes I didn't even remember owning. This had to be part of the stuff Aunt Milly packed.
Aunt Milly—Dad's younger sister—basically played the role of a mother whenever she was around. She was always traveling the world and returning with gifts for me, mostly clothes. She constantly complained that my dressing wasn't "girlish" enough. So when she heard I was going to college, she flew back and packed my clothes herself.
What could I do?
I eyed the outfit.
"No."
Natasha groaned. "Come on! That's the fifth outfit you've rejected."
"That's because I don't like them," I replied calmly. "I told you—it has to be trousers. Pick anything with trousers and I'll wear it."
She stared at me.
"You promise?"
"I'm giving you my word," I said with a smirk.
All my trousers were baggy anyway. She had no choice.
"This will have to do," she finally said, holding up baggy jeans and a V-neck, body-hugging crop top.
Wait—
That wasn't fair.
I always paired baggy pants with loose shirts. I'd never worn something like this before. It looked good… too good.
I swallowed.
I'd always been insecure about my body. The scars from what I went through still lived on my skin—reminders I wasn't ready to show the world.
I stared at the clothes.
Was I really ready for this change?
---
Natasha's POV
After hours of convincing, Leah finally agreed to wear what I picked. I was relieved.
I was happy—genuinely happy. For the first time, I had a friend who wasn't chosen for me by my parents. Back home, most of my friends were spoiled, fake brats. I tolerated them because I had to.
But Leah was different.
I hoped this friendship would last… for as long as it could.
My phone rang, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I checked the caller ID and smirked.
"Well, well. If it isn't my world-best cousin calling."
There was silence on the other end.
"Natasha… how have you been?" he finally asked.
"Cut the bullshit and get straight to the point," I replied.
"What's her name?"
I smiled, sitting on the bed.
"Not so fast, darling. A hundred dollars per question."
"Fine. Just answer me," he said impatiently.
"Leah."
I heard him whisper the name.
Then silence.
"That's all I wanted to know," he said before hanging up.
I sighed. I was hoping to make at least a thousand dollars off him.
Annoyed, I stood up to get ready for the Wood Burn.
---
The night was alive.
Laughter and chatter buzzed through the campus field as a massive pile of logs burned at the center, flames licking the sky and casting golden light over everyone. Freshmen wandered around wide-eyed with excitement, while seniors moved comfortably through the crowd.
Music thumped from speakers, people danced near the fire, shadows flickering across their faces. Some roasted marshmallows, others passed drinks around. The smell of pine, smoke, and late-night snacks filled the air.
Natasha grabbed my hand, dragging me toward the fire.
I was overwhelmed by the number of people—and my anxiety kicked in instantly.
"Come on," she urged.
"Do I have to?" I protested.
She rolled her eyes. "I'm still upset you ruined that fine top with a hoodie."
I smirked.
My insecurity won after all.
Natasha found us seats near a smaller fire, where only a few people sat. Much better than the chaos near the main one.
I sat quietly, texting my dad to pass time, while Natasha easily blended into conversations, laughing and telling stories like she belonged anywhere.
Dad tried convincing me to put the phone down and interact. I refused.
Eventually, he stopped replying.
I sighed.
Nice move, Dad.
Left with no choice, I opened COD on my phone.
I was deep into the game when the music suddenly slowed. When I looked up, everyone was staring in the same direction.
And then…
They walked in.
Five boys.
Their presence alone commanded attention. Cameras were raised instantly. Every step they took made heads turn. They looked unreal—like idols pulled straight out of a fantasy.
But one of them…
He stood out.
His aura was intense, overwhelming. His light-brown eyes glowed gold under the firelight.
I couldn't stop staring.
God really took His time with this one.
They stood casually among the crowd, clearly used to the attention.
Then his eyes met mine.
Time froze.
No sound.
No movement.
Just that moment.
Neither of us looked away.
"Dominic!"
Dominic!" a blonde girl suddenly squealed, throwing herself into his arms.
I broke eye contact instantly, my chest tightening.
looked away, an uncomfortable feeling settling in my chest.
What was wrong with me?
Why did that bother me?
I looked away, confused, my heart racing.