“No, I really don't,” I replied, uncertain of what else to say.He sighed, intertwining his fingers.“As you're aware, our school was broken into.We've found at least a dozen empty beer bottles, some leftover food, and a multitude of cigarette butts, among other things,” he said, locking his gaze onto mine to emphasize his point.I felt it was better to remain silent, waiting for him to continue.
“Not only did someone host a small party in there, but various student projects were damaged, models were dismantled, and profanity was scrawled across cabinets with permanent markers.Not to mention the large window that was broken and needs immediate replacement.”He paused, and I seized the moment to ask, “But how does this involve me?I'm deeply sorry, but I don't know anything about it.”He suddenly focused his deep, dark eyes on me, seemingly trying to discern something.“Well, there's one more thing…”
Oh no, something else that suggested I had a connection to this.My curiosity deepened.“I think it's best if I show you,” he said.Show me.Show me what?He jumped from his seat so quickly that I almost flinched.It looked like I was easy to scare.I followed him, but despite his hurried pace, I made no effort to match his speed.As we approached, both fear and intrigue washed over me.
He reached for a ring of keys from his pocket that resembled those from a dungeon.When he unlocked the door and stepped inside, I followed, freezing in disbelief.What I saw was horrifying and left me feeling even guiltier.My name was scrawled in thick black marker all over the walls, desks, chairs, cabinets, and even the window.At least a thousand times.My eyes widened, and my mouth fell open.
I scanned the room, bewildered by the purpose of this: a prank, perhaps?A very elaborate and time-consuming one.My gaze turned to the principal, who seemed to be waiting for me to confess.“I'm sorry, I didn't do this; it's absurd!I was at home—my parents can testify for me!”I shouted.Why did I say 'testify'?We weren't in a courtroom.I was losing my mind.
“Look, I can't imagine you would be foolish enough to write your name at the scene of the incident.We have no suspects, and our front cameras didn't capture anything, so we're at a loss.You're the first lead we have, as you're the only one with that name in our school.”
Was I the only one with this name?This must have been the consequence of my mother wanting a unique name and naming me after the moon.'I named you Luna because you are as beautiful as the moon that lights up the earth.'
“Do you have any idea who could have done this?Any current or ex-boyfriends or anyone who might wish you harm?”he prompted, eager to hear a name, any name.
“I'm sorry, I honestly have no idea,” I replied, still scanning the room.
“Alright then.I'll let you return to class, but if you remember anything—anything at all—please let me know.I think I'll also need to inform your parents,” he added, his gaze lingering as he stood by the door.
“My parents?Why?”I asked, bewildered.
“Well, the police are viewing this as a potential threatening message and have advised me to inform you and your family.”
“Oh, gosh.”This was definitely not the kind of first day my parents had envisioned…
“Are you sure you can find your way to class?”he asked me, searching my face for reassurance.He stared at me until I finally nodded.“Oh, and the police might want to have a word with you too, but I think they'll be asking the same questions, so don't stress about it,” he added, likely sensing the panic in my expression.
As I made my way to class, the bell rang, and a throng of students flooded the hallway.I moved through the crowd in a daze, barely aware of where I was headed.
“Hey, Blondie!You look like you've seen a ghost,” a voice called out.I turned my head to the left and spotted a group that Emily and I had dubbed theVipers: three guys and a girl.
The girl, if I remembered correctly, was named Valentina, but she preferred to call herself 'Vendetta' or just 'V.'She had piercings all over her face and tongue, as well as a few in places I didn't even want to think about.Her short purple hair was styled with one side shaved, and she always dressed in black with dark makeup.
Rumor had it that she was the school's information hub, using her knowledge to manipulate others into doing her bidding: everything from fetching coffee to completing homework.She had gained a lot of popularity the previous year for her ability to solve anyone's problems.
Next to her was Claudio, who went by Clous—a name reminiscent of Santa Claus, albeit with a twist, as he could procure anything you desired.Not just drugs, but literally anything else you could think of.
He stood around my height, maybe 5'6" or 5'7", with long platinum-blonde hair and a penchant for wearing red or green, making him look a bit like a twisted version of Santa.His dark, onyx-colored eyes gave him a creepy look, and his wild pranks were notorious for reducing classmates to tears.
Then there were the two'normal'ones, devoid of outrageous hair or attire.Giacomo, who went by Jake, was the apparent leader with his wavy dark hair on top and shaved sides.He typically wore skinny jeans, simple t-shirts, and leather or denim jackets.He was undeniably handsome, with light-brown eyes, puffy lips, and a perfectly shaped nose.Tall too, but the tallest among them was Zachary, known as Zane.
I didn't know much about him since I had never seen him speak.He seemed to be a shadowy presence within the group.His role was a mystery, but he had clearly transformed.
I remembered him as a smaller kid with a mass of reddish curls obscuring his face, but now he was fully shaved, his hair color almost indiscernible in the shadows.His eyes appeared amber or maybe green, though it was hard to tell since he didn't even glance my way.He towered over the rest of them at over 6'4", clad in black skinny jeans and a tight white t-shirt that accentuated his surprisingly slender waist and large shoulders.
TheViperswere a group you definitely wanted to avoid.Being caught alone with one of them outside of school was a nightmare scenario.Ever since they pulled a cruel prank on me last year, my hate for them ran deep.
“I count four of them now,” I responded, but Clous scoffed.
“Careful, blondie.You might not want to make enemies of us,” Jake warned as he stepped closer.I decided to play a bluff.
“Nice work you did over there,” I said, gesturing toward the door the principal had just shut.The tension in the air thickened, and I could see Jake’s jaw tighten.Even Zane stood a little straighter, casting a quick glance my way.Certainly amber eyes.“I think I need to head back to the principal and share some information.I'm sure the police would know what to do next,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant as I turned away, a smirk masking my fear.
“You won't do that,” a deep voice warned, one I hadn't heard before.Zane stepped out from behind Jake, moving closer to me.His jaw was strong, and the sunlight caught the amber in his eyes, making them shine.His lips were a striking coral, almost as if he wore lipstick, with a pronounced upper lip.I had to lift my chin to meet his gaze, unsure of how to respond.
“And who's going to stop me?”I shot back, attempting to sound fierce, but my trembling hands betrayed me.I turned to walk away, but Zane grabbed my wrist with a firm grip.Ouch.His hand was massive, gripping my wrist like it was a twig.“Maybe if you eased up on the steroids, you wouldn't break people so easily,” I snapped.His expression remained unfazed, but he did loosen his hold.
“You won't breathe a word of this to anyone,” Zane said, slowly inching closer.His deep voice sent a cold shiver down my spine.
