Lucien walked out of the old gym, his coat swaying slightly as he stepped into the dimly lit hallway. The fight had lasted less than a minute, yet the consequences would ripple across the school. He could already picture it—whispers, rumors, people watching him from the shadows.
No one expected the new guy to be a monster.
Not that he cared.
He turned a corner and—
Stopped.
Leaning casually against the lockers ahead was Evelyn Mercer. Arms crossed. Expression unreadable.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, she smirked. "So... you're not just some quiet transfer student."
Lucien didn't reply. He could tell she had seen everything.
Her emerald-green eyes studied him like a puzzle. "Five guys, huh? And you barely broke a sweat." She tilted her head. "Adrian's going to be pissed. He's not used to losing."
Lucien walked past her. "Not my problem."
Evelyn turned, keeping pace beside him. "No, but it will be. You embarrassed him in front of his guys. And trust me, Adrian doesn't let things go."
Lucien glanced at her. "And you care because?"
She shrugged. "I don't. Just curious." Then, after a pause, she added, "You're different from the people here."
Lucien said nothing.
Evelyn smirked. "Most students at Blackridge are either arrogant rich kids or wannabe tough guys. You? You're quiet. Dangerous. It's interesting."
Lucien exhaled quietly. "Curiosity can be dangerous."
She laughed softly. "Maybe. But so can you."
Lucien didn't deny it.
As they reached the dormitory area, Evelyn stopped at a different hallway. "Well, this is where I leave you. Try not to get into too many fights, alright?"
Lucien didn't bother responding.
She smiled. "See you around, Lucien Falkner."
With that, she walked away.
Lucien watched her go for a second before turning walk to his apartment.
He barely knew her. But one thing was clear—
Evelyn Mercer wasn't just another student.
And something told him she was going to be a problem.
---
End of Chapter 3.