I Am The Alpha

"Hell has no fury like a woman scorned."

That'd been my mantra since the mating ritual during the last full moon. The night Higan Sinclair unleashed the full extent of his hatred for me. He held nothing back, and even the blind could sense it.

I've cried, cursed-and cried again, but that was just the extent of my fury, the only release I could afford myself. Higan Sinclair was untouchable, the Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, while I was nothing more than an Omega-a lowly rank that didn't even warrant his acknowledgment, let alone his respect.

Before Higan's scorn, I used to believe in love that could conquer anything. My mother would tell me stories of destined mates, of bonds between Alphas and Omegas, so strong they could survive any storm. But those were just stories, weren't they? In the real world, being mated with someone was a two-edged sword, and I was its latest casualty.

A sharp, piercing pain flared in my chest, and I clutched at it reflexively. "Shit!" I hissed through clenched teeth. The pain of a rejected mate had become a constant companion after that night, a relentless reminder that I was unwanted and unloved. The affliction came in sequentially.

I clutched tightly at my chest when the pain struck harder than the last. Tears burned at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them drop. In a desperate attempt to numb myself from the pounding discomfort, I clenched my eyes shut.

I cursed the night I was chosen as his mate. If that night hadn't happened, I wouldn't have to suffer the agony of knowing when he was doing the unspeakable to another woman. The pain lingered for what seemed like forever before finally subsiding.

I heaved out a deep sigh, as I gathered myself up with all the strength I had left, and headed to the staff room. My movements were slow and heavy with exhaustion.

To my disappointment, ill fate had not finished with me. I was just a few steps from the classroom when I was suddenly shoved from behind. My body staggered forward, and I barely had time to register what was happening before my face connected with the hard, cold floor, my binder spattering across the ground, papers flying everywhere.

I ignored the laughter and snide comments echoing around me as I crawled around the floor trying to gather my belongings. But each time I reached for something, someone passing by kicked it farther away from me and walked over it, leaving their shoe prints. Just as I reached for the last piece of paper which was my AP English essay that I worked so hard on and had yet to turn in since morning, a polished black shoe planted itself firmly on it.

"Why, hello there, Hardly," came a sneering voice above me.

I gritted my teeth, my fists clenching around the crumbling essay paper. "Hello, Adolph. Must I remind you for the umpteenth time that my name is Harlyn?"

Adolph's hand shot out, grabbing me by the collar and yanking me to my feet. He slammed me against the lockers with such force that my binder fell from my grasp again.

"What's wrong, Adolph? Still hate the name your mommy gave you?" I cooed, keeping my voice as steady as I could manage. His cold blue eyes narrowed, and he lifted me higher, my feet dangling off the ground. I held his gaze, refusing to back down. "If you could use a fraction of that energy in the Alpha contest, you would have been an Alpha by now."

"Shut up! Why don't you first find a mate that wants you before running your mouth like a loose ass?" He snarled, his breath hot against my face.

His grip became more firm and for a moment I thought he might actually hit me. He abruptly released his grip making me land painfully on my butt. I tried to stand on my feet, but he knocked me on the ground again with his foot.

"That's enough," came a familiar voice from behind him-a voice that made my blood run cold.

"H-Higan..." Adolph stammered, his bravado faltering as he turned to face our Alpha.

Higan Sinclair, strolled towards us, his arm draped casually around Tess's waist. I controlled the urge to roll my eyes at the sight of them. His minions followed behind. Some of which weren't even part of the Crescent Moon Pack. He would rather treat them better than me. The crushing thought crossed my mind again-it was a reoccurring one.

Higan's eyes gleamed with a twisted amusement, and I knew he'd seen everything.

"What have I said about treating our own like this?" He asked, as he finally got to where Adolph and I were, his tone laced with false concern. His hand came to rest on Adolph's shoulder, making him shudder. "It doesn't reflect well on us. Or on me, your Alpha," he added, the words dripping with mock authority.

Higan's gaze shifted to me, and my inner wolf stirred, reacting to the proximity of her so-called mate. But I refused to let him see how deeply he affected me. I remained on the ground, staring defiantly up at him, the rage I'd been trying to suppress bubbling to the surface.

My mind drifted back to the Mating Ritual night. "I'd rather die than be mated with Harlyn Sage." These were the exact words he said with no hesitation. The horrors of the night after he made the declaration, burned into my soul like a branding iron. He was indeed a wolf in sheep's clothing. Before that night, his cruelty had been mild, hardly more than a few cutting remarks or a cold shoulder. But after he publicly rejected me, it turned into a full-blown campaign of torment. He'd let his minions do as they pleased with me, all the while pretending to be the concerned Alpha, but I knew better. The mere sight of me disgusted him.

Tears pricked the corners of my eyes again, but I blinked them away. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing me break.

"Are you okay, Harlyn?" Higan's voice was a poisonous hiss, dripping with false concern. It made my skin crawl, how barely concealed the scorn was. I wanted to scream, to tear him apart with my bare hands, but I stayed still, stuck in my own silence.

"I'm fine," I finally managed to choke out. He nodded, a cruel smile tugging at the corners of his lips, and turned away, signaling his minions to follow. As they walked past, Tess shot me a look I've known too well, before pulling Higan down for a possessive, claiming kiss. He returned it with equal fervor, and then they turned and left, their laughter echoing down the hallway.

My chest began hurting considerably more like it did before. It was like being stabbed repeatedly with a blunt knife, a constant reminder of my disgraceful bond with him. I watched them disappear around the corner, their laughter still jeering in my ears.

Why do I have to endure this torment every time something happens between them? I never asked to be his mate. I never wanted this cursed bond. I was still coming to terms with being an Omega in a strange pack, and now I was being tormented by the deranged Alpha who thought he was too good for me. Technically, he was. But it still hurt.

The fifth bell rang, snapping me out of my agonizing thoughts. I let out an irritated sigh as I gathered the rest of my belongings and shoved them into my backpack with a little too much force. I hurried down the corridor, wanting nothing more than to get away from the place of my newfound embarrassment.

I kept my eyes fixed on the ground while trying to blend into the crowd as I made my way to the back of the classroom where I had found a spot. The familiar faces of my classmates blurred in together, their whispers and snickers fading into the background as I was too drained to care.

All of a sudden, the room fell silent. I glanced up to see our AP English teacher, Mr. Donald marching into the room with a thick stack of papers in his hand.

"Settle down, everyone," Mr. Donald called out, his deep voice cutting through the remaining whispers. "I have your essays from last week. Some of you clearly didn't put in the effort, and it shows. While some of you didn't bother submitting at all." His eyes landed on me, on the last statement which made my stomach twisted into knots.

I sat up, my mind flashing back to when my essay had been crumpled under Adolph's shoe. That son of a gun. If only he hadn't gotten in my way, I wouldn't be in such a mess right now. I tried my best to throw Mr. Donald the most sympathetic look, but I wasn't sure he caught it. I pulled out my squeezed essay paper from my backpack and straightened it out as best as I could. I would have to come up with a lie to tell him.

"We have a new student joining us today," Mr. Donald continued, gesturing for someone to come in. "I expect you all to make him feel welcome." A loud chatter erupted in the class, and it was justified. Transfer students were pretty rare in Springville. Everyone in school knew each other from middle school, some even from elementary school. And to add to it, it was unusual to have a transfer student in the middle of the school session. The idea of having a new student piqued my curiosity as it did with the other students.

Eager to know who it was, I cocked my head to see the new student walk in. I wasn't sure what to expect, but he certainly wasn't. He was tall and had broad shoulders like he'd spent his whole life building them. His hair was dark like it had a life of its own. His eyes scanned the room, intense and piercing, as if sizing us all up. He strode with a confident stride, each of his steps deliberate and measured.

"Class, this is Ethan Starrk," Mr. Donald said, introducing him. "Ethan, feel free to take any open seat."

When his gaze locked onto mine, I felt a stifling jolt. It was like he could see right through me, peeling back layers until there was nothing left to hide. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, my heart stumbling over its own rhythm.

Something about him made the hair on the back of my neck stand, even without speaking a word. His gaze traveled down my body as he strode. And in a flash, he took the seat directly behind me.

The air around me tensed. I could feel him from where he was, just a breath away. The sensation in my belly felt like a trapdoor suddenly opening. Even though my gut was telling me to run for the door, the weight of his presence was keeping me in place.

"Alright, let's get started with the lesson," Mr. Donald announced, snapping me back to reality. But the words barely registered. I was hyper-aware of Ethan behind me, his eyes boring into the back of my head. It was unnerving. Class dragged on, and I tried to focus on the lesson, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Ethan.

When the bell finally rang, I hastily packed my stuff because I was itching to get away. And just as I stood up, I felt something–the lightest graze on my neck. It was so brief that I almost thought I'd imagined it.

I spun around, but Ethan was already on his way out, his stride confident, and unhurried. He didn't look back, didn't acknowledge me at all, but the tension he left behind was palpable, a blanketed weight in the air, long after he'd gone.

I took a sharp breath as I stepped out of the classroom, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I had made sure he was far gone before making my decision to step out. I would have stayed longer but I had to hand in my essay to Mr. Donald before my next class and I couldn't afford to be late.

I took a sharp corner, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of the lies I had cooked up, and crashed straight into someone, knocking me to the ground for the second time that day. Or so I thought it was until I realized I was hanging mid-air and a muscular arm holding me in place.

"What the-?" The words caught in my mouth as my eyes met with who I thought was going to be another sneering bully. To my surprise, it was the wonderfully crafted mysterious new student.

His intense gaze locked onto mine, and for a moment the world seemed to stop. The uneasiness and nerves faded away.

What's with his eyes? An unsettling shade of green with a tint of gold that seemed almost out of this world. Heck! It was out of this world.

My brows furrowed in its own accord. There was definitely something strange about him.

"Are you alright?" He asked, drawing me out of my reverie. His voice held a distinct British accent, low, and smooth, carrying a hint of concern that felt out of place.

I'm fine," I muttered, trying to pull away from him, but he didn't budge. Instead, his grip tightened. I could see a frown forming on his forehead, his eyes narrowing and roaming as if he were trying to solve a puzzle.

He leaned in closer, his nose brushing slightly against my hair, and inhaled deeply. For a moment, I thought he was going to say something, but then he abruptly let go of me, taking a step back as if he had been stung. Immediately, I caught myself, not letting my back make contact with the floor. His expression had shifted to something almost... wary.

"You're... different," he murmured to himself as if trying to figure out something. "What are you?"

I stared at him in bewilderment. His eyes darkened, a strange gleam flickering between them. Yet there was something else there-curiosity? Perhaps, recognition. I wasn't sure.

Why is he asking me that? Does he know I'm a werewolf? Is he human? He doesn't look human. Was this a prank?

The words that had no response caught in my mouth. I gawked at him for several beats, and my mind could only form one logical answer.

A joke.

I had no idea what he was on about, but I'd definitely seen something play out like this before. The taunting, the condescension from Higan and his minions. Higan must have recruited him the minute he got here to taunt me. Well, too bad. Whoever this new student was, I wouldn't let him have his way with me. Never.

His cold and unnerving eyes bore into mine. Even his ridiculously perfect face wasn't going to disarm me. "You can start by apologizing, you know?" I demanded, my voice laced with defiance. "You bumped into me."

He blinked, a look of disbelief washing over his features. His brows furrowed as if he was trying to recollect himself. He probably figured I wasn't buying his antics. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there," he apologized, his tone flat, confirming my suspicion that this was some kind of twisted joke.

"Sure you didn't," I spat, the words laced with sarcasm, harsher than I'd intended.

He recoiled slightly. "No, I-"

"And just so you know," I interrupted, cutting him off, "I don't care who you are or who you're affiliated with. Whether it's Higan or whoever, I won't let a newcomer walk over me."

He tilted his head, a look of curiosity flashing across his face. "Who is Higan?"

Ignoring his question, I snapped, "I don't have time for this." I shoved past him for good measure, not bothering to look back, and headed toward the teacher's staff room, my heart still pounding from the encounter.

I got to the staff room and luckily enough for me, Mr. Donald bought my lie, but I think the major reason for the pardon was because I never defaulted in handing in my homework. As I made my way to the next class, the thought of the hallway encounter crossed my mind. His apology had been strangely hollow, almost like he wasn't used to saying the words. And that question about Higan... it had been so out of place. How could anyone in Springville not know who Higan Sinclair was? Even the previous new student who arrived three years ago, knew about Higan the second he got to Springville.

I shook my head, trying to push the thoughts away. I had more pressing concerns, like surviving the rest of the day without running into Higan's lackeys. I quickened my pace and I spotted Aiko, a Beta of the Crescent Moon pack, talking in hushed tones with a group of familiar girls at the far end of the hall. I wondered what they were discussing-probably my humiliating rejection at the Mating Ritual. My brows drew together as I strained to listen. Their voices were like a distant hum.

With growing frustration, I tucked my hair behind my ear, hoping to catch a few words. My sensitive ears picked up snippets-"moonlight"... "ritual"... "Higan"... "rejected." That was all I needed to know. They burst out laughing as if they had just shared a joke amongst themselves. They weren't wrong to laugh. I was a joke. I heaved a sigh, trying not to let it get to me. I turned on my heels, not wanting to listen to any more of the occurrence of my shameful night. Suddenly, a name I heard from one of them stopped me in my tracks. I swiveled and took a step closer, my eyes fixed on the group, willing them to speak clearly. They didn't glance my way. I was thankful for that. I was invisible to them anyway.

"Ethan Starrk," Aiko whispered to them in a serious tone.

"I heard he's here with his pack. This is our territory. What business does he have in Springville?" Another girl chimed in. I stiffened, and my skin grew clammy. The look on their faces almost sent a shiver down my spine. If a new student could make a group of Betas look this way, then I was acting too calm for my own good. He was definitely trouble. I knew there was something off about him. From what I could get from the gist, he was an Alpha. But of which pack? The other ones I've heard of apart from ours weren't led by a high schooler. I mentally face-palmed at how badly behaved I was towards him and the baseless assumption I made of him being affiliated with Higan. I pursed my lips as I scanned the hallway. There were barely any students around as most had already cleared out for their next period. I prayed silently I wouldn't catch a glimpse of him. I was going to avoid him as much as possible.

The rest of the day passed by in a blur. I managed to avoid any more confrontations with Higan's minions, and I knew for certain that he wasn't busy doing his dirty deeds with Tess, because there was no heart-wrenching pain. But there was this lingering fear in my mind, that I had crossed the wrong person. By the time the final bell rang, I was more than ready to leave.

I made my way to my locker, in a dash. Just as I was about to close my locker, I felt an airy presence behind me. My heart leaped into my throat, as I spun around, expecting to see Higan or one of his goons.

"You," I blurted absentmindedly. Ethan stood a few feet away, with an expression I couldn't decipher. Those strange eyes fixed on me again. Shit! Shit! Shit! "Do you need anything?" I asked, my voice quivering.

He didn't answer right away. Instead, he took a step closer, his intense gaze searching.

"I'm sorry I upset you earlier," he said quietly, the words still sounding foreign coming from his mouth. "I didn't mean to." His gaze remained locked on mine, an awkward silence stretching between us. I arched my brows, not knowing the right words to say. I might just say the wrong thing and who knows what he might do to me. For Moonsake I was just an Omega.

"Where are you from?" he demanded, his voice carrying an authority I couldn't resist. I pondered on why he would ask me such. Shouldn't the question be directed at him? He was the new guy in town. I didn't utter a word, but he continued. "There's something different about you."

"Different?" I echoed, narrowing my eyes, reminiscing the moment he first mentioned the word. "What are you talking about?"

He hesitated as if searching for the right words. "What bloodline are you from?" he asked. Bloodline? What's with the strange questions? Is he trying to end my generation? I'd be open to seeing his displeasure when he finds out I'm nothing but an omega. "Are you from the Moon Stone Pack?"

I stared at him, trying to process what he had just asked me and it took everything in me not to laugh, considering I was in a dire situation I wanted to get out of. Did he seriously just ask me if I was from the Moon Stone Pack? The Moon Stone Pack was ancient and was one of the first bloodlines of werewolves. They harnessed unimaginable powers from the moonstone, making them, unbelievably powerful and indestructible. But according to legends, they vanished into myth when the stone was lost.

"No, I'm not," I answered, shaking my head vigorously. Maybe that would make him stop. "I hope that answers all your questions." I turned to leave, but he reached out, his hand gently brushing my arm. The contact sent a strange, electric sensation through me, and I froze. I peered up at him, waiting for him to do the unknown, but he didn't. After what felt like a lifetime, he reluctantly let go of my arm. I clutched my arm as if it burned, then ambled away, feeling his eyes on me but daring not to look back.

As I got to the school parking lot, my mind was still wandering.

"Harlyn," Higan's voice cut through my daze. I turned around and almost collided with his chest. His face was contorted into a mask of fury, or maybe it was something else. I couldn't tell. The expression on his face now was one I'd never seen before.

"Higan" I exclaimed, gaping in disbelief. Why does he have to be so close? How the hell is he here alone with me? The moon be damned if Higan was seen alone with me in such proximity. Yet here he was. My inner wolf stirred, sensing him near. She was restless, whining softly in the depths of my mind. I couldn't control it. Was this one of his tactics to taunt me? Because it was working. "What do you think you're doing?"

My heart pounded widely as he slowly closed the distance between us, his dark brown eyes like two burning coals. "I should be asking you that question, Harlyn," he replied coolly, his voice dangerously low. "What do you think you are doing?"

My brows pulled together. "What?" I asked as if I hadn't heard what he had said. Knowing Higan, he wasn't one to repeat himself, so I was hoping for some sort of clarity in the question he would ask next.

"What games are you playing with Ethan Starrk?" he growled.

The realization dawned on me. He must have, at some point, seen me with Ethan. I struggled to maintain my composure, but his unwelcoming presence overwhelmed me. The desire to yield, to let him dominate me, almost made me sink to my knees, but I couldn't let it happen.

"You're mistaken," I muttered, trying to steady my voice, but it came out weaker than I intended. "We were just-"

Higan's hand shot out, gripping my chin in a vice-like hold. His touch was firm, yet it didn't hurt. He tilted my head up, forcing me to meet his gaze. I could see the storm brewing in his eyes. Anger, jealousy, something else... It was hard to tell. For a moment, I was lost in the dark depths. "Don't ever talk to him again," he snarled, his voice barely above a whisper. His breath fanned against my skin. "Am I clear?"

I nodded, unable to find the strength to argue. Even if my wolf fought against his command, she was powerless against his Alpha presence. The bond I had with Higan wasn't what I wanted, but it existed, binding me to him in a way I couldn't escape.

He looked at me as if he wanted to add to what he said, but the words didn't come. And when I thought things couldn't get any more complicated.

Higan slammed his lips on mine.

It took me some seconds to comprehend what was happening. Higan's grip on my chin, which was nothing short of torturous, was nothing compared to the shock of his lips against mine. It wasn't just a kiss. it was a claim, an unapologetic assertion of his dominance over me. My body responded against my will as I closed my eyes, electrifying sparks coursing through me as he pressed closer, his body overwhelming mine.

My pulse roared in my throat as every inch of me screamed to push him away, but I didn't. I didn't want to. The kiss deepened, stirring emotions I didn't want to acknowledge like something dark that whispered of taboo. But as suddenly as it began, Higan pulled away, leaving me shaken and exposed.

I opened my eyes slowly, meeting his gaze. There was a disturbing look etched on his face that I couldn't pinpoint. Regret? Anger? He was always impossible to read, a master at concealing whatever he truly felt.

"Pathetic," he sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "You think that meant something? You're just as weak as I thought, Harlyn." My heart dropped and landed somewhere around my kneecaps. The connection I had foolishly imagined shattered into a thousand pieces. I struggled to breathe, to find words that wouldn't come.

Higan stepped back, his eyes narrowing as he looked me up and down as if I were less than a thing. "You are nothing, Harlyn. Nothing but a pathetic lapdog. Don't ever forget your place."

Don't cry, Harlyn. Pull yourself together. I said to myself, willing to hold it together. But Higan had always known how to break me. The sting of his rejection crept into me once more, as raw as the night it happened. I bit down on the inside of my cheek. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth, causing a minor distraction. My eyes burned from the conscious effort to hold back tears that were threatening to fall.

"And don't think for a second that I'm done with you," Higan continued, his tone now icy and detached. "You are mine. So, stay away from Ethan Starrk. He is not your problem-I am."

He spun around and walked away, leaving me paralyzed on the spot. The weight of his callous words made my back slouch as if they had physically crushed me. I let out a whimper as hot tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. I wiped my cheeks furiously, desperate to regain control, but it was of no use.

I took a shaky breath as I heard footsteps approaching. I looked up to see Becca walking toward me, her expression was that of disapproval.

"Becca," I started, my voice hoarse from holding back sobs.

She didn't give me a chance to continue. "I saw what happened, Harlyn," she said, her tone sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. "It isn't so difficult to have some self-worth, is it?"

I gaped at her, stunned by her words. I hadn't expected her to say such words to me in my state. Becca was always the tough-love kind of girl, and though she avoided being seen with me at school or anywhere else, she was the only one who didn't treat me like a complete pariah. I cherished our unlikely friendship, even though it was a secret one. We were both outcasts, and I cling dearly to that common factor between us.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, trying to understand her sudden harshness.

Becca crossed her arms against her chest and gave me a knowing look. "Higan rejected you, remember? Or have you forgotten already?" Her voice was cold, devoid of the warmth I so desperately needed. How could I forget? No woman could forget the day she was scorned. "You should have walked away. But no, you had to throw yourself at him. Do you have any idea how pathetic you looked?"

Her words were like a slap in the face. "I didn't throw-" I started, but she cut me off again.

"Don't lie to me, Harlyn. I saw the whole thing. You kissed him back. And for what? To feel wanted? To pretend that he might actually care about you?" She shook her head, her expression hardening. "He doesn't care about you, Harlyn. He's made that very clear. You're only making things worse."

I couldn't believe my ears. Becca was supposed to be my friend, but her words felt like they were coming from an enemy. "It's not like I wanted to kiss him," I retorted.

"So, why didn't you stop him?" Becca shot back, her forehead creasing. "Why didn't you push him away? You're letting him win. Can't you see that?"

My eyes glistened with another wave of unshed tears, but I quickly blinked them away. "It's not that simple," I whispered, my voice cracking. "And you know that."

Becca raked her fingers down her brown hair "I do." she said, her expression softening slightly. I knew where she was coming from. She had gone through a similar fate over a year ago, handling the situation with a strength I hadn't been able to muster. But she needed to understand that I wasn't her. Becca sighed and stepped closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. "I know it's hard," she hesitated, then squeezed gently. "But you have to be strong. You can't let him keep hurting you like this."

The warmth of Becca's hand on my shoulder was oddly comforting. We rarely had any physical contact, but this touch reminded me that she cared, even if her words were harsh. I knew she was right, but how could I fight back against my Alpha? Before I could finish gathering my thoughts, the scent of something unfamiliar wafted through the air, sharp and prominent. It was too strong to ignore. I straightened, my senses suddenly on high alert.

Becca noticed my shift and pulled her hand away, her eyes roamed the parking lot with caution and curiosity. "Is something wrong?" she asked, her voice laced with slight concern. But before I could answer, a figure stepped out from nowhere, making her way towards us. And I pondered on who the person was.

Her facial features were illuminated by the light coming from the sun, highlighting her sharp cheekbones and pale skin. Her jet-black hair flowed behind her like silk as she moved with purposeful strides, like someone on a mission.

Becca stiffened beside me. "W-who are you?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly. I couldn't blame her. I would have sounded the same. The lady before us was quite intimidating.

The lady didn't answer immediately. Instead, she offered a small, almost invisible smile, her gaze never leaving mine. "You must be Harlyn," she said as if confirming a long-held suspicion. Her voice held the same distinct British accent as that of Ethan's that added to her uncanny presence.

Although I was taken aback by the sight of another new face who for some reason knew my name, I nodded slowly, unable to tear my gaze away from her. "And you are?"

"Abigail Berlette," she quipped. "I'm a friend of Ethan Starrk. Perhaps you've heard of him?"

Becca's breath hitched beside me, and I knew she recognized the name. The news had spread quickly about the new pack of werewolves in Springville.

"What do you want?" I asked, my voice unsteady. I wanted nothing to do with Ethan or any of his friends for personal reasons. And I also couldn't go against Higan's orders.

Abigail's smile widened just a fraction. "I saw what happened between you and your... Alpha," she said, ignoring my question. Her tone was conversational, almost amused. "Quite the spectacle, wasn't it?"

My stomach twisted at the reminder of the humiliating interaction between Higan and me. "Did Ethan send you here to spy on me?" I asked, certain that he would have also heard of my pitiful rejection story.

"No, no. Far from it," Abigail denied. "I just happened to see you two. A lover's quarrel, I thought at first." She sighed, inspecting her nails as if discussing something trivial. "High school drama." The way she said it made it seem like she was a decade older, despite her youthful appearance.

My unease grew at her demeanor. I tried to sound nonchalant, but my voice betrayed me. "What is it to you?" I asked, my words tumbling out.

"I've seen this before," Abigail said, her gaze sharpening, meeting mine again. "More times than you can imagine."

I scowled, rolling my eyes. Of course, I wasn't the first ever to be rejected. "And?" I sassed, preparing myself for whatever insult she might throw next.

Abigail took a step closer, and I instinctively stepped back. "Has he ever told you why he rejected you?" she asked.

I blinked slowly, taken aback by the question. "N-no," I stuttered, the word sounding like a betrayer on my lips like it just revealed a secret I didn't know existed. Was there something I should know? I turned to look at Becca, searching for answers, but she looked just as confused as I was.

Abigail's lips pressed into a thin line. "Of course, he hasn't," she hissed, more to herself than to me. "Coward. I prefer the old ways. She paused, a faint smile touching her lips. "Some truths are kept hidden for a reason, Harlyn. And not always for reasons you expect."

"What are you trying to say?" I asked, my frustration growing. "If there's something I need to know, then tell me."

Abigail shook her head slowly, her expression enigmatic. "It's not my place to reveal anything. Sometimes, rejection isn't about weakness or strength, nor is it about hierarchy. Sometimes, it's about what hasn't been realized yet. What hasn't come to the surface."

Her words were heavy with implication, offering no clear answers. "What hasn't come to the surface?" I repeated, trying to clear my confusion.

I held my breath, waiting to hear what she was going to say next.

Abigail's eyes bore into mine, her expression unreadable. In a swift moment, Becca took a step forward, her face stern. "Cut the weird act. If you have something to say, say it already."

Abigail glanced at Becca, her expression indifferent, as if she were nothing more than a minor nuisance. "Like I said, I'm not here to spill," she repeated, turning away.

As she began to disappear back to where she came from, her words clouded my thoughts, leaving me with more questions than before.

Becca and I watched her leave, our expressions troubled.

"Do you think what she said made any sense?" Becca directed at me.

"I don't know," I admitted, "But I'll have to find out."