We parted ways after the final bell, and I made my way to swimming class. The pool building was separate from the main campus, a long, low glass-and-concrete structure that smelled faintly of chlorine even from the parking lot. The walk gave me time to process the day so far—every hallway, every stare, every whispered comment—but by the time I pushed through the double doors, my head was still spinning.

  The class itself was uneventful, almost disappointingly so. A bunch of guys, no girls, just the usual mix of awkward locker-room chatter and chlorine fumes. I kept waiting for the inevitable elf questions, and they came—predictable, repetitive, mostly harmless. “Can you really see in the dark?” “Do your ears move when you’re mad?” I answered with the same half-smile I’d perfected over years of interviews, deflecting where I could, joking where I couldn’t. No one pushed too hard. No one was mean. Still, it felt strange being the center of attention in a place that was supposed to feel normal.

  Afterward, I showered quickly, changed back into my uniform, and headed to my locker to drop off my wet towel and goggles. The hallways were quieter now, most students already gone or lingering in clubs. My phone buzzed in my pocket—Kylie.

  I answered, bracing myself for another lecture. “Hey, sis. You still mad? Look, don’t be mad at Dani. She’s friends with Luna now—that’s why she was hanging around me.”

  “Michael’s taking us home,” she said, voice clipped, ignoring my question entirely. “We’ll be waiting in the parking lot.”

  I hesitated. “Oh. Actually… I’m getting a ride from Lucian. He’s meeting me after school to see if he can get me on the track team.”

  Silence on her end. Then, quieter: “Is Luna or Dani going to be there?”

  I sighed, already exhausted from the day’s drama. Was high school always this exhausting? “I don’t know. Why?”

  Another pause. I could hear voices in the background—her friends, probably—but she lowered her voice. “Luna’s changed. I don’t know if I like her anymore. And I really think you should stay away from Dani.”

  I grinned despite myself. Of course. Everyone had someone I should avoid today. I felt like I’d walked into the middle of a teen soap opera. “Kylie, Dani apologized. She seemed genuinely sorry for what happened with you and Michael. And Luna… she’s not as bitchy as she used to be. At least—”

  “What did you call me?”

  The voice came from directly behind me—sharp, dangerous, and way too close.

  I spun around. Luna was storming toward me, golden eyes blazing, Dani trailing a step behind with a look that said she knew exactly how this was going to play out.

  Luna got right in my face. “Did you just call me a bitch?”

  I took an instinctive step back. She followed, closing the gap instantly.

  “Um… not really?” I said slowly, hands half-raised in surrender. I brought the phone back to my ear. “Hey, Kylie—let me call you back.”

  Dani rushed forward, grabbing Luna’s arm and trying to tug her away. “He didn’t mean it, Luna. He was just saying you can be grumpy sometimes. Right, Meleek?”

  “Yeah,” I said, eyes flicking to Luna’s clenched fists. Was she actually going to hit me? She still had that same explosive temper, apparently.

  Luna growled—low, almost animalistic—and bumped me hard with her shoulder as she shoved past. “Whatever, dick.”

  Dani shot me an apologetic look, mouthing “sorry” as she hurried after Luna. “Come on, Luna—he didn’t mean it.”

  Luna glanced back at her, voice dropping to a whisper I still heard perfectly. “I know. I just wanted to scare him.”

  Dani looked over her shoulder at me. I rolled my eyes with a smile and shook my head. She gave me a knowing grin as they disappeared around the corner.

  I exhaled, rubbing my arm where Kylie had punched me earlier. Day one, and I was already bruised in multiple places—physically and emotionally.

  I made my way out to the football stadium, where the track circled the field. A decent number of students were already out there—some stretching, some jogging, others clearly trying out for specific events. I spotted Lucian near the starting blocks, talking to another guy. The conversation didn’t look friendly.

  Both were in gym shorts and tank tops, showing off the kind of muscle definition that came from serious training. Lucian looked carved—wide shoulders, thick arms, the same powerful frame as his father. The other guy was almost as cut, though slimmer, more wiry. He was up in Lucian’s face, gesturing aggressively.

  I sighed and shook my head. Apparently drama followed these two everywhere. I was starting to regret wanting to come to school here.

  As I got closer, I tuned in with my hearing.

  “You and your people aren’t welcome here,” the guy was saying. “We’ll never bow to you or your father.”

  Lucian stared back, unflinching. “Your father’s dead. Mine was chosen to take over. If you don’t like it… leave.”

  The guy jabbed a finger into Lucian’s chest. “That position should’ve gone to me—not your father, not some outsider. Maybe I should challenge him for it.”

  Lucian laughed—cold, dismissive. He grabbed the guy’s wrist and shoved his hand away. “You couldn’t kick my ass. There’s no way you’d stand a chance against my father.”

  The guy stepped even closer—close enough that I half-expected them to kiss. Just as he opened his mouth to reply, the coach walked up.

  “Is there a problem here, boys?”

  Lucian turned, instantly relaxed, and slapped a hand on the guy’s shoulder like they were old friends. “Just some competitive trash talk. Nothing serious.”

  The guy shrugged off Lucian’s hand and stalked away with his friend in tow.

  Lucian noticed me approaching, worry flickering across his face before he smoothed it away. He walked over, placed a hand on my shoulder, and steered me toward the coach.

  “Coach, this is Meleek. He wants to try out for the track team.”

  The coach stepped forward, offering his hand. “Welcome to the team, Meleek. Any idea which events you’re interested in?”

  I shook his hand. “I’m not sure yet.” I glanced at Lucian. “What are you doing?”

  Lucian looked out at the track. “Cross country, high jump, shot put.” He turned back to me. “I was thinking maybe sprinting for you. Elves are supposed to be fast, right?”

  I laughed. “Dude, you watch way too much TV. But sure—I’ll try whatever.”

  The coach chuckled, then stepped back and eyed my uniform. “You’re not exactly dressed for this. Hope you don’t mind getting dirty?”

  I looked down at myself and started untucking my shirt, loosening my tie. “I’ve got spares. No problem.”

  “Okay. We’ll start with sprinting—agreed?” He motioned to the track.

  I shrugged. “Sure. Do I need to know anything special?”

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  I pulled off my shirt and tie, setting them on my backpack. I could feel eyes on me—some curious, some appreciative. A few girls smiled openly. I tried not to blush.

  Lucian laughed as he looked me over. “Wow. Couldn’t tell under the uniform, but you’ve definitely been working out.”

  I smiled, glancing down at myself. “Thanks. Lots of swimming and home workouts.”

  “That’s good. Come on—follow us. I’ll show you the starting stance.”

  They led me to the blocks. I looked down at the marked lanes.

  The coach pointed. “You start here. Lucian and I will wait at the 100-meter mark. When he fires the pistol, go. I’ll time you.”

  “Okay.” I stepped into position.

  “And stay in your lane. We’ll restart if you don’t.”

  They walked off. Everyone stopped what they were doing to watch—probably expecting me to run like some fantasy hero.

  The coach raised the pistol. Adrenaline surged through me.

  Bang.

  Luna jumped ahead—she had better starting form. I stumbled slightly—wrong shoes—but recovered fast. We ran neck and neck for a few seconds. I actually thought I had a shot.

  Then she shifted gears.

  She pulled away like I was standing still.

  She crossed the line well ahead of me.

  Lucian walked up laughing, clapping. Everyone cheered. I leaned over, hands on my knees, gasping.

  “You two just broke the record again,” Lucian said. “But—sorry, Meleek—she won.”

  Dani jogged over and handed me a water bottle. “Here. Nice try.”

  I took it, still breathing hard. “Thanks.”

  Luna strolled up, not even winded, smirking arrogantly. “I expect an iced latte every morning before class starts, slave.”

  I looked up at her, still catching my breath. “Damn… you’re fast.”

  “I know.” She turned and walked off, Dani following with a grin.

  I sat on the ground for a minute, watching the others practice. Dani was at the pole vault, graceful and strong. Luna was doing high jump—effortless, powerful, beautiful in motion.

  Later, I found Lucian alone and overheard him talking to Luna about the guy who’d confronted him earlier.

  “So… that guy,” I said quietly. “What was that about? Something about your father taking over his family business?”

  Lucian took a long drink from his water bottle, staring out at the track. “Yeah. My father took over his family’s business. Guy thinks it should’ve gone to him because he’s the son.”

  I chuckled. “Don’t family businesses usually work that way? Stays in the family?”

  “This one’s… different.” He glanced over at the guy—who was still glaring at Lucian from across the field. “But he’s not fit to run it. Too weak—mentally and physically.”

  “Okay… whatever that means.” I still suspected Carl was involved in something shady—mafia, maybe—but I didn’t push.

  They tested me on a few more events. In the end, they said long jump would probably be my best fit—I did decently at it. We wrapped up, my legs feeling like jelly. The coach reminded me that official track season didn’t start for months, but we should keep practicing.

  Afterward, we hit the showers and changed. The locker room was awkward again—guys sneaking glances, expecting me to look different. One of them—the angry guy from earlier—laughed. “Ha! Your hair’s white down there too. Curtains match the drapes.”

  A couple others laughed. Lucian told him to shut up. The guy glared and walked off.

  We finished dressing and headed out. As I stepped into the hallway, a gym bag slammed into my chest.

  “Carry that, slave,” Luna said, smirking.

  Lucian laughed and walked up beside me, still drying his hair with a towel. “She’s going to make you regret that bet"

  “I think I already do,” I muttered, slinging her bag over my shoulder.

  She smirked and walked ahead of us. On the way to Lucian’s truck, I called Kylie to let her know I’d be home later—and that I’d made the track team.

  She actually sounded happy for me. We talked for a bit about the day, the events I’d tried, the people I’d met.

  When I hung up, Luna twisted around in the front seat and held out her hand. “Give me your phone.”

  I looked at her skeptically. “Why?”

  She didn’t ask twice—she leaned back and snatched it from my hand. “I need your number. In case my slave needs to do something for me.” She started dialing her own number into my contacts.

  “Oh… okay.” I relaxed slightly.

  Her phone rang. She saved my number, tossed mine back, and I saved hers. Lucian gave me his too.

  Then Luna turned fully in her seat, looking back at me with mock seriousness. “Okay. Time to set some ground rules for my slave.”

  Lucian grinned at her. “Luna, be nice. This is Meleek—not some random guy at school.”

  She smiled sweetly at him, then turned back to me. “First rule: when I give you an order, you say, ‘Yes, mistress.’”

  I rolled my eyes and chuckled. “Whatever”

  She raised an eyebrow. “That’s not what you say.”

  I glanced at Lucian in the rearview—he was grinning. “Yes, mistress.”

  “That’s better.” She smiled and turned forward.

  The drive home took about fifteen minutes. We spent most of it talking about the day—the classes, the people, the drama. Despite everything, it hadn’t been terrible. I’d been braced for bullying, for stares turning mean. Instead, I’d gotten curiosity, compliments, even a little admiration.

  We pulled into my driveway.

  “Your house is bigger than I thought it would be,” Lucian said, looking up at it.

  I smirked, wondering if that was a dig. Their houses had always been massive—practically mansions. “Thanks… I think. Do you two want to come in? My parents aren’t home yet.”

  They exchanged a look and nodded.

  We walked inside. Kylie was sprawled on the couch on her stomach, texting, watching TV. Her long sleep shirt had ridden up, showing the backs of her legs and a glimpse of yellow panties.

  She looked up—and froze. “Damn it, Meleek!”

  “Sorry,” I said quickly. “I didn’t expect you to be out here. It’s just Lucian and Luna. You told me to bring them over.”

  “Sorry, Kylie,” Lucian said, looking away fast. “Meleek wanted to show us the house.”

  Kylie jumped up, scowling at me. “I don’t care! You should’ve warned me you were bringing people home!”

  “Again—it was your idea to invite them,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

  Lucian slowly turned back, glancing toward where she’d disappeared down the hall. Luna pushed him lightly and smiled. “What do you think? She really grew up, huh?”

  I shook my head and walked further in, desperate to change the subject. “This is the living room. Kitchen’s through there.” I motioned to the doorway beside the half-wall that looked into the kitchen.

  “Nice,” Luna said, stepping in and looking around. “How many bedrooms?”

  “Five. One’s an office for my dad now.” I pointed down the short hallway. “Down there is Dad’s office and my parents’ room. Upstairs are mine and Kylie’s rooms, plus a guest room and the bathroom.”

  “You should show us your bedroom,” Lucian said. “I want to see if it’s still full of anime girls and action figures.”

  I hesitated. “It’s kind of messy right now.”

  “It’s worse,” Kylie cut in, walking back in wearing pink Hello Kitty sleep pants. “Full of half-naked women on the walls and porn on the computer.”

  I looked at her, unamused—even though she wasn’t entirely wrong. Luna smiled wickedly. “Oh, I really need to see this now. I want to know what kind of porn Meleek’s into.”

  I scoffed. “There’s no porn on my computer.”

  They all looked at Kylie. She nodded, grinning. “Come on—I’ll show you.”

  “Don’t touch my computer!” I said, following as they headed upstairs.

  They chuckled the whole way.

  Luna walked beside Kylie and leaned in to whisper—quiet enough that normal ears wouldn’t catch it, but mine did. “Kylie, if you ever want your brother to do something for you, let me know. He’s my slave for a while.”

  Kylie looked at her, confused. “What?”

  “He lost a bet. Now he has to do what I say.” Luna glanced back at me. “Right, Meleek?”

  I sighed and looked away. “Yeah.”

  Luna cleared her throat and crossed her arms.

  I rubbed my eyes in embarrassment. “Yes, mistress.”

  Kylie burst out laughing. “Oh, well in that case—why don’t you order us some pizza?”

  I looked at her, smile fading. She just kept smiling.

  “Lucian and I want meat-lovers,” Luna added sweetly.

  Lucian laughed and clapped a hand on my shoulder. “So… how are you enjoying your first day of school?”

  I shook my head as I pulled out my phone and looked up the pizza place number. “I’m thinking I should’ve stayed homeschooled. Maybe I can go back.”

  They reached my room. Kylie opened the door.

  It was a normal teenage bedroom—except for the glowing green gaming PC on the desk, dual monitors, screensavers rotating through photos of women in bikinis. King-sized bed with maroon and black sheets. Large entertainment center with a flat-screen TV and two consoles.

  But the posters on the walls were what really caught their attention: two sports cars with scantily clad models draped over them, and several of a female track star I found attractive—seductively posed in a string bikini and thong.

  Luna scoffed. “You were right. This room is disgusting.”

  Lucian chuckled and pointed to one of the track-star posters. “Luna—isn’t that the pole vaulter everyone says you look like?”

  Kylie’s eyes widened as she looked back and forth between the poster and Luna. “Oh my god—you’re right. She does!”

  I turned and saw it too. The resemblance was uncanny—they could’ve been sisters.

  Luna pushed Lucian toward the door. “Shut up. No, she doesn’t. I need to leave this room. I feel dirty.”

  I looked at Kylie. “You should show them your room. I’m sure Lucian would love to see it.” I said it just to shift the attention off me.

  “Why?” Kylie asked, looking at Lucian curiously.

  Lucian chuckled and threw an arm around me, pulling me into a headlock. “Just ignore him. Your brother’s trying to be funny.”

  “It’s funny because it’s true,” Luna said with a smile.

  I laughed and pushed Lucian off. We followed Kylie across the hall. She opened her door.

  Her room was almost entirely pink—cheer trophies, posters, outfits from different schools hanging on the walls like battle flags.

  Luna stepped in and looked around with a displeased expression. “Wow. You really like pink. It’s kind of—”

  “I think it’s nice,” Lucian cut in quickly.

  We all looked at him and smiled.

  “Of course you do,” Luna said.

  I chuckled and we headed back downstairs. I ordered pizza while we sat around talking and catching up. We started watching a movie, and Kylie kept finding excuses to order Luna to make me do things—grab drinks, change the channel, refill the popcorn bowl.

  They eventually left.

  The rest of the night passed quietly.

  But I couldn’t stop thinking about Luna—the way she looked now, the way she still teased me like no time had passed, the way her hand had lingered when she fixed my tie.

  And the way she’d gotten so defensive about Mia.

  Something was going on.

  I just didn’t know what.