Chapter 2

She was in the elite classroom , a space filled with polished wood and high ceilings, adorned with portraits of scholars long gone. This was Crestwood Royal University, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic standards and elite clientele. The air hung heavy with anticipation, an electric tension that sparked as the clock ticked down the minutes to the start of the lecture. She was to attend her first lecture here and she had dreamed of this moment for years. She stood at the entrance, feeling a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The politics of status and reputation hung heavily in the air. It was her first day, and she could already feel the weight of judgement in the room.

As she glanced around, her heart sank a little. Sir Richards, the history lecturer she had heard so much about, was absent, leaving an empty podium in front of the class. The atmosphere felt charged, and the eyes of a few students fell upon her, some with welcoming sparkles, while others were filled with the faintest glint of judgment.

Determined, she made her way to the third row, hoping to blend in quietly. But as she approached a chair and was about to sit ,another girl with striking features and an air of superiority stepped in front of her, blocked her path, an obstacle of confidence and dismissive arrogance.

"Excuse me, do you even belong here. This one is reserved." the girl said with a smirk, her friends giggling behind her. "We don't need any more… distractions in this class.This is a classy place, so maybe try another school if you want to play dress-up."

The words hit her like a low blow, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment as she felt the heat rise to her ears. She stood frozen as laughter rippled through the classroom, and for a moment, she questioned whether she truly belonged here among these elite students.

Flushing with embarrassment, she looked around, seeking support, but found none. Most of the class was absorbed in their whispered conversations or scrolling on their phones.She felt the weight of their judgment pressing down on her, crushing her aspirations into the pit of her stomach.

Delilah turned on her heel, her heart sinking. She had never been the target of such cruel hostility before. She yearned for acceptance, but the atmosphere felt thick with disdain. Just as she was about to retreat entirely, two girls approached her, their warm smiles breaking through her distress. Their faces were bright and cheerful, with radiant smiles that could light up even the darkest corners of the room. They exuded warmth, a stark contrast to the ice forming around her.

"Hey, don't mind her. That's just Emily being Emily. Come sit with us!" one said... She was a pretty girl with a black pony tail and a tall stature. An expensive oversized sweater and the jeans.

" I'm Anne, and this is Mia," one of them said. "Come sit with us; we've saved a spot for you back here."

"She's just a bully with a bucket full of artificial attitude... Makeup shop and price tag.." Anne told. She was a girl with Bob cut hair. And her appearance was quite a tom boyish.

"Want to sit with us?" Mia asked, kindness shimmering in her eyes. Without waiting for an answer, the girls linked their arms with hers and guided her to a pair of empty seats in the second last row.

They sat on their seats and engaged her in light conversation, making her feel slightly more at ease amidst the chilly reception of their classmates.

"So beautiful tell us about yourself"? Anne asked.

They were sitting on corners and she was sitting in between them. Their voices polite and there was a kindness in their eyes.

"I am Delilah Sc...", She was saying but Anne stopped her...

"Oh my holy God.... Delilah you mean Delilah Scarlett. The topper of the annual scholarship exam"... Anne screamed.

"Yes I am".. she laughed..

" You know you are so intelligent. Our teachers were telling us about your arrival a week ago. They were giving your examples... And you arrived one week late.. Still don't believe! It's hard to get the scholarship of Crestwood. One of the toughest exam they designed in the educational domain" Mia was so excited.

"Yeh I arrived late. It was my dream to study there. But people here are so cruel."

"You are talking about that bastards you met in the morning. They are filthy royals and elites. They are from the families of trustees. " Anne said.

You saw what they had done to me ". Delilah looked so worried as she remembered that.

"Yeh ... They always did with the students". Mia replied.

"The are the biggest bullies of the campus. Everyone is afraid of them. They fear no one. They are horrible. Try to stay away from them." Anne told her.

"But they are hottest in the campus. This is the fact". Mia giggled.

"Forget them. My name is Anne. I am here to study because my father forced me. He is the member of the Parliament. I have two more siblings at home. I am the youngest and I don't want to study. It's because my father's wants me to. So here I am in this prestigious institution. My mom is no more. She passed two years ago. My passion is cars and sports. I am the captain of sports society of the university. I am single with zero crushes and relationships and yes I can be a good friend." Anne introduced herself in one breathe.

"And you forget to tell how annoying and irritating you are, Miss Anne", Mia added.

"At least I am not the one running after boys and changing crushes everyday". Anne replied

"Ohhh shut up let me introduce myself" Mia said.

"Go ahead". Anne said

"So my name is Mia. I am the single child of my parents. My dad is one of the biggest businessman of Russia. And my mom is involve with NGOs. I want to be a supermodel. But my parents want me to get a degree and then I allowed to live my life on my own terms. I am obsessed with myself and literally I love me so much. " Mia giggled.

"Tell her about your crushes and breakups also. Your present crush, your past one and your future ones... " Anne participated.

"Ignore her.. What are your hobbies? Or you only engage yourself in the curiculum."

"No... I am not that nerd. I am a fiction reader. I love reading novels. I love dancing and painting. And yes writing poetry is my spare time. " Delilah said softly.

"Wow that's amazing....Feels so good" Mia replied. They look impressed.

As they were talking Delilah felt herself too calm and relaxed. A sense of relief wash all over her body.

"They are about to enter guys".A lean boy from outside ran into the classroom and announced. Girls began to manage their hair and fix their make up.

"Who is there?", Delilah asked them.

"That bloody Soul Reavers... Group of six bastrads that bullied the students" Anne replied.

"The ones bullied you in the morning. We saw everything. Sorry we can't do anything about that. " Mia said with a regret.

"You saw what they had done to me. I was not that low confident to answer them. But they were extremely rude. I was surprised to see that attitude. " She got worried..

"They are just unbelievably rude. It's their favorite thing to do. They bullied everyone. They liked this fact that everyone is afraid of them. They are all six and never allowed anyone to their group. But all are intelligent and excellent in studies." Anne told her

"And handsome also. So charismatic and hot. " Mia added.

As she said, an image of that morning monster ran in Delilah's mind.

"But why don't anyone compliant about their misbehaviours. Headmaster and upper authorities can surely do something. " Delilah asked.

"Damien Xavier is the authority and he is the judiciary of the college. The son of elite and royal family. His father is amongst the golden trustees of the university. No one can say anything to him. He and his friends feared no one. Girls want to be his date and boys are not that much strong to face him. " Mia added

"Yes he the baddest guy of the university.Biggest Bully and playboy, a bloody womanizer. I advised you to stay away from him. But you are not his type. You are too innocent to be with him." Anne told her in a low tone.

As they were talking, they saw them entering the classroom. They all were tall and charismatic. They create a powerful aura when they walked together. All were looking powerful and undefeatable.

"Yeh talking about the devils and here they are". Anne said while looking at them.

They saw her sitting in the second last row. They looked at each other. Mischief running in their eyes and a tricky smile they began to move towards her. She turned pale as her hearts began to beat fast. But as they pass to the last seats she releived her breathe.

All of a sudden, Mr Richard entered the class.

"Ohh he is again with his boring stories". Rob said to his friends

"Apologies students. I am half an hour late. As I have to discuss something very important with your head... Well, We all have a star between us Standup Miss Delilah Scarlett" Mr. Richard said

Delilah stood up with her head up and her grace was so admiring.

"Welcome Miss Scarlett. Will have a detailed introduction of yours after this short lecture. Now plz be seated" He said and lecture started.

Delilah felt her back burning and she felt so nervous. They were continuously whispering and she was unable to pay her whole attention. Her back was burning as she know their gazes upon her.

As the lecture concludes, we have a special moment today. Let's hear from our star student—Miss Delilah Scarlett. Mr Richard smiled at her.

As soon as Mr. Richard, finished his lecture. He then announced, "Yes, Miss Delilah... So, how was your first experience in Crestwood? Come to the podium, and we want to have a conversation with the topper, one of the brightest mind of the country."The spotlight was on her, a beacon illuminating her bright smile as she gracefully moved towards the podium. With a radiant smile, she walked towards the podium, her heart soaring. Standing before her classmates, she felt invincible, a sense of accomplishment washing over her. Her grace was undeniable, her confidence palpable

"It's been very good, sir. It was always a dream of mine to study here. It's a big thing for me, to be here, in this university." She smiled confidently".

But the moment of triumph was interrupted. The door creaked open, and a figure clad entirely in black – a black hoodie, ripped black jeans, black and white joggers – entered in. Damien, the campus legend, the devil, the ruthless, the cold-hearted one, whose mere presence sent shivers down spines. He was a storm cloud in human form, his presence radiating an undeniable aura of rebellion. His voice, sharp as a shard of glass, cut through the room.His all black dark look was stark contrast to Delilah's bright presence.

"I see we're starting the fanfare without me. What a warm welcome, Mr. Richard." Damien smirked

"You're late, Damien. Care to explain?"

Mr. Richard was displeased due to his presence.

"I don't care ... And Oh, look, someone's introducing the star pupil without the campus legend". Unheard of!

"Damien, please, could you explain your late arrival?" Mr Richard was annoyed

"Couldn't miss the opportunity to witness such a profound introduction, Professor. You know, I like drama, and this was quite the show. He said in a rude tone...

"Whatever Damien.. You should take your lectures properly. Zero percent attendance".Mr Richard was so angry.

" I was busy doing things that are far more important than attending your boring and useless lectures". Damien replied

"Damien, please, you're already late. And could you refrain from disrupting the class?" Mr. Richard said in irritated tone.

"Sorry, Professor, couldn't resist acknowledging the grand introduction of the 'topper'. Didn't want to miss the chance to witness such a momentous occasion." Damien walked to his seat, his eyes fixed on Delilah.

"Next time before punctual Damien. I don't want that drama in the class next time". Mr Richard's voice was full of anger.

"Life's too short to be punctual, Professor. Especially when the entertainment's just begun". Damien said calmly from the last bench.

"Miss Delilah, perhaps you could introduce yourself to the class properly. It'll help you mingle with your peers." Mr. Richard ignored Damien's sarcasm.

"My name is Delilah Scarlett. My father's name is Victor D'Silva. He works in a company. We're a middle-class family.I'm not the stereotypical studious, hardworking type, but I always get what I want. I believe there's nothing impossible in the world. I believe in myself. I might not come from a wealthy or elite background, but I'm proud of myself for making my dream come true.This university, it's… it's a big deal for me. It's a dream come true.Thank you." Her voice was calm and polite. The words were true and her grace was totally out of the world.

Damien's gaze never left hers. He watched her with an expressionless face. As she answered Mr. Richard's questions with poise and confidence. She introduced herself, shared her father's occupation, her middle-class background.

"Proud of you Miss Scarlett". Professor Richard motivated her.

"So that's all for today class. I hope you will maintain a good attitude with your new fellow. And help her to mingle between you. See you tomorrow." Mr. Richard advised and left the classroom.As Soul Reavers also left the class after Mr. Richard. Delilah felt a level of satisfaction.

Delilah came back to her seat. She was feeling more happy and confident. As it was the break time students were leaving the classroom. Many girls and boys of her class was now greeting her and wishing her good luck. But those six were watching her as her back was burning. She felt uncomfortable suddenly.

Mia and Anne was waiting for her near the door.

She hold her books tightly and about to leave the classroom when Damein appeared. He was standing in the door, a blockade that will not allow her to pass the exit. She looked at Mia and Anne. And his eyes fixed on her.

Damien Xavier's eyes were not ready to leave her. He was looking her like a predator watches over his prey.