✦ Kristen Ford has always been fiercely independent-a trait that threatens her family's reputation. Her father, Evan Ford, decides to send her to Blackwood Academy, an elite school known for straightening out troubled kids. But Blackwood is no ordin...
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Kristen
I examined myself in the mirror, the sleek black dress hugging every curve of my body. My long hair cascaded down in soft curls, framing my face. I opted for minimal makeup: a sultry smokey eye, a flawless hydrating base, and a warm pink lipstick that added just the right touch of color. A quick spritz of setting spray, and I was satisfied with my work.
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Turning toward Ava, who was fumbling with her false lashes, I couldn't help but smile. "Let me do it," I offered, and she quickly nodded, relief flooding her expression.
"You're a lifesaver," she sighed, pouting slightly. "I love makeup so much, but the irony is, I'm terrible at it." I giggled softly as I carefully fixed her lashes, making sure they were perfectly aligned. With Ava sorted, I moved on to help Jane and Emily with their makeup.
Jane twirled in front of the mirror, her pink dress flowing gracefully around her. Her blonde hair was styled in an elegant bun, complementing her pale skin and giving her a timeless, princess-like aura.
"Finally, we're ready, and early, for once!" Emily exclaimed, adjusting the hem of her lavender short maxi dress. Her long, straight black hair shimmered under the lights as she moved.
As we filed into the campus auditorium, the air was electric with excitement. The entire senior class gathered, whispers and laughter bouncing off the walls. This was it, the moment we had all been waiting for. A woman, likely in her mid-forties and someone I presumed was a professor, made her way to the stage. Her presence instantly silenced the room.
"Are you all ready for the big event?" she asked, her voice calm but carrying a tone of something thrilling. "You'll each receive a set of clues. Follow them carefully, and you know where the final one will take you." A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes, which only heightened the buzz in the crowd.
"You have to play this solo and beware of the traps we set up for you," the host said, stepping off the stage with a flourish, like she was some kind of game show diva. Not exactly comforting. I glanced down at the set of clues they'd just handed us, wondering how bad these so-called "traps" were going to be. Meanwhile, Emily pulled me into one of her signature bone-crushing hugs.
