Love's Dark Legacy

|Unfamiliar Faces

James hadn't been to parties in a long time, this could be because he had his small part of the hotel to run or because Azeilia told him the negative effects of parties. She sounded like a conspiracy theorist but he couldn't help to notice she was right. He would always feel bad after he came home from parties, in this day and age bad feelings were too much to handle, so he took a break from partying.

This time though Brian told him about the party that was supposedly the party of the year, every October though, there's always a party of the year. He couldn't miss it, plus Herculeana was going to be there, even if he wasn't going to talk to her he atleast wanted to just... see her

The music was loud, thumping through the walls of the large house. It was a humid evening, and the air was thick with the scent of alcohol, sweat, and teenage excitement. The party had drawn almost everyone from school—those who played the games, and even those who didn't. It was an escape, a chance to let loose and forget about the weight of the city's expectations and the looming presence of the games.

James walked in with Brian by his side Brian was Rose's twin brother. He was the complete opposite of Rose. Pride filled him, confidence shined through his facade. He had grown close to James, it wasn't hard for him to make friends considering his father came dashing in the city already making new innovations, which was something Alvaynia high students look for when deciding who should be in their high ranking cliques .exchanging nods with familiar faces as they moved through the crowded living room. The lights were low, and people were already dancing, their movements fluid and chaotic. It was the kind of atmosphere James usually found annoying—too noisy, too chaotic—but tonight, he didn't mind it. He needed the distraction.

Brian, however, seemed to be enjoying himself. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene with quiet curiosity. He had only been in town for a short time, but already he was making friends, charming his way into people's good graces with his easygoing demeanor and sharp wit. Despite his cool exterior, Brian was sharp and observant, and James knew that about him. It was one of the reasons they got along so well.

But tonight, Brian's attention seemed focused on something—or rather, someone—else.

Across the room, leaning against the wall with a drink in her hand, was Herculeana. She looked different tonight, more relaxed than usual, though her gaze was sharp and watchful as always. She was wearing a simple but striking outfit—a fitted black dress that accentuated her slim thick figure, paired with dark lipstick and her signature long, curly hair cascading over her shoulders. There was something about her presence that commanded attention, even when she wasn't trying to stand out.

Brian nudged James with his elbow. "Who's that?" he asked, his voice low but curious.

James followed Brian's gaze and immediately felt a knot form in his stomach. Herculeana. He hadn't seen her since the bus ride to the field trip, and he'd been doing everything he could to avoid another confrontation with her. But now, seeing her here, all of the unresolved feelings he'd been trying to suppress came rushing back. The frustration, the anger, and...something else. Something he couldn't quite name.

"That's Herculeana," James said shortly, trying to keep his voice neutral.

Brian raised an eyebrow. "Herculeana? I've heard about her. Didn't know she'd be so...intriguing."

James tensed. He didn't like the way Brian was looking at her—the quiet intensity in his eyes, the way his expression softened just slightly as he watched her. It was the same way Brian had always looked at girls who caught his attention, but this time it made James uneasy.

"She's bad news," James muttered. "Trust me."

Brian chuckled. "Bad news, huh? That just makes her more interesting."