Shadows of Youth

Chapter 1: The Fundraiser

**Chapter One: The Fundraiser**

The ballroom of the Grand Astor Hotel was bathed in golden light, with its high chandeliers casting a glow on the polished marble floors. The hum of polite conversation mixed with the clinking of crystal glasses as waiters in crisp white shirts glided between the clusters of people, offering champagne and hors d'oeuvres. The annual gala for the Children's Hope Foundation was a highlight of the city's social calendar, where the wealthy and powerful came to be seen doing good.

But no one had less interest in being there than Spencer Hastings. She stood in a corner near the edge of the room, hiding in the shadows of a massive floral arrangement. A single rose petal drifted down, catching in her wavy brown hair, but she didn't notice. Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces, anyone she could use to shield herself from the hollow greetings and curious glances that followed her everywhere now. It had only been six months since her father's conviction, and she was still navigating the fallout.

"Hey, Spence!"

Spencer turned just in time to see Aubrey—Bre to everyone but her parents—barreling through the crowd. Aubrey's dress, a shimmering silver slip, clung to her curves and caught the light as she moved. Her platinum blonde hair was perfectly curled, not a strand out of place. She looked like she belonged here, a princess among the nobility.

"Ugh, why do they make these things so boring?" Aubrey complained, grabbing a champagne flute off a passing tray without breaking stride. "I swear, if I have to hear one more speech about the importance of charitable giving while wearing a million-dollar watch, I might scream." She grinned, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "Lucky for you, I have a plan."

"A plan?" Spencer asked, raising one perfectly arched eyebrow. Aubrey's plans were often synonymous with trouble.

"We're sneaking out," Aubrey said with a wink. "I know a place that's actually fun. We just need to ditch these overgrown prom chaperones first."

As if on cue, Em appeared behind Aubrey, her heels clicking against the floor with purpose. She wore a sleek black dress that contrasted sharply with her dark brown hair. Her eyes were sharp, taking in Spencer and Aubrey in a single glance. "What's this about sneaking out?"

"Come on, Em," Aubrey coaxed. "This place is a snooze-fest. Just because our parents can't stand each other doesn't mean we have to suffer."

Em's parents had been divorced for nearly a decade, a dramatic, high-profile affair that still made the tabloids every so often. She had spent her childhood shuffled between two households, both lavish but cold. Fun was a rare luxury for her, and that's what made Aubrey's offer so tempting.

"Fine," Em said after a pause, her voice soft but resolute. "But where are we going?"

Spencer was about to ask the same thing when Aubrey's boyfriend, Reggie Mantel, sauntered over. He was dressed casually in a fitted navy suit, his curly hair slightly tousled in a way that seemed effortless. Reggie had the sort of confidence that filled a room, and tonight was no exception.

"Ready to blow this place?" he asked, slipping an arm around Aubrey's waist. His eyes flicked to Spencer, and he gave her a charming smile that might have worked if she wasn't immune to his charm. "I know just the spot. Tyler's got it all set up."

"Tyler's here?" Spencer's voice came out sharper than she intended. Tyler Lockwood was the last person she wanted to see, especially after their last encounter. The memory of his smirk, the way he'd whispered in her ear, still made her stomach twist.

"Of course, he is," Reggie replied, oblivious to the tension. "What's a party without my right-hand man?" He looked at Spencer with that same easy smile. "Don't worry, Spence. Tyler promised to be on his best behavior tonight."

Spencer didn't trust Tyler to behave anywhere, let alone around her. But Aubrey was already pulling her toward the exit, Em following close behind. The thought of Tyler's mischievous grin filled her with equal parts dread and anticipation. She should say no, make up some excuse to stay behind, but she knew that wasn't happening. Not with Aubrey looking at her like that, not with Em silently daring her to be brave.

With a resigned sigh, Spencer let herself be led out of the ballroom and into the cool night air.

They slipped through the hotel's back entrance and found themselves in a quiet alley. A sleek black car was waiting, and leaning against it was Tyler, cigarette in hand, looking every bit the bad boy his reputation promised. His dark hair was perfectly tousled, his leather jacket snug against his muscular frame. He saw Spencer, and his lips curved into that familiar, infuriating smirk.

"Well, well, well," Tyler drawled, flicking his cigarette to the ground. "Look what the cat dragged in."

"Let's just go," Spencer said, refusing to rise to his bait.

They piled into the car, Spencer wedged between Em and Tyler in the back seat. The car smelled like leather and the faint, lingering scent of Tyler's cologne. He was too close, his thigh brushing against hers, and Spencer stared resolutely out the window as they sped through the city.

The car finally came to a stop outside an old warehouse, music pulsing faintly from within. Reggie hopped out first, holding the door open for Aubrey, who exited with a flourish. Em followed, glancing back at Spencer with a smile that said she knew exactly what Spencer was feeling.

Tyler slipped out last, holding the door for Spencer with a mockingly gallant bow. "After you," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Don't push your luck, Lockwood," Spencer muttered, brushing past him.

They stepped inside, and the warehouse was transformed. Lights flashed from makeshift chandeliers, casting a glow over the crowd of young, beautiful people. A DJ was set up in one corner, the bass of the music thrumming through the floor.

Aubrey led the way to a VIP area in the back, roped off and guarded by a burly bouncer who nodded them through. They slid into a plush couch, drinks appearing almost instantly, and Spencer allowed herself to relax a little. Here, away from the judgmental eyes of the society set, she could almost forget who she was supposed to be.

Tyler leaned back, watching her with an expression that was both predatory and intrigued. "So, Hastings," he said, leaning closer. "What's it like to be free? I mean, really free. No parents, no rules."

Spencer tensed, meeting his gaze head-on. "Why don't you tell me, Lockwood? You've been free of rules your whole life."

Tyler's smile widened. "Touché."

Across the table, Reggie and Aubrey were deep in conversation, their heads close together. Em was on her phone, pretending not to be listening to Spencer and Tyler.

"Why do you do it?" Spencer asked suddenly, surprising herself. "Why do you act like this?"

Tyler's eyes darkened. For a moment, the mask slipped, and she saw something raw and real beneath. Then it was gone, replaced by his usual smug grin. "Because it's fun," he said simply. "And because I can."

Spencer turned away, focusing on her drink, but she felt Tyler's eyes on her, like a weight she couldn't shake. This night had taken a turn she wasn't prepared for, and she had a sinking feeling it was only the beginning.

The music pounded, the lights blurred, and Spencer knew, deep down, that Tyler was right. Freedom was intoxicating. But it was also dangerous, and she was about to find out just how much.