A Taste for Danger

Part Two

      Rory and Charlotte made their way down the grand staircase of their dormitory, the chatter of other students filling the air. The sun streamed through the tall, arched windows, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floors. Rory still couldn't believe she was here, in a place that looked more like a palace than a school.

Charlotte nudged Rory playfully. "So, do you have a favorite author?"

Rory thought for a moment. "Probably Virginia Woolf. Her writing is so rich, and I love how she delves into the inner lives of her characters."

"Good choice," Charlotte said approvingly. "I'm more into the existentialists. Give me some Camus or Sartre any day."

"I have a feeling we're going to have some great debates," Rory said with a grin. She pulled her jacket tighter around her, her breath visible in the cooling air. Charlotte, beside her, chattered excitedly about their plans to visit the botanical garden, her voice a melodic counterpoint to the rustle of leaves underfoot. But Rory's attention was drawn elsewhere.

Freshmen, dressed in their best outfits, were streaming toward the entrance, their excited chatter filling the cool evening air.

But Charlotte's steps began to slow as they approached the building. Rory noticed her friend's gaze darting around, as if searching for something—or someone. Before Rory could ask what was wrong, Charlotte suddenly squeezed her hand and tugged her off the main path, leading her toward the parking lot just beyond the orientation hall.

"Charlotte, what—?" Rory began, but her question trailed off when she saw what—or rather, who—had caught Charlotte's attention.

Leaning casually against a sleek black car, with an unmistakable air of effortless confidence, stood a young man with dark, tousled hair and a chiseled jawline. Even from a distance, his presence commanded attention. His eyes locked onto Charlotte the moment he spotted her. A slow, knowing smile spread across his lips as Charlotte dragged Rory toward him. His fitted leather jacket highlighted his broad shoulders, and the way he stood—completely at ease, as if the world was his for the taking—only added to his undeniable allure.

"Skipping orientation, Char?" He called out, his voice smooth and rich, with just a hint of playful mockery.

Charlotte let out a laugh, her earlier excitement returning full force as she let go of Rory's hand and rushed forward to greet him. "You know me too well, Julian," she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck as he lifted her effortlessly off the ground in a brief, affectionate embrace.

When he set her down, Julian's gaze shifted to Rory, who was standing a few paces behind, feeling more than a little out of place. "And who's this?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her appearance.

"This is Rory," Charlotte said brightly, reaching back to pull Rory forward, ensuring she didn't get left behind. "She's my new roommate, and she's coming with us."

Julian's smile remained, but there was a slight hesitation before he extended his hand to Rory. "Julian Bass," he introduced himself, his tone polite but tinged with the kind of appraisal that made Rory's skin prickle. "Good to meet you, Rory."

Rory shook his hand, noting the strength in his grip and the way his eyes seemed to assess her, weighing her against some unseen measure. "Nice to meet you too," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

Before the exchange could grow any more uncomfortable, the rest of Julian's group emerged from the shadows near the car, each of them embodying the same air of wealth and privilege that seemed to radiate from Julian.

A girl stepped forward first. Her platinum blonde hair shimmered like liquid gold in the fading light, and her ice-blue eyes were sharp and calculating. Dressed in a tailored trench coat that accentuated her statuesque figure, she offered a small, almost perfunctory smile as she extended her hand to Rory. "Hi! I'm Seraphina," she said, her voice as cool and refined as her appearance. "Welcome to Blackwood."