Veil of Secrets

Chapter one - Shadows of the Past

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of my bedroom, casting delicate patterns on the floor. I lay under the covers, half-awake, listening to the faint sounds of the world outside. Birds chirped cheerfully, and I could hear the distant hum of cars passing by. Yet, despite the cheerful noise, a weight pressed on my chest. Today was just another day at Evernight High-a place where normalcy felt like a distant memory.

Sighing, I kicked the blankets off and swung my legs over the side of the bed. My reflection in the mirror showed a girl with long chestnut hair tousled from sleep and green eyes that felt weary. I was seventeen, just a few months shy of my birthday, and yet, I often felt older, burdened by the secrets that hung in the air of my family home. I was the daughter of the Bennett clan, a family whose history was tangled with whispers of the supernatural.

The very thought sent a shiver down my spine. I pushed the lingering dread away and focused on my morning routine. After a quick shower, I threw on a comfortable black t-shirt and jeans, the fabric worn but familiar. I glanced at the clock-if I didn't hurry, I'd be late for school.

My younger brother, Alex, was already at the kitchen table, devouring a bowl of cereal. "You're going to be late again, Aria!" he called out, his mouth full.

"Thanks for the reminder, little brother," I shot back, grabbing my backpack and slinging it over one shoulder. "You should take your own advice and hurry, or you'll miss the bus."

Alex shrugged, unfazed. He was too young to understand the weight of our family name, too innocent to notice the way others treated us. Sometimes, I envied him.

As I stepped outside, the brisk autumn air hit my face, and I inhaled deeply, letting it fill my lungs. The sky was a brilliant blue, free of clouds. A perfect day, or so it seemed. The neighborhood was quiet as I walked to the bus stop, but as I approached, the familiar chaos of Evernight High loomed ahead.

The school was a sprawling, gothic structure that seemed to have been plucked from a dark fairy tale. Tall spires reached toward the sky, and the ivy-covered walls whispered secrets of the past. Students milled about, laughing and gossiping, their voices blending into a symphony of youthful energy. But I always felt like an outsider, a shadow lurking in the background, watching but not participating.

I spotted Emma near the entrance, her blond hair shining like a beacon. She waved me over, her smile brightening my mood. "You made it!" she exclaimed, bouncing on her heels. "I thought you were going to be late again!"

"I nearly was," I admitted, shaking my head. "I swear, if I didn't have you to keep me in check, I'd probably never make it to class on time."

Emma laughed, linking her arm with mine as we headed inside. "You know I can't let you miss out on all the gossip. Did you hear about the new kid? Damian Blackwood?"

My heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name. Damian was the heir of the powerful Blackwood clan, a family known for their wealth and influence-and their connection to the darker side of our town. "I heard he's supposed to be... interesting," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

Emma's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Interesting? He's drop-dead gorgeous! Tall, dark hair, and those eyes..."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her dreamy expression. "Right, because that's what we need-more drama."

As we walked through the halls, the familiar sights and sounds of Evernight High enveloped me. Lockers slammed, laughter echoed, and the scent of old books and polished wood lingered in the air. I waved to a few classmates, but most of them ignored me. I had always felt like a ghost, floating between worlds, never truly belonging to either.