The Ascendant Shadow

Chapter 2: Darkened Desire

Xander's POV:

I leaned against the lockers, staring at nothing in particular, lost in the familiar chaos of my own mind. The noise of the hallway around me felt distant, like I was observing it all from the outside. I had learned long ago how to detach-how to blend into the shadows, even in plain sight.

My past had taught me how to survive. Life wasn't kind to those who were weak, and I refused to be weak. I couldn't afford it. I wasn't the guy people approached easily, and I liked it that way. I was careful, always calculating, always one step ahead of everyone around me. Trust? I didn't believe in it. It was a luxury for people who hadn't seen the worst the world could offer.

The thing about people-they think they can read you, sum you up with a glance. But no one ever saw the real me. They saw the mask: the cool indifference, the sharp smirk, the dark eyes that gave nothing away. They didn't know about the nights I spent awake, trapped in memories I couldn't escape. They didn't know the anger that simmered just beneath the surface, or how close I was to losing control sometimes.

But that was my strength-my ability to hide the storm inside. I had mastered it. In a world that demanded power, I made sure I was the one pulling the strings. Everything was a game, and I knew how to win.

Then I saw her.

Valentina.

She walked through the hall with a confidence that made it impossible not to notice her. Most people would see just another girl-a pretty face, sure, but I saw something more. A spark. A fire that could burn everything around her if she let it. And for the first time in a long time, I felt... curious. That was dangerous for someone like me.

I was drawn to her, even though I knew better. She reminded me of the things I tried to bury-the things I fought to forget. But part of me wanted to see just how close I could get without being consumed.

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay in control. Emotions were a liability, and I had learned to shut them off a long time ago. I wasn't about to let anyone, not even her, crack the walls I had spent years building.

Because in the end, I was still Xander-the guy with the past no one knew about, and the scars no one could see. And no matter how much I was drawn to her, I would never forget who I really was. Dark. Calculated. Untouchable.

I stood by the lockers, my mind still replaying the events of the morning. I watched the four of them walk down the hall together-two guys and two girls, clearly close. Ken had pointed them out, telling me their names: Lucas, Owen, Veronica, and Valentina. It was Valentina that had caught my attention the most. Something about her presence drew my gaze, and now, I couldn't stop thinking about her. She was beautiful-more than beautiful, actually. There was something fierce about her, something that demanded attention without even trying.

And then there was Troy, of course, calling dibs like the idiot he was. "I'm calling dibs on the brunette," he'd said, making me roll my eyes. Like Valentina would even give him the time of day.

The bell had rung, and my mind was elsewhere when I found myself in the janitor's closet with Crystal. But even as she kissed me, asking if we should take it further, I felt nothing. My head was still full of thoughts of a certain someone. I pushed Crystal away gently, mumbling an excuse and leaving her behind.

I headed to my first class, trying to shake off the weird feeling gnawing at me, when I saw her again-Valentina, walking into the classroom late, her long, dark hair cascading down her back. She was beautiful in a way that wasn't conventional. There was power in her stride, confidence in the way she moved. And even though her eyes were focused on the teacher, I couldn't stop staring at her.