Kingsley Academy

Chapter 9

The next morning, as I step out of my dorm, still lost in thought, I see Noah waiting for me. He's leaning against the wall, two coffee cups in hand, wearing that same easygoing smile that seems to disarm everyone around him.

"Morning," he says, offering one of the cups to me. "Thought you might need a caffeine boost. Walk to class?"

I blink, caught off guard by how natural and... uncomplicated this feels. I nod, taking the cup from him. "Sure."

We start walking across the campus, the cool morning air fresh against my skin. For a moment, there's no need to fill the silence with anything dramatic or forced. It's just the sound of our footsteps and the occasional rustle of leaves.

"So," Noah says after a while, his tone light and casual, "how's the adjustment going? You seem to be settling in."

I take a sip of my coffee, feeling the warmth spread through me. "As much as one can, I guess. It's not exactly the easiest place to get comfortable."

He chuckles softly, his eyes flicking toward me. "Yeah, Kingsley's not really known for making people feel at home. It's more like... surviving, not thriving."

I smirk, glancing over at him. "Survival is an understatement."

Noah shrugs, the easy smile still on his face. "Well, you seem to be doing fine. Better than most people who show up here, at least."

I raise an eyebrow. "And what about you? You don't exactly look like you're struggling."

"Ah, well," Noah says, his tone lighter, but there's an edge to it, "I've had years of practice. When your stepbrother is Kade, you learn how to blend in or get out of the way."

I glance at him, curious. "Kade doesn't seem like the type to blend in."

Noah laughs, shaking his head. "No, he's not. He likes to stand out. Me? I'm just trying to make it through this place without too much drama. Keeping it simple."

I nod, understanding that feeling all too well, though simplicity at Kingsley seems impossible. "I could use some of that."

Noah grins, his expression softening. "Yeah? I'll try not to bring too much chaos into your life, then."

We walk in companionable silence for a few minutes, sipping our coffee as we near the classroom. The conversation feels easy, unforced, like it's just happening without either of us trying too hard. And for once, I'm not thinking about the game, or the power dynamics, or anything else. Just this moment.

When we finally reach the classroom, Noah glances at me, his smile still warm. "Thanks for the walk. Maybe we'll make this a regular thing?"

I smile back, something about the simplicity of the offer making it feel refreshing. "Maybe."

"See you in class, Allison," he says, giving me a quick nod before disappearing inside.

As I watch him go, I realize that, with Noah, things feel... different. No expectations. No strings. Just easy conversation and coffee. And for once, I'm not sure how to feel about that.

The day starts out quiet enough, almost too quiet for Kingsley Academy. I should have known something was brewing. There's always something brewing at a place like this.

It starts in the middle of the day, during lunch. I'm sitting at my usual table with Eric, Lily, and Jules, halfway paying attention to their conversation while picking at my salad, when I hear the unmistakable sound of raised voices. I glance over and see a group of students gathered in the center of the dining hall, and even from this distance, I can feel the tension building. Something's happening.