Invincible

Sonder

Chapter 8

The night air buzzed with an electric anticipation as Tori stepped out of Meur's car, her heart racing in sync with the bass thumping from Adrian's mansion. The grand house, sprawling and intimidating, was a beacon of adolescent rebellion, drawing in a mix of students from every corner of Glenwood High. Tori's pulse quickened as she caught glimpses of laughter and shouting, the sound of bodies moving in sync with the music.

Dressed in a fitted black dress that clung to her curves and accentuated her figure, she felt both beautiful and vulnerable. The sheer sleeves added a touch of allure, making her feel daring in a way she had never experienced before. It was a far cry from her usual, more reserved style. Beside her, Meur looked every bit the part of the enigmatic bad boy—his olive skin glowing under the colorful lights, deep green eyes flickering with mischief, and soft brown locks tousled just enough to look effortlessly cool.

"Ready to have some fun?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips as he grabbed her hand and led her through the gate.

Inside, the atmosphere was intoxicating. People were scattered throughout the expansive living room, dancing under the flashing strobe lights, their bodies swaying and moving as if they were part of a single, pulsing entity. The scent of sweat mixed with the sweet, sickly odor of alcohol and something sharper—drugs—hung in the air. Tori felt a thrill of excitement mixed with anxiety. This was new territory, a world where anything could happen.

"Let's grab a drink," Meur suggested, pulling her toward the makeshift bar that had been set up on the kitchen island. A line of colorful bottles stood like sentinels, waiting to unleash chaos on the night.

As they approached, Tori spotted Alexa across the room, laughing a little too loudly, her attention a magnetic force that seemed to draw everyone in. Dressed in a tight red dress that left little to the imagination, she was the picture of confidence, but her eyes held a glimmer of something darker. Tori's stomach twisted at the sight of her, a familiar wave of insecurity washing over her.

"Don't let her get to you," Meur said, sensing her tension. "You're not like her. You don't need to prove anything to anyone."

"Easy for you to say," Tori replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's been tormenting me for years."

"Let's have some fun, okay?" He grinned, pouring two shots of vodka. "Drink up."

Tori downed the shot, the burning liquid sliding down her throat, igniting a warmth in her belly. As the music pulsed around them, she found herself swaying to the rhythm, the alcohol loosening her inhibitions. She could feel Meur's gaze on her, filled with a mix of admiration and something deeper, something that sent a shiver down her spine.

Suddenly, Tori's heart dropped as she watched Alexa weave through the crowd, her gaze fixed on Tori with a predatory intensity. She maneuvered closer, her friends trailing behind her, like sharks circling a wounded fish.

"Look who decided to show up," Alexa sneered, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "Did you finally decide to join the rest of us? Or are you just here to watch the real fun?"

Tori felt the color drain from her face. "What do you want, Alexa?"

"Oh, just checking in on my favorite punching bag," she replied, leaning closer. "You know, I've heard some things about this party—things you might want to be careful about. Boys, drinks... all that fun stuff." Her gaze flicked to a group of older guys lounging near the edge of the room, their laughter raucous and carefree.

"Hey, you're looking great tonight," she added, a false sweetness coating her words. "You should really let loose a bit. Here, let me help you." With that, she slipped a drink into Tori's hand—one that was already mixed and brightly colored.