Avery and Ailee stepped out of the car, their breath visible in the cold air. The school stood before them, large and old, covered in snow. It almost felt like they had walked into a winter wonderland from a movie.
“Wow, it’s even colder than I thought,” Ailee said, pulling her jacket tighter around her.
Avery nodded, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. “I know. It’s like everything’s frozen in time here.”
Their dad, Avery’s uncle, parked the car and got out to give them a quick hug before they walked toward the school gates. He waved as he drove away, and the girls headed toward the entrance.
As soon as they stepped through the school gates, they noticed students scattered around the courtyard. A few glanced at them curiously, whispering to each other. The girls tried not to let it bother them, but it was hard to ignore the feeling that everyone was watching them.
Inside, the halls were quieter than they expected. The walls were decorated with old photos and school trophies, and the air smelled like chalk and books. Avery and Ailee stood there for a moment, unsure of where to go, until a girl with blonde hair and bright blue eyes approached them.
“Hi, can I help you find the secretary’s office?” the girl asked, smiling.
“Yes, please!” Avery said, relieved.
“I’m Ella,” the girl introduced herself. “I’ll show you.”
As they walked together, Ella made small talk. “So, you guys just moved here, huh? I heard about you two.”
Avery and Ailee exchanged a look. “How did you know?” Ailee asked.
“Small town. Everyone knows when new people arrive. We don’t get a lot of transfers here,” Ella explained.
They reached the secretary’s office, and after a quick chat, Avery and Ailee got their schedules. Ella smiled when she looked at them. “We have the same classes! Looks like we’ll be hanging out.”
As they made their way to their first class, Avery felt something strange. A tall guy, maybe 6'2", was staring at her from the hallway. His dark eyes and brown hair made him stand out, and for a moment, it felt like he was looking straight at her.
“Is he staring at me?” Avery whispered to Ailee.
Ailee didn’t answer right away. When Avery looked at her, Ailee was staring at the other guy—a little shorter, with brown hair and a confident smile.
“Come on, don’t stare,” Avery said, pulling Ailee away. “Let’s just go.”
Ailee laughed. “I think he’s cute.”
Avery blushed but couldn’t help feeling a bit uncomfortable. The attention felt intense, and she wasn’t sure why.
Ella, who had been walking ahead, turned around with a grin. “The one you’re looking at, Avery? That’s my cousin, Caden. And the other guy is Ethan.”
Avery froze, feeling slightly embarrassed. “Your cousins?”
Ella smiled knowingly. “Yep. But don’t worry, they’re harmless. You’ll get used to them. Everyone here knows everyone else, and secrets don’t stay hidden for long.”
Avery and Ailee exchanged a curious glance. There was something about the boys—something that made the town feel even stranger than it already did.
YOU ARE READING
Bound by Moonlight
مستذئبIn a small, sun-drenched town where snow is a rarity, two cousins and best friends share a simple life. But after their 17th birthday, their families abruptly move to a snowy, mysterious village. The locals act like they've seen them before, and two...
