A GOLDEN EMPIRE

CHAPTER EIGHTY-TWO

IT'S THE FIRST DAY BACK to school after the Christmas vacation for the upperclassmen of LOS ANGELES PREPARATORY ACADEMY. Aurora and the Empire sit in middle of the courtyard. Freshmen can be heard talking about the Socialites Elite TWITTER/X account. Some are talking about how they want to be as iconic as the Hollingsworth heiress. Said girl smiles to herself, but doesn't look up from her phone. 'I've been called many things but iconic is not one of them. Feels good to known around here. Happy to know that my legacy is appreciated.'

Adrianna is doing the last of the packet that was assigned by STACEY MACMILLAN, their English teacher. Who the hell assigns homework over Winter break anyway? Its like these teachers want them to suffer. Like hello? She put off doing it mainly because she didn't want to. Now you're probably wondering, why not be like Aurora, who finished it the first week of break. Again I say, she just didn't feel like doing that shit. She found it to be ridiculous. "Finally finished." She puts the packet away in her folder. Its only the first day back and she already needs a night out.

"What are we doing tonight? Roro?"

"I was going to stay in and watch a movie." They've been going out so much that she's slickly suggesting that they take a break for a minute. "Curl up with some buttery popcorn and watch some of my favorites." Her two favorites are CRUEL INTENTIONS and POISON IVY. "Y'all can come over though."

"Sounds fun. Pretty Dove, you remember sophomore year? I seem to remember a certain girl who moved to Hartford after an incident with a cocktail and her hair."

Adrianna, Autumn, and Avalon knew exactly what Justin was talking about, it was an incident and a girl named GENEVIEVE SUMMERS wanted to take Aurora's place. She tried to force all of the Empire against each other, but in the end Aurora had publicly exposed her family secrets and then spilled a chemical cocktail on her hair, which then burned off. Leaving her bald and humiliated, Aurora then banished her from the city.

"Of course I do." Aurora smirked, an expression that the Hollingsworths seem to always have on their faces. That was who she was and she honestly felt no remorse. "I get off on humiliating bitches that try me."

"And Justin gets off on watching you do so."

Justin smirks. Its true. He loves watching her scheme.

"That day was legendary." It was the day Aurora cemented her status as queen bee of the tenth grade and continued to do so, further increasing the Empire's influence and power. "So are we."

Yes they are. The legacy that they're leaving behind proves it. The warning bell rings and they make no move to immediately get up.

"It's time for homeroom. Come on. We should go."

So they all get up and leave the courtyard.

The halls of Los Angeles Preparatory Academy buzzed with the energy of students settling back into their routines. Freshmen darted around nervously, clutching their schedules, while the upperclassmen sauntered through the corridors as if they owned the place—which, in Aurora's case, wasn't far from the truth.

The Empire walked together, an unspoken forcefield around them that kept everyone else at bay. Heads turned, whispers followed, but Aurora paid them no mind. She moved with purpose, her Louboutins clicking against the polished floors. Justin walked beside her, his effortless confidence matching hers, while Adrianna, Avalon, and Autumn trailed close behind, each radiating their unique brand of charisma.

"You know," Justin began, glancing at Aurora, "it's crazy how this place still feels so small sometimes. Like, does anyone here even try to measure up?"

Aurora smirked, sliding her phone into her designer bag. "Why would they, when they know they can't?"

"Facts," Adrianna added, flipping her freshly highlighted hair over her shoulder. "It's cute when they try, though. Like a little hamster running on a wheel, going nowhere."

"Speaking of nowhere," Avalon said, her voice tinged with amusement, "did you see that post on Socialites Elite this morning? Apparently, Olivia Chandler is throwing another 'exclusive' party this weekend."

Justin scoffed. "Exclusive? Please. Half her guest list is made up of social climbers and wannabes."

Aurora raised an eyebrow. "Olivia's still trying? That's cute. I thought she'd given up after last year's debacle."

The group burst into laughter, recalling the infamous party Olivia had thrown where half the attendees were left stranded after her caterer failed to show up and her rented mansion turned out to be double-booked. The Empire had, of course, declined the invite, but the fallout had been the talk of the school for weeks.

"Bless her heart," Aurora said with mock sympathy, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "She tries so hard to be relevant. Too bad she'll never be us."

The group reached their homeroom, the door already propped open. Mr. Langston, their homeroom teacher, glanced up from his desk as they entered, his expression a mixture of resignation and mild amusement. He'd long since given up trying to discipline the Empire. They weren't disruptive, per se, but their sheer presence was enough to throw the entire dynamic of the class off balance.

Aurora slid into her seat by the window, her posture relaxed but commanding. Justin took the seat beside her, leaning back casually. Adrianna, Avalon, and Autumn, Mario, Kingsley, Brandon fill in the seats around them, forming an unbroken line of power and influence.

Miss Thatcher cleared her throat, trying to gain the class's attention. "Good morning, everyone. Welcome back. I hope you all had a restful break."

Aurora tuned out the mundane announcements, her mind drifting to the plans she'd set in motion over the break. There were alliances to solidify, rivals to keep in check, and, of course, the Socialites Elite account to maintain. Her influence extended far beyond the walls of LA Prep, and she intended to keep it that way.

Justin nudged her arm, his voice low. "So, are we actually doing the movie night, or are you just saying that to avoid another party?"

Aurora tilted her head, considering. "Both. A quiet night in wouldn't hurt, but if something better comes along..."

He grinned. "Always keeping your options open. Classic Roro."

She smirked. "Always."

As Miss Thatcher droned on about the upcoming semester, Aurora's phone buzzed discreetly in her bag. She pulled it out, glancing at the screen.

SOCIALITES ELITE: The Hollingsworth heiress starts the new year as the reigning queen of LA Prep. Can anyone even come close to challenging her throne?

Aurora's smirk deepened. The answer, as everyone already knew, was no. A resounding hell no.