Unlock My Heart

Chapter 1

Alura

First days of school suck. I've been dying to get out of the house for weeks, but now that I'm here, all I want is to crawl back into bed and sleep for the rest of the year.

"Alura!"
I turned to see Sally bouncing over, all five feet of her radiating pure energy. She could light up a room—or drain you, depending on the day.

"Hey, Sally," I said, already bracing for her excitement.
"I'm fine, but ugh, my lecturers didn't even bother today. Just dumped the course outline and left." She rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Lucky you. Mine gave us enough work to drown in," I muttered as we walked toward the hostel.

"Oh, by the way, are you coming to the fresher's party tonight?" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Nope. Got stuff to do."

Sally's eyes widened like I'd slapped her. "What could possibly be more important than the biggest party of the year? It's social suicide if you don't show up!" She gasped, clutching her chest.

"Money," I said, watching her face contort in confusion. I sighed. "I run a YouTube channel. I need to upload new content tonight. No time for partying."

She blinked. "When do you work?"

"Filming at seven. Editing by eight. Uploading around nine. Then I need to study, and sleep." I rattled off the list, and she looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language.
"Wow, you make me feel like the most unproductive person on Earth," she said, eyes wide.

"You said you finish by 9:30, right? The party ends at midnight, so you still have time!" Her enthusiasm never seemed to wane.

I groaned. "I told you, I'm tired."
"Oh, come on! You might make some friends! And who knows, maybe reel in a cute guy or two," she teased, giving me those puppy-dog eyes she knew I couldn't resist.

I groaned. "Fine, one hour. That's it."
"Yes!" she squealed, clapping like a seal. "You won't regret it!"

Spoiler alert: I regretted it immediately.

The party was a mess of sweaty bodies, bad music, and too many people trying to have drunken conversations. Why did I let her talk me into this? Sally ditched me the second we walked in, so now I was on my own. Fantastic.

I pushed through the crowd, aiming for the lounge area where it was a little quieter. My feet were killing me already, and I just wanted to sit down and read. I pulled out my phone and opened my favorite book—The Red Scrolls of Magic. A little Magnus and Alec drama was exactly what I needed to survive this night.

As I got lost in their Parisian adventures, I lost track of time. That is, until I felt someone staring at me. I looked up and noticed a guy standing in the shadows, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"You have interesting expressions," he said, stepping into the light. He was... beautiful. Light skin, curly hair, pink lips, and the bluest eyes I'd ever seen.

"Thanks," I muttered. "I guess."

"I'm Sean," he said, flashing a smile that was way too charming for his own good.
"Alura," I replied before I could stop myself.

He raised an eyebrow. "I thought your mommy told you not to talk to strangers?"

I couldn't help but smirk. "Maybe I like breaking the rules."

He laughed, his blue eyes sparkling. "Can I have your number?"
I glanced at him, then at the exit. "Not a chance."

As I stood to leave, he caught my arm gently. "Wait! What if I promise not to be a stranger for long?"
I pulled my arm away, smirking. "Maybe next time. If I'm feeling generous."

I walked out, hearing his voice behind me. "I'll find out who you are, Alura."
Rolling my eyes, I headed back to the hostel. I was more than ready for bed.