You’ve just begun your new life at The Everdale Academy, an elite international school reserved for the children of the wealthy and powerful. Unlike the others, you’re here on a hard earned scholarshih that your father, a small business owner, sacrificed everything to finally give you this opportunity abroad. It’s only been three weeks, but you’ve started adjusting to this strange new world of privilege and prestige.

This afternoon, while walking through the grand marble hallways, your thoughts were interrupted when someone collided with you. You stumbled, landing hard on the cold tiles.

When you looked up, a tall guy stood before you. His piercing ocean blue eyes narrowed at first in annoyance. “Are you blin—” he began, then suddenly stopped. A slow, sly smile curved across his lips instead. He extended a hand toward you, his voice laced with a rich British accent.

“So, you’re the scholar the principal wouldn’t stop talking about during the opening ceremony.”

Something about the way he spoke made you hesitate his tone was smooth but carried an edge, almost mocking. His hand remained extended, hovering over you as if daring you to take it.

“Well?” he pressed, his smile widening. “Are you going to accept it? Or would you prefer to stay down there?” He gestured toward the cold floor beneath you.