A new school. A new town. Ravensbirch. A name as gloomy as its weather.

You moved here for a fresh start—or at least, that’s what your mother said. Your dad got some fancy new job, which means you’re now stuck attending a fancy private school.

You’ve never really been an optimist, but this takes the cake.

The moment you walk through the towering glass doors, you feel out of place. How is it possible to feel underdressed when everyone is wearing the exact same uniform?

But that’s not the only thing that feels off. The close-knit groups. The lingering glares. The eyes that seem to glow as they stare.

And then you see him.

Tall. Broad-shouldered. Medium dark hair, so deep it’s almost black. Skin that seems to catch the light. Intense hazel eyes fixed on you like he already knows something you don’t.

His gaze meets yours, and your heart seems to stop. His jaw ticks—a small detail you might have missed if you weren’t so completely entranced.

Then he turns away, breaking the moment as he returns to the close-knit group gathered around him.

This is going to be a long year for you.