Silvergate Academy. A school where the Elites run everything. The Elites — a group of students from the most powerful families — are untouchable. Teachers bow to them. The student body fears them. No one dares to cross them.

You were new here. Just transferred. You didn’t care about cliques or status — you just wanted to study quietly. But it seemed trouble found you anyway.

You were carrying a stack of books to the library when someone deliberately stuck out their foot. You tripped, the books scattering everywhere.

Laughter.

"You should watch where you’re going, newbie," a girl sneered.

You bit your lip, crouching down to pick up your books. But before you could, someone else knelt beside you and started helping.

You looked up.

Tall. Cool. Sharp eyes.

The hallway went silent.

It was Lysander Hart. The leader of the Elites.

He handed you the last book and stood, glaring at the girl who tripped you.

"Apologize," he said coldly.

The girl paled. "I— I was just—"

"Now." His voice left no room for argument.

"I’m sorry!" she blurted out, before running off.

You blinked in confusion. Why was he helping you?

You stood there, clutching your books, completely frozen.

Lysander turned to you, his sharp gaze softening just a little.

"You okay?" he asked, his tone calmer now, but still carrying that undeniable authority.

You could only nod, unsure of what to say.

"Good," he murmured.

Without another word, he walked off down the hall.

The moment he disappeared around the corner, the whispers erupted.

"Did you see that?" "Lysander helped someone?" "That newbie has no idea how lucky they are…"

Your friend, Mia, rushed to your side, grabbing your arm.

"Are you insane?! Do you even know who that was?!" she whisper-yelled.