1 The First Meeting

I've just won a scholarship to attend the most prestigious university in the country. For a dirt-poor, orphaned 18-year-old, this is a huge deal. So why do I feel anxious instead of excited?

Kiran turns to look at her grandpa at the wheel.

He insisted on dropping me off. As my only remaining family, he said it was his duty.

He's frowning at the perfectly manicured driveway, leading up to the steel monstrosity of a gate. As though he can read Kiran's mind, her grandpa turns to Kiran with a soothing smile.​​​

" I can feel you breathing down my neck, Lea Kinandita "

" Because I'm terrified of messing up, Grandpa."

" You won't, Lea Kinandita. Just remember, this isn't just some regular old university. The kids who go there, they're children of presidents, diplomats, and CEO. "

" All the more reason I can't mess up. "

An unfriendly-looking security guard mans the steel gate, a gun tucked in his holster.

" You're not from around here, are you? "

" Is it that obvious? "

" I could spot it from a mile away "

" Add a few hundred more miles, and you'll end up on my family's farm in Wyoming "

" A long way from home, huh? Don't worry, most of the kids here are, too. The dorms are straight down the road, in front of the parking lot. Good luck. "

Moments later, Kiran arrives at an enormous 12-story building made from stone and brick. Kiran and Grandpa both step out of the car.

" Wait here. I'll go get instructions on signing you in. "

Kiran nodded, but herself distracted by the sheer size of your new dorm. So, distracted, you don't even see the large black boots lounging in front of Kiran-- until Kiran trip on them, and go sailing into the arms of a tall, broad-shouldered Lea. His arms grip Kira's, his warm fingers contrast with his icy-blue gaze. He quickly untangles Kiran from his limbs.

" Are you lost, new girl? "

" I should catch my breath and introduce myself politely. I'm Lea Kinandita. And you are? "

" None of your business, but I'll bite. I'm Hadyan Mahendra. "

" Nice to meet you, Hadyan. "

Hadyan grins down at Kiran, his eyebrow raised.

" I don't know if you'll be saying that in a few minutes, Lea Kinandita. "

His sky-blue eyes fix on Kiran's own, his smile slowly disappearing. Kiran's face grows hot.

His eyes are so familiar, but I can't quite put my finger on why. Do I know you from somewhere? "

"I doubt it. I would have remembered if we'd met. "

Kiran blushes crimson red, looking away.

" Oh, don't be shy. We don't bite. Unless you want us to. "

Before you can respond, two boys lingering behind Hadyan step up.

" I'm Kevin. And you must be the squeaky-clean farm girl of our dreams. "

He flashes Kiran a charming grin, clearly joking. Kiran relaxes a little until Kiran notices the third member of their little clique. Tattooed and menacing, he's staring daggers at Hadyan and Kevin.

" If you two are done flirting with the new girl, we need to tell her the rules. "

" Don't mind Dito, Lea Kinandita. He's just grumpy that Hadyan beat him to you. "

" He didn't beat me to anything. I decide when, and who, we talk to. "

" Are they talking about me? Hey, can you guys back off? You can't just tease me because I'm the hew girl. "

" Oh, we're not teasing, Lea Kinandita. "

He takes a step closer to Kiran. Kiran stands her ground, refusing to play his game.

Kiran turns to leave and go find her grandpa. Before Kiran can, Hadyan cuts her off.

" You must think you're so smart, huh? "

" I don't think I'm smart. I know I'm smart. It's why I won the scholarship. "

" You may have won the scholarship, but there's a lot about Eagle Elite you don't know, farm girl. "

" Hey! Is there a problem here? "

Uh-oh. Grandpa's back, and he doesn't look happy.

None of the boys answers Grandpa, but a strange glimmer of recognition appears in Hhadrian'seyes.

" Do I know you? "

Much to Kiran's surprise, Grandpa responds by rolling up his sleeves threateningly.

" Do you know many farmers out in Wyoming, rich boy? "

Grandpa is out of control! I should intervene before things get any worse.

Kiran physically steps between them. " Everyone, just calm down. "

" No one speaks to you that way, Lea Kinandita. Not in front of me. "

" Grandpa, I can handle myself. "

" Have it your way, farm girl. " Hadyan winks at you, smirking as he backs away. Kiran watches Hadyan stride into the dorms, Kevin and Dito hurrying after him.

" That was a strange welcome party. "

" I don't expect anything else from rich people. " He turns to you with a sad smile.

" Now, it's time for our goodbyes. Don't forget your suitcase. "

" Thanks, Grandpa. I'll miss you. "

" I'll miss you, too. And Lea Kinandita, just.... be careful. There are people out there ---

He hesitates. He opens his mouth to say something but changes his mind halfway. "Never mind. just be safe and happy, and don't forget about me. "

Kiran's eyes well with tears, but Grandpa clears his throat. " No time for tears, sweet pea. your room's at the end of the hallway. be good. " He kisses Kiran's forehead and departs. wiping her eyes, Kiran takes her suitcase into the dorms.

In the hallway, Kiran immediately notices a group of Barbie look-alikes attempting to flirt with Hadyan. He ignores them and focuses on his phone.

There he is again. Just my luck.

A second later, one of the girls catches Kiran staring. " Oh, look. it's the charity case from Rowland. "

" Oh... it's sheep land, thank you very much. "

" Once a cowgirl, always a cowgirl. "

Her cronies erupt in laughter. Kiran ignores her, walking past her toward Kiran's room. She follows Kiran, taunting. Kiran's face burns with humiliation. Hadyan finally looks up from his phone, his eyes flashing with anger. He approaches the mean girl and her cronies, blocking them from following Kiran.

" You want to say that again? "

" Um, Hadyan. We weren't... We have no problem with you, of course. "

" If you have a problem with here, you have a problem with me. " Kiran watch Hadyan with suspicion.

I should run away.

Kiran turns their heel and runs toward the end of the hallway.

" Come back, cowgirl! Mooooo... "

Kiran finally sees her room, in a little nook with a sofa outside. Kiran tries opening the door with Kiran's key card, but it doesn't budge.

Am I crazy, or have I been locked out? I should knock on the door, hoping someone's inside.

Kiran raises her knuckles and rap lightly against the door. " I think I hear footsteps! " a second later, the door opens.

" You must be Lea Kinandita. Hi! "

Kiran stares in astonishment. Whoever this girl is, she bears a shocking resemblance to Hadyan.

" Whoa, you look just like .... "

" Yep, Hadyan, I know. I'm his sister. or as I like to think of it, Satan's sister. My Name's Amira Zeline. "

" Oh wow. I have so many questions... why is everyone so scared of Hadyan? "

" Screw Hadyan. He and the Elect, and their stupid rules, can all go, crew, themselves. "

"You're the only person who doesn't seem to care what he thinks. "

" I am the only person who doesn't care what he thinks. Anyway, Hadyan and I are twins, so technically he can't boss me around. "

Amira pulls Kiran toward the beds. " Now, first thing first. which side do you prefer? I can move my stuff to either side. "

Kiran looks around the room. One side is already cosily decorated, but the other side is sparse. " I think... I'll take the one by the window. "

" The view's always fantastic. "

Kiran quickly unpacks, transforming her side of the room into a cosy, lived-in reminder of Wyoming.

" So, what are your thoughts on Eagle Elite so far? "

" I'm excited! It's such an honour to win the lottery. "

" Yeah, you beat out hundreds of thousands of other applicants! You must be a genius. "

" Oh, I don't know about that. "

" No wonder my brother was interested in you. "

Amira goes to her closet and removes several outfits. She throws them on her bed, turning to Kiran.

" Tonight is Eagle Elite's kick-off party. Do you have any party outfits? "

" Uh, I think so. "

" In case you don't, you can always borrow from me. "

" I'd love to come, but uh, I forgot to bring my makeup. Sorry. "

I shouldn't lie, but I can't admit that I couldn't afford to buy any makeup. "

" Oh, no worries! I can just run to the bathroom quickly and get my set. When I'm back, we're gonna turn you into the hottest new student Elite's ever seen. "