The road narrowed as we entered the outskirts of *Sterling College*. The campus was unlike anything I had ever imagined.

Thick woods surrounded the school like protective arms, with towering pine trees that whispered secrets in the wind. The air smelled of earth, mist, and something old—ancient even. The sky was a soft grey, but the golden hue of the sun breaking through gave the whole place a mystical glow.

Sterling wasn’t just beautiful. It was hauntingly majestic.

The main building stood tall and proud with ivy crawling up its stone walls. Arched windows, intricate carvings, and gothic towers made it feel more like a castle than a college. The sight took my breath away.

“This place looks like it was plucked right out of a fairytale,” I whispered as we stepped out of the car.

Talia grinned. “A slightly creepy fairytale, maybe.”

We dragged our suitcases toward the dormitory. Inside, the walls were warm-toned with polished floors that echoed slightly. The smell of new books, polished wood, and faint vanilla filled the air.

Talia was the first to get checked in.

“Room B12,” the coordinator said. “You’ll be sharing with two other girls.”

There was something about this place—Sterling, this room, everything—that felt both enchanting… and dangerous.

I just didn’t know which one would swallow me first.

—

Talia looked at me excitedly. “You’re next.”

I stepped forward with a hopeful smile, but after checking the list twice, the woman frowned.

“Hm. Aria Grey… your name isn’t linked to any room yet.”

My heart dropped. “What? But I’ve been admitted.”

“Yes, yes,” she said quickly, tapping on her tablet. “You were waitlisted, right? It seems your placement wasn’t finalized in time. Unfortunately, the standard dorms are full at the moment.”

“So what do I do?” I asked.

The coordinator sighed, then gave me a small smile. “There’s one room available—for now. It’s in the *North Wing*, where we house… special students. VIPs, scholarship elites, legacy names. You’ll have it to yourself until a permanent spot opens up.”

I blinked. “Special students?”

She nodded. “Just for a few days. We’ll update you when your dorm is ready.”

“Okay… thanks.”

Talia squeezed my hand. “You’re lucky, honestly. Private room? Sounds like a dream.”

I tried to laugh, but something about the “VIP” label unsettled me.

As I was handed a silver key with the number *A-01*, I felt a chill run down my spine. The North Wing was tucked behind a large arched hallway and had its own entrance. The lights were dimmer, and it was eerily quiet. Almost too quiet.

I paused at the door to my room.

---

I scanned the hallway one more time. The entire North Wing looked like it belonged in a five-star hotel rather than a college dorm. Crystal wall sconces cast a warm golden hue, and the floors were so polished, I could see my reflection.

As I approached the room marked *A-01*, I paused.

Just a few steps away, two students—at least, I assumed they were—were tangled up in each other. They were kissing like the world was ending, completely unaware of anything around them. Hands roaming, soft moans, bodies pressed tightly together.

I blinked and looked away quickly, my stomach churning.

Seriously? In the hallway?

I wasn’t sure if it was the lack of self-awareness or how oddly intense it felt—but it made my skin crawl. Rich kids always seemed to carry a different kind of wild. This was a whole new level.

Rolling my eyes, I slid the key into the lock and pushed open the door.

My breath caught in my throat.

The room was breathtaking.

Everything was painted a soft, serene white—from the walls to the plush rug under my feet. Two identical beds sat on opposite sides of the room, each perfectly made with crisp sheets and gold-accented pillows. There were velvet curtains framing the tall window, and a soft breeze made them sway gently, as if the room itself were alive.

I quietly walked to the bed on the left and dropped my suitcase beside it. It felt strange, surreal. Like stepping into a fantasy world I didn’t belong in.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to explore the rest of the space.

There were two doors on the far end of the room. I opened the first one and gasped.

A bathroom. But not just any bathroom—this was luxury at its finest. Marble floors, a walk-in shower with gold fixtures, and a deep soaking tub that could fit two—maybe even three—people. There were fluffy white towels folded neatly, and the air smelled faintly of vanilla and lavender.

Then I opened the second door.

It creaked slightly.

It led to an empty room. Completely bare. No furniture. No windows. Just four plain white walls and a single overhead light. I stepped in cautiously.

It felt… odd in here. Cold.

Almost like the air shifted as soon as I crossed the threshold.

“What’s this room even for?” I whispered aloud.

There was no answer, of course.

But something about it didn’t sit right.

I backed out slowly and closed the door, locking it with a quiet click. A chill slid down my spine, and I rubbed my arms, trying to shake it off.

I was probably just tired.

This place was beautiful, yes—but it also felt… strange. Like the walls had secrets.

And somehow, I had a feeling that whatever secrets they were hiding… they weren’t going to stay buried for long.

---

I slept like a baby that night—no nightmares, no weird feelings. Just deep, uninterrupted sleep. For once, my mind was still.

The next morning, I woke up before my alarm, stretched lazily, and got ready for the day. I slipped into a simple pair of jeans, a black tee, and tied my hair into a quick ponytail. My nerves buzzed with both excitement and unease. First real day of college.

I grabbed my backpack and headed out, walking down the still-quiet hallway toward my locker. After getting my books, I made my way to class and smiled the moment I saw Talia waving me over.

“I saved you a seat,” she whispered, patting the chair beside her.

“Thank you,” I mouthed and slid into it.

Our first class was Literature. Not my favorite. The professor—an older man with wire-framed glasses and a monotone voice—began the lecture with some obscure quote from Shakespeare. I tried to keep up, but it wasn’t long before my thoughts drifted. I found myself doodling in the corner of my notebook, counting down the minutes until class ended.

Finally, the bell rang.

Talia and I were just packing up our books when a loud, melodic bell echoed through the building. A female voice came over the speakers.

“All first-year students, please proceed to the main auditorium for your orientation. Repeat, all first-years to the main auditorium.”

“Here we go,” Talia said, slinging her bag over her shoulder.

As we stepped into the hallway, I nearly bumped into someone.

“Oh—Micheal!” I smiled.

He grinned. “Hey. Didn’t see you in class.”

“That’s because I didn’t make it in time,” he said, brushing his curly hair back. “Long night.”

“Mhm, you missed Literature. You didn’t miss much though,” I laughed, nudging him lightly.

“Well, that’s a relief.”

We fell into step together, heading toward the auditorium. The halls were buzzing with students all heading the same way, voices blending into a soft roar. Everyone seemed excited or at least pretending to be.

I glanced at Micheal again. Something about him reminded me of someone… but I couldn’t place it. The way he smiled maybe, or the way his eyes lingered on me a little longer than necessary.

I shook the thought away.

It was probably nothing. Just first-day jitters.

Still, something in my chest fluttered as we stepped through the wide double doors of the auditorium together.

And deep down, I felt it again—that strange, subtle pull in the air.

Like something… or someone… was watching.  

Waiting.