“Jazmine, wait up!”

Through the roaring of my own heartbeat in my ears, I almost don’t hear Dani calling after me as she follows me down the hall.

“Are you crazy?” she asks, once she catches up with me.

“You can’t just go around insulting the Dynasty heirs unless you have some kind of death wish.”

I shake my head in response.

“I couldn’t care less about the stupid Dynasty heirs,” I retort.

“Look, what I was about to tell you in class—the Dynasty heirs have basically marked you as an outcast and like I said before, they rule this place. What they say goes.”

I roll my eyes, because I don’t care. I remember what that asshole from the ceremony told me—one word from me, and I can make your life a living hell.

I guess the jerk actually followed through with that threat. But it’ll take more than a couple of bitchy insults to get to me.

“I don’t get it, though. I mean, you’re one of them right? You’re the heir to the Evenstar Dynasty.”

I turn to Dani then.

“Yeah, I guess that’s what I’m supposed to be. But trust me, they’ve made it crystal clear that I’m not one of them and that I don’t belong here.”

Dani purses her lips together and I fully expect her to walk away. I mean, why would she want to hang around with someone with the mark of social death on them.

“Listen, I like you. I’ve never seen anyone stand up to Layla and her cronies like you just did. I actually don’t think anyone has ever done that before. You think it’ll be okay if I hang with you?”

The surprise is clear on my face.

“Why would you want to do that? You said it yourself, I’ve been marked as an outcast, whatever that means. If you hang with me, it’ll make you one, too.”

“It doesn’t make a great deal of difference in my case. What Layla said about me being a pauper? I’m a scholarship student, I … don’t come from a noble lineage. So, that doesn’t place me very high up on the social ladder. It pretty much places me at the bottom, actually.”

“You’ll see soon enough that lineage and wealth mean everything here.”

Dani catches the hesitant look on my face.

“Look, I don’t have any friends here—pathetic, I know, and I have a feeling that you’re going to need one, so …”

I’ve gone through seventeen years without forming a single friendship and as sad as that might sound, forming attachments has always been pointless for me. Just another person to lose. I definitely don’t want to form any attachments now, seeing as for the most part, I still don’t plan on sticking around for long. But Dani’s earnest look makes it difficult to say no and I agree with her about having a feeling that I’m going to need a friend in this place.

“Okay,” I say finally with a small smile, which only grows as Dani beams back at me in response.

* * *

I have English second period and I’m grateful that Layla isn’t in that class, too. I’m not so grateful to see that the dark haired guy from the ceremony, Baron, I think his name is, and the one with the reddish brown hair, Lance, are in that class. Thankfully, they ignore me completely.

I don’t miss the way that they command the room—girls flock around them and guys greet them enthusiastically as they pass. I also don’t miss the way they seem to be above class rules—talking in class and openly hitting on girls without so much as a warning from the teacher. This place is insane.

“I’m not really a fan of the cafeteria scene,” I say to Dani, as she leads me towards the large glass double doors leading into the dining hall.

I was hoping to be able to avoid the cafeteria for the whole year. I always found somewhere else to eat in my previous high schools—either out in one of the sports fields or in an empty classroom.

“You can’t do that here—rules are pretty strict. Students are only allowed to eat in the cafeteria,” Dani replies.

I consider foregoing lunch altogether, but the grumbling in my stomach demands food. Letting out a sigh, I follow Dani through the glass doors.

The scene that greets me is like no other cafeteria I’ve ever seen before. Marble floors and a glass ceiling with finely made tapestries hanging on the walls, makes this place look more like a high class restaurant, than a high school cafeteria. The food is also nothing like normal cafeteria food either. There’s lobster and caviar on the menu, for god’s sake.

We find a table near the large French doors leading out to the patio, which is a little quieter than the rest of the large room. I can feel eyes on me as I walk past, this time accompanied by whispers. No doubt about the earlier show down with Layla. I sit with my back to the room, but I still feel the eyes on me.

“So, tell me about Earth,” Dani says, as we settle into our seats. “That’s where you’ve been living, right?”

She’s whispering, as if talking about Earth isn’t something that people usually do in good company.

“You’ve never been? And also why are you whispering?”

“Of course, I’ve never been. It’s forbidden for the Seraph to visit Earth, unless it’s for a mission or the heads of all seven Dynasties give special permission.”

“It’s … okay, I guess,” I reply with a shrug. I let out a long sigh.

“Truthfully, my life there kind of sucked. I’ve lived in a different foster home each year since I was seven.” I’m not usually one to spill my guts to someone I barely know, but there’s something about this girl that makes me feel automatically at ease, or maybe I’m just tired of being alone.

Dani looks stunned.

“God, I had no idea. I’m sorry,” she says.

“This may be a really forward question—but word is that you were a, you know, um … some kind of stripper waitress back on Earth.”

I choke on my food.

“What the hell?”

Dani looks sheepish then. “Yeah, I mean, no judgment if you were. I think it’s kind of cool.”

“Firstly, there was no stripping involved—just hot pants and a bra,” I say, although I don’t think it’s really any better. “Secondly …”

I let out a long sigh.

“There was nothing cool about it. I needed the money because I was saving up for art school. It was good money and I needed to do what I had to do.”

Dani nods, then sensing that I don’t feel comfortable talking about it anymore, she changes the subject.

“They say that Earth is like a mirror of Eden, only humans are … lesser beings.”

I think her words over before replying.

“I’ve only been on Eden for two days, but from what I can see so far, the part about it being a mirror is probably right—Eden looks like paradise, but it also looks like the same drama and bullshit exists here as on Earth.

“And for that very same reason, I don’t agree that humans are lesser beings at all.”

Dani looks thoughtful, but says nothing.

I can see from her expression that she wants to say something else, but is hesitant. I look at her expectantly, although I’m not sure I want to hear.

“I—I just wanted to say that what happened with you father … he was a good king. The people loved him, most thought he was one of the best kings that Eden has ever had.

“What happened was a tragedy—the biggest tragedy that Eden has known for centuries.”

I was right to not want to hear. Because although this man was a stranger to me, hearing about what a great king he was, and how he committed suicide, makes my insides squeeze painfully.

I have no response and Dani senses that it’s not something I’m ready to talk about.

So, we eat in silence for a little while, and I’ve had two spoonfuls of the gourmet pasta, when Dani’s eyes dart towards the patio.

“Oh my god. There’s Raph St. Tristan.”

The name makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, but my eyes follow Dani’s gaze to where that asshole is standing, or leaning against the patio railing, to be precise.

He’s wearing a white shirt and black trousers like all of the other male students, but I don’t think anyone here pulls it off the way he does. The dark grey Regency Mount blazer makes his broad shoulders look even broader and his black tie hangs loose around his neck. He looks like he’s just walked off a GQ photoshoot. The midday sun encases him with a golden glow, but I know that there’s nothing angelic about that perfection. This guy is sexy as hell. He’s an asshole. I remind myself. The biggest asshole I’ve ever met. It shouldn’t matter how beautiful he is, because he’s thoroughly ugly on the inside.

Just then, I see two girls saunter over to where he’s lounging. One is wearing her uniform skirt so short, that I can almost see her panties, while the other has her shirt unbuttoned low enough to show the lacy top of her bra. Both are gorgeous. It’s clear from their flirtatious body language, that they think he’s irresistible. It would’ve been less obvious if they’d just taken their shirts off and started lap dancing on him.

The smile playing on those sensuous lips is irritatingly charming and his gaze is hooded, golden lashes drooping low over his brilliant eyes. He looks like he’s in his element. The girls are giggling loudly now at something he’s saying, the sound traveling in through the open patio doors. I’m sure that it probably isn’t that funny. One of the girls is resting her hand playfully on his arm, while the other one is whispering something in his ear suggestively. So, I was right, he does have girls throwing themselves at him wherever he goes, and he probably expected me to do the same that night of the ceremony. It makes me all the more glad that I showed him otherwise. The whole thing makes me feel disgusted, and suddenly I instantly lose my appetite.

“He’s an asshole,” I tell Dani, who’s still looking star struck.

“Sure he is,” she replies. “But he’s still hot as fuck.”

I almost choke on my water.

I don’t particularly want to hear any more about this guy, but Dani continues regardless.

“I told you before that the Dynasty heirs rule Regency Mount. Well, Raphael St. Tristan is the King of Regency. The Dynasty heirs do nothing without his say so. It’s like the biggest cliché, but all the girls here would drop their panties for him in a heartbeat, and every guy is either scared of him or worships him—but they all want to be him.”

None of it surprises me. Not at all.

“He’s the captain of the soccer team, heir to the sovereign St. Tristan Dynasty, wealthier than God, the most powerful Seraph in recent history and of course, he’s next in line to the throne of Eden. In the same way that Seraphs are like gods to humans, Raph is basically a god compared to everyone else here.”

“Wow. He sounds like the perfect mix of spoiled prick and arrogant ass,” I retort. Dani chuckles in response.

“And wait, they have soccer here? Also what do you mean he’s the most powerful Seraph in recent history?” I ask, despite myself.

Dani looks at me like I’m from another planet, which would be correct—I am.

“Of course, they have soccer here—it’s the biggest sport on the planet and the Regency Gladiators are the best high school soccer team in the country. Raph is the star striker and captain of the team.

“And the part about him being the most powerful Seraph—you’ll see in elements class. We all have powers, the Dynasty heirs strongest of them all, but Raph’s power is something else. The guy has never been beaten in a duel.”

I cover my face with my hands and groan. Perfect. Not only does this guy hate me, he can probably also snap me in half without even breaking a sweat.

“Too bad he’s the biggest jackass to ever grace the face of the universe,” I mutter.

“I’m guessing you’ve met him then?”

“Yeah, unfortunately. He spoke to me at this stupid presentation ceremony a couple of nights ago.”

“Wait—he spoke to you?” she looks shocked, and I roll my eyes in response.

“Yeah, but trust me, I wish he hadn’t.”

“What did he say?”

“Nothing much—it went something along the lines of I’m not welcome here, and I should stay out of his way.”

“What the hell?” Dani hisses.

“I know. He’s a real charmer,” I say dryly.

“No, I mean like what the hell—Raph doesn’t speak to people outside his circle, and he sure as hell doesn’t speak to outcasts.”

“Urgh, will you stop with this social hierarchy bull already. It’s making me want to throw up my lunch. Besides, the only reason I’ve been marked as an outcast in the first place, is because of that asshole.”

“No wonder Layla laid into you in calculus this morning,” Dani says. I grimace at the memory.

“Layla and Raph have been dating since they were like—in kindergarten or maybe even before that. I think they’ve basically been betrothed since birth.”

I remember how Layla had curled her arm around Raph’s at the ceremony, and the memory makes my stomach churn.

“Good for them. An asshole King and a bitch Queen ruling over their kingdom of mindless followers. A match made in heaven Although Layla might want to keep an eye on her man, because he’s clearly not keeping his hands to himself,” I add, as I observe Raph’s hand reaching around one of the girls plastered to him and cupping her almost bare ass.

“Yeah, Raph isn’t exactly Mr. Faithful, but Layla is hardly the princess of purity either. Raph and Layla are always breaking up and getting back together—one week they’re on, the next they’re off. It’s like this epic love story. I’m guessing they’re in one of their off periods.”

Speaking of the she-devil, Layla emerges from one of the side buildings and is stalking towards the patio where Raph and his groupies are standing. Her eyes are narrowed, furious.

I watch the sequence of events unfolding like a soap opera, playing out right in front of my very own eyes.

“Oh, no, here comes Layla. Girl fight,” Dani mutters. I notice that other people in the cafeteria are also now looking out at the patio.

First, the girls look up to see Layla approaching, and they look like they might try to stand their ground. But they’re clearly terrified, or at least visibly intimidated by the authoritative and much more menacing girl. So, I watch with interest as they scurry away like little white mice.

Layla is in front of Raph now. He’s looking at her sardonically, like a cat visibly displeased that the creatures it had been toying with have been taken away. But instead of yelling at him, Layla leans in, pressing her body close against his, whispering something in his ear. She’s stroking his cheek sensually. I feel an odd tightening in my stomach.

Raph appears utterly disinterested. He’s saying something to Layla now, his expression cold, dismissive. Whatever it is, makes her storm off in an apparent rage. I realize then that she’s heading towards the patio doors and that she’ll pass our table when she steps through. But I don’t let myself look away.

She glares at me as she storms past, but thankfully, she doesn’t stop. I don’t think I’ll be able to handle any more of her bitchiness today without punching her in the mouth.

A second later, Raph walks through the patio doors and I do drop my gaze then. Because the last thing I need is for him to notice me and start threatening me again. This time in front of the entire school.

He does notice me, though. All eyes turn to him as he passes, but I can feel his eyes on me. Dani was talking, but falls silent as Raph passes.

I let out a breath I hadn’t been aware I was holding, when I see his back in the corner of my eye.

Dani and I eat in silence for a few minutes until she starts whispering furiously at me.

“Holy shit. I have no idea why, but Raph was like full on staring at you when he passed our table, and he’s still staring.”

I can feel my hackles rising.

I flash a casual glance over my shoulder and indeed find that those vivid blue eyes are locked onto me. His expression is as closed off as ever, and I can almost feel the arctic wind blowing from his direction.

“It’s a stare of death—he’s probably trying to kill me with his eyes.”

Dani chuckles, but she eyes me thoughtfully. I shift in my seat uncomfortably.

I throw another glance at Raph’s table, which is at the center of the cafeteria. It doesn’t take a genius to work out that it’s the popular table. All of the Dynasty heirs are sitting at the table—Keller and Ivy sitting on either side of Layla, Baron and Lance sitting next to Raph. They’re surrounded by other students who are clearly the crème de la crème of Regency—perfect hair, perfect make-up, expensive shoes. They scream wealth and privilege. Students at neighboring tables are looking longingly at that central table, as if begging for an invite, or as if to catch even a few words of conversation. It’s pathetic.

“That’s Baron Aldebran,” Dani says, looking over at the dark-haired guy who would probably be the most gorgeous guy in Regency, if it wasn’t for Raph.

“Midfielder on the soccer team. He’s Raph’s wingman and an even bigger player than Raph, if that’s possible. Or maybe they’re equal. Either way, all the girls here want a piece of that and I think he’s slept his way through most of them here—or at least the ones worth doing.”

I roll my eyes then. God, it sounds like the raging hormones in this place are out of control. My tactic of keeping to myself in all of my previous high schools means that I’ve almost forgotten what a hot bed of sex and scandal high school can be. Except this place is like high school on steroids—I guess it must be the obscene wealth that makes these kids think they can do whatever the hell they want.

“And that’s Lance Oaknorth next to him. He plays defense on the team and he’s also super hot. He’s probably the nicest out of the three guys, but it’s too bad he’s been dating Ivy Hemlock since junior year, who, as you’ve already seen, is kind of a bitch.” I catch a tinge of wistfulness in Dani’s tone as she eyes Lance, but I hope I’m just imagining it. Dani isn’t the type of girl to knock guys on their asses, but she has a girl next door look which makes her undeniably pretty. Plus, she seems to be the only decent person here in Regency. She’s much too good for any of these Dynasty heir pricks.

“You’re living in Sovereign Hall, right?” Dani asks then.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“God, that’s amazing. You’ll get to go to all of the crazy parties that they throw there.”

I don’t like the sound of that.

“What parties?”

“The Dynasty heirs are always throwing parties at Sovereign Hall. The school has a strict curfew, but they turn a blind eye to the parties, if they’re being hosted by the Dynasty heirs.”

“Of course, they do.”

“In fact, I think there’s a party tonight—first day of semester and all.”

I let out a frustrated groan. Great. I’m going to have to make sure that I get upstairs and lock myself in my room before it all kicks off.

“I wouldn’t know. I’m not invited.”

Dani shakes her head in disbelief again.

“I really don’t get why they hate you so much. I mean you’re meant to be one of them and your father was the King, for god’s sake. I get the fact that you being half human and the whole stripper waitress rumor doesn’t exactly put you on the A-list. I guess there’s also the age old rivalry between the two sovereign Dynasties—yours and Raph’s. But to have the Dynasty heirs actually decree that you’re an outcast—that’s like giving you the kiss of death. It’s some pretty serious shit.”

“I’m not one of them,” I repeat. I don’t know what she means about the rivalry part, but I have no interest in asking for any further details.

“They’ve made that clear and you know what? I couldn’t care less. They can hate me. Screw them.”

Dani gets that thoughtful look again.

“It’s a shame though—because I know that every guy here probably thinks you’re the hottest thing to set foot in Regency Mount since … Layla herself.”

“And if it wasn’t for the Dynasty heirs’ school-wide decree, you’d probably have at least a dozen guys over here right now, asking you out.”

I can’t help but laugh in response.

“What? That’s crazy.”

Dani looks at me like I’m dense.

“Oh, god, you’re not one of those hot girls who knows that they’re hot but puts on the fake modesty, are you? Let me guess—you were like the hottest girl in your last school?”

I laugh again.

“No, not even close. I’m not being fake modest, but I’ve had more important things to think about.”

Dani looks at me like I’m crazy, or like life suddenly doesn’t make sense.

Her eyes travel from the popular table, where Raph is still staring, to me and back again. Then a small smile forms on her lips.

I catch Layla following Raph’s eyeline, the look of displeasure on her face is clear. She gets up and walks over to where Raph is sitting, and drops her ass onto his lap. He doesn’t push her off as she pulls his face to hers. I look away then, not wanting to throw up my lunch.

“I think I get it now,” Dani says, her smile growing wider and with a knowing gleam in her eyes.

I don’t ask her to spell it out because frankly, I really do not want to know.