Chapter 4: Monsters Behind the Mask

I tilted my head, confused, but the gesture only seemed to irritate her—her glare grew even colder.

She rolled her eyes, lips twisting in a sneer. The room felt colder.

The kitten growled, but nobody noticed.

Its fur bristled, tail lashing. I reached down, calming it with a touch.

No one noticed me, either.

In the past, whenever I was around, everyone paid attention.

I was the center of gravity—people turned toward me, drawn in. But now, the spotlight had shifted.

Now, all eyes were on the girl.

She stood in the center, soaking up attention like a celebrity. I felt invisible, and it stung more than I wanted to admit.

A sense of discord settled over me, leaving me quietly surprised.

It was a new feeling, and I didn’t like it. I smoothed my dress, forcing a smile.

“Um, who is this?” I stepped forward, wearing my signature smile.

My voice was bright, practiced. I knew how to make people listen.

As if only now realizing I was there, everyone turned to look at me.

The silence was awkward, heavy. I kept smiling, even as my cheeks ached.

“Mara, this is...” Cal Turner, just back from scouting, stepped forward to introduce her.

Cal’s hair was damp with sweat, his hands still trembling. Bandages wrapped his head—he’d clearly been hurt badly.

He avoided my eyes, focusing on the new girl instead.

“My name’s Lila, nice to meet you.” Lila stepped forward, extending her hand.

Her grip was strong, her smile dazzling. She looked me dead in the eye, daring me to look away.

“Lila saved me,” Cal said, smiling shyly.

He looked at her with something like awe. I felt a sharp pang of jealousy.

Lila’s gaze burned into me, sharp as a laser.

I felt exposed, as if she could see every secret I’d ever tried to hide.

I responded, shaking her hand.

Her skin was warm, her grip unyielding. I squeezed back, refusing to let her see me falter.

“Mara, I know you. Everyone’s told me about you.” Lila smiled brightly, her every move crisp and refreshing.

Her voice was sweet, but there was an edge—like sugar dusted over broken glass.

A strong sense of unease filled my heart. I forced myself to smile, keeping my agitation hidden.

I kept my tone light, my eyes soft. No one would see the storm inside me.

“Nice to meet you. Thank you for saving Cal.”

I dipped my head, letting my hair fall forward to hide my expression.

She smirked, but the smile snapped back into place.

“No need to thank me. It was nothing. I only save people who are valuable.”

Her words hung in the air, sharp as glass. I saw Everett nod, impressed.

She glanced at Everett, who looked at her with approval.

He liked efficiency, logic. Lila was speaking his language.

Suddenly, I understood where the sense of discord came from.

This was our first meeting, but she acted like she knew everything.

I don’t like people like that.

People who think they’ve got you pegged before you even speak. It makes my skin crawl.

“Are you an ability holder?” The usually quiet Jace spoke up, voice cold, eyes locked on Lila.

His jaw was set, posture defensive. I could feel the tension radiating from him.

Lila put her hands on her hips, nodded, and said proudly, “My ability is enhanced strength and... foresight!”

She grinned, clearly enjoying the attention. I saw the others exchange glances, eyebrows raised.

Foresight? Was that even possible?

I’d heard rumors, but never seen it. My stomach twisted with unease.

After Lila finished, everyone was stunned.

Even Everett looked rattled, his calm slipping for a second.

“That’s a top-tier ability. Are you serious?” Everett adjusted his glasses, curiosity sharpening his gaze.

He stepped closer, eyes bright with interest.

“I’m not lying. My prophecies are always accurate,” Lila said, pausing before drawing a circle in the air with her finger and suddenly pointing at the main entrance.

She moved with a flourish, like a YouTuber about to drop a viral prank.

“In a moment, a monster will attack here.”

Her words hung in the air, daring anyone to doubt her.

She’d barely finished when a loud noise sounded and the bell at the entrance rang three times.

The alarm was shrill, echoing down the halls. People jumped, startled.

That was the monster attack signal.