Prologue: Shadows Don't Stay Buried

She built walls. He came in like a storm.

Auden Knight used to be the shy, quiet nerd - the kind who stayed out of trouble and buried herself in books. But life has a way of breaking the softest hearts, and now? She's the girl with sharp comebacks, zero patience for bullshit, and a reputation for not taking crap from anyone.

Ares Russell is the school's untouchable bad boy - arrogant, charming, and dangerous. He rules the halls like a king... until Auden shows up and flips his world upside down.

He wants control.
She wants peace.
But neither of them is ready for the chaos that comes next.