Moonlight cuts through the forest canopy…
Illuminating the dark trail ahead of me.
And my heart jumps into my throat.
But when a figure emerges, I regain my breath.
The boy I’ve been waiting for.
We lock eyes, taking each other in for the first time.
Warren
You don’t look like her.
Nova
This wouldn’t work if I did.
Warren
Are you ready for this?
Nova
It’s the only way to find out what happened to Verity.
Warren
The Belladonna are dangerous.
Nova
I’m not afraid of them.
Blackvale Academy isn’t your normal high school…
I stare up at the gothic, castle-like structure…
There’s no going back now.
I check once more that I’m parked in the space marked number “1”…
And pull out my phone to text Warren.
Nova
Parked in their spot like you suggested.
Nova
Let you know how it goes.
I pull my hair out of its bun…
And shake it loose until it’s wild and free around my shoulders.
I paint my lips blood red…
Pull up my stockings until they reach my knees…
Then trade my flats for four-inch, black pleather heels.
Lastly, I take off my necklace—
A heart engraved with the letter "N"—
And put it in my shirt pocket.
If anyone saw it, they might guess who I really am.
As far as anyone here is concerned, my name is Nova.
I get out of my car and step into the light rain.
I’m met with a sea of shocked faces…
I need to be the confident, cool, new girl.
As I lean back against the door like I don’t have a care in the world…
My phone buzzes with a new text.
A small, petite girl runs up to me.
Girl
You can’t park here!
She’s cute, but with all her colorful jewelry and overdone makeup…
She just screams “trying too hard.”
She grabs my arm and tries to steer me to my car door.
Girl
You need to move your car — now.
Girl
And they’re going to be here any minute.
I dig my heels in and pull out of her grasp.
She lets out a frustrated sigh…
Looks from side to side, then leans in.
Thora
I’m Thora, I’m a sophomore.
Thora
And “they” are the Belladonna!
The words leave her mouth in a mix of worship and fear.
Thora
They’re the girls who run things around here.
Thora
And trust me, you don’t want to get on their bad side.
Thora
So move your car before it’s—
A crash of thunder interrupts her words…
Just as her eyes settle on something behind me.
I turn to see a blacked-out and very expensive-looking car pull up the drive.
It comes to a stop behind spot number 1.
Thora
You’re in for it now.
Nova
I’m not afraid of the popular crowd.
Thora gives me a look like I’m from another planet.
Thora
They’re not just popular…
I look over at the car just as the engine shuts off.
Thora
They’re so much more than that.
Thora
They’re powerful — and not just here at school.
Thora
They hold sway in this town…
Thora
There are rumors about what they’ve done…
Thora
To get what they want.
Thora wrings her hands together.
Thora
And they always get what they want.
She pauses, and then almost as if to herself, she says…
A girl suddenly steps out of the car…
And Thora leans in to whisper in my ear.
Thora
That’s Cleo Covington — also a sophomore.
Thora
They call her the succubus…
Thora
Because she’s a total heartbreaker.
I take a good look at Cleo.
She’s stunning all right…
With her cat-shaped eyes and model-like features.
But she also looks vicious…
Levels above a quintessential mean girl…
And she’s glaring right at me.
The passenger door opens, drawing my attention, and a second girl steps out.
She’s shorter, dark-skinned, and just as beautiful.
Thora
That’s Paulina Auberon.
Thora
A junior, and the smartest girl at school.
Thora
But she’s not just book smart.
Thora
She’s cunning, and ruthless.
Paulina is glaring at me too…
But unlike Cleo, there’s a shrewdness in her gaze.
And the intensity of it sends a shiver up my spine.
The driver’s side door opens just as a peal of lightning streaks overhead.
And when the girl gets out…
Thora
That’s Kendall Eris.
Thora
Senior, and President of the Belladonna.
Thora
She’s quiet, but don’t be fooled.
Thora
She rules everything around here — and everyone.
It’s not just her long, black hair…
Or the calm but menacing look on her beautiful face…
It’s her dark and ominous presence.
And for a second, all I can do is stare.
The three girls gather at the back of the car…
Then all at once, start walking toward me.
Thora takes a few steps back…
I’m terrified, but I stand my ground.
The three girls stop in front of me.
The rain starts falling harder…
But Paulina’s sharp voice slices through the sheet of rain like a knife.
Paulina
That’s our spot, new girl.
Her eyes run over me from head to toe in a slow, threatening perusal…
Cleo steps forward with a sneer.
Cleo
Cat got your tongue?
She licks her lips, and her eyes flash.
I let out a shaky breath, then look at Kendall.
She doesn’t say anything…
But her eyes are laser-focused on mine.
How was Verity ever a part of this group?
After a few tense moments…
I answer as if I’m not inwardly shaking with fear.
I even manage a bored smile.
Nova
Looks like it’s mine today.
Shocked gasps ring out around us…
And I smile at the Belladonna.
Then, with dozens of eyes on my back…
I turn around and walk away.
Somehow, I make it through my first few classes.
But I haven’t seen or heard from the Belladonna since.
If I want answers, I need to infiltrate their group.
Find out what they did to—
Thora
You’re the talk of the school!
I turn from my locker and face Thora.
She’s bouncing on her toes, almost giddy.
Thora
No one can believe what you did this morning!
Thora
Going against the BD like that?
Thora
You’re ballsy, girl!
I shrug, feigning indifference…
Then lie through my teeth.
Nova
I didn’t know that was their spot.
Thora leans in, her eyes bright.
Thora
They haven’t been to any of their classes this morning.
Thora
Word is — they’re planning revenge.
I roll my eyes, trying to seem unaffected.
Nova
I told you I’m not afraid of them.
Thora
Sit with me at lunch?
The lunch bell rings right on schedule.
Thora seems nice, and if I were going to lunch, I’d sit with her…
But there’s something else I need to do.
I open my locker, then give Thora an apologetic smile.
Nova
But I have to go see the headmaster.
Her shoulders sag, but she nods.
Thora
All right. But be careful, okay?
I nod, then once she’s gone…
Nova
Definitely got their attention.
Nova
But not sure if it’s the right kind.
Warren
The Belladonna appreciate bold, fearless women.
Warren
You did the right thing.
Nova
I feel like there’s a target on my back.
Warren
Imagine how Verity felt.
I sigh, then pocket my phone.
I look around, making sure that the hall is empty…
Then I head to the first floor.
I run my hands along the lockers…
Until I find the one I’m looking for.
Locker 557 — Verity’s locker.
On a whim, I try to open it…
I spin the dial pointlessly, then sigh with frustration.
How the hell am I going to get in here?
I hear a door open down the hall…
And look over just in time to see Kendall slip out.
She looks just as intimidating as before…
And I unconsciously flatten myself against the lockers.
She starts striding toward the front door…
But then stops a moment, and reaches into her pocket.
She pulls out a porcelain box…
Stares at it for a long moment…
Then leaves the building.
I hesitate, but seconds later…
Where would she be going in the middle of the day?
Is there a way I can get her attention without being too obvious?
My mind starts racing with ideas.
Kendall is standing by the curb…
Wrapped in the arms of a guy leaning against a motorcycle.
He’s wearing a black leather jacket and jeans to match…
And he’s smiling into her neck.
Suddenly, as if he senses my presence, he looks up—
And within the span of a second…
All the breath leaves my body.
He’s got messy dark hair…
And eyes as cold and blue as ice.
His prominent jaw is covered in a light scruff…
And his lips are fuller than any man’s ought to be.
He’s the most breathtaking person I’ve ever seen in my life.
I realize that he’s staring at me, too…
Kendall suddenly spins around…
And hits me with a look so fierce…
I have trouble schooling my expression.
I quickly look away and head to my car…
But not before I read the license plate on his motorcycle.
I internally scold myself at the thought.
Who cares about his name?!
Kendall just caught me ogling her man!
I probably just ruined everything!
I pretend to grab something from my car…
Then make my way back toward the school…
I need to calm down — focus.
But my whole body is vibrating.
I can’t shake the way I felt when he looked at me…
As I walk past, I overhear part of their conversation.
Rylan’s voice is deep and heady.
Rylan
I don’t know what’s wrong.
Rylan
The engine won’t start.
Suddenly, I have a very risky, very reckless idea.
Who runs an autobody shop.
This is how I can get Kendall’s attention.
I whirl around and walk right up to them.
They both look up at me at the same time…
But before either can speak…
I reach out and twist the handlebars—
Then I press down on the clutch, and turn the key.
The motorcycle roars to life.
Holy crap — it actually worked!
A sly smile spreads across my lips.
And the words just pour out of me…
Nova
You ever need help getting your engine going…
His brows shoot up in surprise…
But there’s a hint of a smile on his face.
I wink, then make it a point not to look at Kendall as I walk away.
I let out the breath I was holding.
That was bold and fearless all right.
I just hope I didn’t go too far.
But by the end of the day…
When I still haven’t heard from the Belladonna…
Any hope I had starts to fizzle.
Verity told me she was chosen to be a part of their group on her first day.
That the BD decide about girls instantly…
And if you don’t hear from them…
You have no chance of getting in.
I text Warren the bad news.
What am I going to do now?
My whole plan hinged on me getting into the group.
Defeated, I open my locker—
And a small black envelope falls to my feet.
Near trembling with hope…
I pick it up and open it.
Inside is a dried-up Belladonna flower…
And a note that reads: “Nightingale Lake. Midnight.”
I hear someone gasp behind me.
She snatches the note from my hand and reads.
Thora
This is an invite to a lake party!
Thora
Those are totally exclusive!
But I’m relieved that step one is complete.
While Thora goes on and on about the party…
I sneak a text to Warren.
Nova
“Nevermind. I’m in.”
I arrive at Nightingale Lake just before midnight.
Warren
These parties are infamous for a reason.
A cold wind blows by me as I read his words.
Chilled, I walk into the forest…
Following the sounds of music and laughter.
But before I reach the clearing…
I see an old, rundown sign that reads “Nightingale Lake.”
My heart seizes in my chest.
This is the last place Verity was seen.
It’s sick that they’d still be partying here.
In an attempt to calm myself…
I close my eyes and breathe deeply…
Putting my hand against the necklace hidden in my shirt.
I whisper the words to the wind…
So I’m shocked when I get an answer.
Leaning up against a tree is none other than Rylan.
And looks just as gorgeous as he did before.
My heart pounds at the sight of him.
Rylan
Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.
And I instinctually back up a few steps.
He may be the most handsome man I’ve ever seen…
And I can’t trust anyone.
Rylan puts his hands in his pockets.
Rylan
I don’t usually hide out in the trees.
Rylan
Just needed to get away for a bit.
His head jerks over his shoulder…
Getting my first good look at the lake.
I blink a few times as I take it all in.
A dozen torches light up an otherwise dark scene…
But even with just moving shadows…
I can make out the chaos.
No, it’s more than just chaos…
There are girls in various states of undress…
Drinks and joints being passed around everywhere I look…
And I’m pretty sure there’s a couple having sex on the dock.
Rylan follows my gaze, then laughs.
Rylan
It gets old, trust me.
I look back at him and study his features.
I become mesmerized by the way his eyes shine under the light of the moon…
And I forget how to speak.
But then he clears his throat and holds out one hand.
Rylan
The all-boys school — over there across the lake.
Yes, Verity did tell me about that.
And it’s where Warren goes.
God, why am I so tongue-tied?
I’m not normally like this.
Rylan smirks as if he can read my thoughts.
The question makes me nervous…
And I answer quicker than I mean to.
Nova
What do you mean by that?
Nova
Why do you want to know who I am?
He laughs lightly and holds up his hands.
Rylan
Just want to thank the girl who helped with my bike today, that’s all.
I give him a small smile.
He smiles wide, and bites his bottom lip.
Rylan
Oddly fitting for you, don’t you think?
Nova
I just moved here from New York.
Rylan
New York to Washington?
Rylan
That’s quite a ways.
Rylan
What brings you here?
I can’t tell him the real reason…
But I give him a bit of truth.
Nova
My parents are divorced.
Nova
I was living with my dad…
Nova
And now I’m here spending some time with my mom.
He nods, and grows quiet for a second.
I’m just about to leave, but his next words stop me short.
Rylan
You having a hard time or something?
It’s a personal question for a stranger to ask.
I should just walk away, but…
He shrugs, and puts his hands in his pockets again.
Rylan
You looked sad just now.
This time when I respond…
I give him the whole truth.
His lips thin, but his eyes soften.
Wind whips the air around us as we search each other’s eyes.
I don’t know why he’s angry…
And he doesn’t know a thing about me…
But I see understanding in his gaze…
And something inexplicable shifts between us.
I don’t know why, but I take a step toward him.
Maybe I want to feel more of that understanding…
But just as he leans forward…
I hear a light laugh off to my left.
Rylan and I turn at the same time…
And then immediately step away from each other.
Standing there are Kendall, Paulina, and Cleo.
For a moment, no one says anything.
I wonder if I should apologize or make an excuse.
Being caught alone with Kendall’s man isn’t bold or fearless.
She walks into Rylan’s arms…
And I look away as she pulls him into a possessive kiss.
I feel an odd pang of disappointment…
Cleo and Paulina titter lightly…
Then walk over and stand in front me.
Kendall joins them a second later…
And suddenly, I’m surrounded.
But I can’t let them intimidate me…
So I make sure to keep my chin up.
Then I reach into my bag…
And pull out the envelope.
I’m shocked when it’s Kendall who responds.
Kendall
Do you know who we are?
Her voice is soft and sweet.
It doesn’t match her threatening exterior…
And I’m even more thrown off by her than I was before.
The three of them look at each other and smile.
Kendall
She knows her way around a motorcycle, ladies.
Kendall
Full of surprises this one.
Cleo steps forward and touches my hair.
It takes everything in me not to slap her hand away.
And with all of them this close, on all sides…
I start to feel suffocated.
So on instinct, I push forward…
Then spin around and cross my arms.
My voice belies the anger that I feel.
And I can’t believe Verity ever called them her friends.
I direct the question at Kendall…
But it’s Cleo who responds.
Cleo
Quite the stunt you pulled in the parking lot this morning, new girl.
I narrow my eyes on hers…
And her lip curls as she takes a step forward.
I take one, too, until we’re nearly nose to nose.
Nova
So, are you going to fight me or something?
Nova
Three against one doesn’t seem fair.
Paulina puts a hand on Cleo’s arm and pulls her back.
Then she steps forward, and gives me an appraising look.
Paulina
You’ve gotten our attention.
Paulina
And if things go smoothly…
Paulina
We’d like you to stand with us.
They do appreciate bold and fearless women.
But I know it’s not going to be this easy.
Nova
This little offer of friendship is cute.
Nova
But I’m not interested.
The sound of it echoing around us.
Kendall
We’re not offering you friendship.
Kendall
We’re offering you opportunity.
Nova
What does that mean?
Paulina steps beside her.
Paulina
Forget whatever you think you know about us.
Paulina
We’ve been around for decades.
Paulina
Only the best of the best can call themselves a Belladonna.
Paulina
The girls that graduate under that name have more than just power.
Paulina
They have everything they’ve ever wanted.
Paulina
Blackvale is full of pathetic, emotional children going nowhere.
Paulina
We’re hoping you’re different.
Trying not to show my excitement.
They’re offering to let me become one of them…
Just like they did with Verity.
This is my chance to find real answers…
And the time to play it cool has ended.
Nova
A little power sounds nice.
The girls suddenly burst into laughter.
She gives me a cold, but beautiful smile.
Cleo
Doesn’t happen just like that, new girl.
Cleo
You have to prove yourself first.
Paulina
We have a test for you.
Paulina
You’re one step closer.
I want to shout “I’ll do anything!”
I need to be in this group…
So I make a vow to agree to whatever they say.
Kendall smiles, then links her arm through Rylan’s.
I look at him for the first time in a while.
He’s watching me, his face blank…
But I sense unease in his gaze.
Kendall talks loudly, as if to get my attention.
Kendall
See that buttercup over there?
I follow her finger to a brunette standing on the dock.
Kendall
We want you to push her into the lake.
Nova
Why would I do that?
Kendall’s upper lip curls.
Kendall
Because it’ll be a laugh.
I look back over at the girl.
Could I really do something so pointlessly cruel?
To someone I don’t even know?
It would probably ruin her whole night.
I…guess I could just apologize to her after.
Make it up to her somehow.
I take a few steps forward…
But my stomach starts churning.
I try and think of Verity.
I try to remember that I have to do whatever it takes to get into this group.
I watch as the girl laughs and steps closer to the end of the dock.
I close my eyes, completely torn.
Then almost take another step…
I open my eyes and look at the Belladonna…
Disappointment courses through me…
But I manage keep my head high.
I nod at her, then look at Rylan.
Nova
You can find someone else to do your dirty work.
Suddenly, a drink is shoved in my hand.
Paulina is beside me, and she’s smiling too.
Paulina
We never harm other women unless it’s deserved.
Cleo isn’t smiling, but she looks impressed.
Cleo
I guess you are full of surprises.
A whoosh of relief floods through me.
My chance isn’t gone after all.
I take a sip of the drink, needing a moment.
And when I look up, Kendall is in front of me.
Kendall
Come on, new girl.
But I can’t go to bed yet.
There’s one more thing I have to do.
I step into the woods behind my house…
And when I get to the bubbling creek…
Warren is already there waiting for me.
When he sees me, he jumps up from the rock he was sitting on.
He’s tall with an average build and good-boy looks.
He’s not my type, but he’s definitely Verity’s.
I give him a half-hearted wave…
Then flop down on the rock he just vacated.
Warren shoves his hands in his pockets…
I laugh once without humor.
Nova
My twin sister is missing.
Nova
And I’ve uprooted my entire life so I could come to this godforsaken town and find her.
Nova
My new school is like a high school horror film.
Nova
And I have to infiltrate this group of pretentious psychopaths on an ego trip—
I jump off the rock and hold out my arms.
I see Warren’s eyes getting wider…
Nova
— Because they were the last ones to see her.
Nova
Probably responsible for her disappearance in the first place!
Nova
And to top it all off…
Nova
The police have apparently just stopped looking for her.
Nova
This whole thing is on my shoulders…
Nova
Because no one else seems to care!
Warren’s face falls, and he points a finger at his chest.
I look at him, see that he’s telling the truth…
And I lose a little steam.
They’d been dating for several months.
He was the one who contacted me in the first place…
And came up with this whole plan.
He sits beside me, but leaves a wide berth of space.
Warren
So how was the party?
Nova
But not as insane as the Belladonna.
I say their name with flourish, and he laughs.
Eventually, I laugh with him…
But the laughter goes as quickly as it came.
I tell him what’s really on my mind.
Nova
These Belladonna girls…
Nova
I don’t know if I’m going to be able to keep up.
Nova
I’ve never met anyone like them.
Warren makes a noise of assent.
Warren
There is no one else like them.
Warren
But you’re going to be okay.
Nova
And how do you know that?
He shrugs and side-eyes me back.
Warren
You got their attention, didn’t you?
Warren
Not just anyone can do that.
Nova
Only because I had you to help me.
He turns to face me fully.
Warren
We’re in this together, Nova.
I feel a wave of gratitude.
At least there’s one person I can trust.
Then I remember what I had to tell him.
Nova
Speaking of being in this together…
Nova
Kendall’s having a dinner party tomorrow…
Nova
And I need to bring a date.
Warren face morphs into one of surprise…
Nova
But I don’t know anyone else here.
Nova
You’re my only option.
Nova
And I can’t show up alone.
Nova
Kendall said a Belladonna never shows up alone.
Warren lets out a breath, then nods.
Warren
Might be smart if we’re both there.
Warren
Give us a chance to search her house or something.
Nova
Let’s chat details tomorrow.
He stands up, and we both walk back toward my house.
Nova
It’s just so weird, you know?
Nova
That my sister was friends with these girls.
Nova
It doesn’t make any sense.
Nova
A sweet girl like my sister?
The timbre of his voice catches me off guard.
I turn to look at him, my brow furrowed in question.
Warren
Verity was never a Belladonna.
Ice shoots through my veins.
For a moment, I just stare at him.
Warren
They weren’t even friends.
My mind is going a mile a minute.
I run back through all my conversations with my sister.
All she would talk about was Kendall and the Belladonna.
And they all became fast friends.
That she was popular and—
Warren
Is that what she told you?
I nod, reeling, unsure what to do with this new information.
He sighs and looks off into the distance.
A little while later, I watch Warren drive off into the night.
Utterly exhausted before, now I can’t calm down for the life of me.
What else did Verity lie to me about?
What is really going on around here?
All of a sudden, I hear a twig snap behind me.
I spin back toward the trees.
I hear a rustle, and my heart picks up speed.
I step back into the woods and look around.
But then I hear the unmistakable sound of light footsteps running in the distance.
