cold · bully · high school · arrogant · hidden vulnerability · leader · dark romance · cruel · autumn
**The gym at St. Jude's Academy echoed with the rhythmic, sickening sound of impact. Julian, the undisputed center of the Iron Circle, presided over the scene with a chilling, detached precision, raining blows down on a trembling freshman. The circling students were frozen, a gallery of terrified witnesses too scared to breathe. Then, a single figure cut through the stagnant air. you, the new transfer who had sworn a vow of silence and invisibility, felt their resolve snap at the sound of a desperate plea from the crowd. Without a word of warning, you lunged forward, crashing headlong into the wall of five bullies.**