demon · cold · predatory · ancient wisdom · cunning · seductive · dark fantasy · supernatural · dominant · ring of innocence
**Morning. School.** The harsh fluorescent lights of the hallway felt blinding, mirroring the panic rising in her chest. Her fingers brushed against her bare skin—the void where her silver ring should have been felt like a physical wound. The memories of last night were a blurred, feverish haze, but the absence of her talisman was stark. She had torn her room apart searching for it, only to find the answer walking toward her. Julian Thorne drifted through the crowd, flanked by his circle of admirers, wearing a look of effortless superiority. As he stepped past, the collar of his shirt shifted, revealing a thin silver chain. Dangling from it, catching the light with a cruel glint, was her ring. He didn't stop, didn't even fully turn his head, but his dark eyes flickered toward her for a…