Seraphina's POV

I finally found my way to the Dean's office, and he was kind enough to hand me a map of the whole school before chasing me out of his office like I was disturbing his peace.

But as I walked toward my dorm, earning looks from students I walked past, I couldn't get his image out of my head.

Why was he here, of all places? I mean, I wasn't supposed to be surprised; he was the brother of the Bratva Don, and I was sure he had some kind of high position in the school. But he had changed since I last saw him years ago.

He was still strikingly handsome as hell, with a face that could make even the Greek gods worship him. But his eyes still held that hatred that they had seven years ago. And I hated him just as much for not understanding me.

It wouldn't have hurt him to actually hear me out—

Suddenly, I tripped over someone's leg, and I fell face-first to the ground, hurting my left wrist even more in the process. I lifted my head to see Cristian and a group of other guys cackling like they were amused.

I tried to get up, but the pain that shot through my left hand made it almost impossible. I should have stabbed him when I had the chance.

“Oops, guess I didn't see a frail little thing walking my way. Too blind in love to watch where you're going?” I heard him say, and I clenched my jaw tightly in anger as I finally got up from the ground. A small crowd had gathered to watch us, and I swallowed, refusing to be humiliated by him again.

“I'm guessing slamming a vase over your head wasn't enough to get your senses in check. Do you probably need more?” I questioned loudly, and murmurs echoed around me as the guys surrounding Cristian shot him a weird look.

“You fucker.” Cristian growled as he grabbed my throat, and I placed my hand on his, trying to pry his hands away without making a noise.

“Damn, she's a strong one.” I heard someone say, and I raised a brow at him in amusement before harshly stepping on his foot. He flinched and stepped backward in pain while I took that chance to bolt away from him and everyone who stood with him.

I didn't care if I would be laughed at; I had to get away from them, or he might end my life right there. I would have to find a way to avoid my bullies, or else they would humiliate me in ways that I couldn't fathom.

I finally stopped running as I paused to catch my breath, my heart hammering in my chest from the adrenaline. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad living here after all. I looked up and looked around before realizing that I had gotten lost. Again.

Just then, a group of girls walked past me, and relief flooded me as I approached them with hope in my heart.

“Hi, excuse me, do you know the way back to the dorm?” I asked softly, and they paused, the girl in the front turning to look at me slowly as her eyes held nothing but disgust.

“Did you just talk to me?” She questioned with a quirky voice that had venom laced through it, and I was taken aback for a second. Seriously, are all the students in here assholes?

“Are you some kind of goddess that I can't talk to?” I retorted in annoyance, and her eyes widened, clearly not expecting me to talk back. “Do you know the way back to the dorm? Yes or no?”

Look at her acting like a spoiled brat, I thought with a roll of my eyes.

“You have some nerve talking to me like that, you ugly thing. Do you know who I am?” She questioned with disgust as she stared at me like I had lice on my head, and I sneered in amusement.

“A spoiled brat that stares at people like she's above them? Yes, I know who you are.” I spat, and she was taken aback by my words as gasps left her followers’ lips. “You're so annoying,” I mumbled under my breath and turned to walk away, hoping to see someone else who would lead me to the dorm.

But before I could move, she suddenly pulled my hair and yanked me so hard that I fell to the ground as a painful wince escaped my lips.

God damnit, what was with everyone shoving me to the ground!?

“The fuck is your problem, bitch? How dare you call me a spoiled brat? You're no match for me!” She screeched, and I let out a sigh of frustration before pushing myself off the floor.

“Do you ever eat? You must be so full of yourself that you don't need to ever feel hungry. That's so classic.” I mocked and she seethed in anger as she glared daggers at me.

“At least, I'm not the one who was abandoned and kicked out like a disgrace!” She suddenly yelled, and I froze, my heart thumping in my chest as she smirked in victory, knowing that she had hit a spot.

“Loser.” She spat and turned to walk away, flipping her hair in my face while her followers followed behind her, but I was too stunned to move.

It seemed everyone in the academy knew about my fall from the syndicate. Everyone knew I had been thrashed away by Matteo and his stupid, ugly bride. I would definitely be a source of mockery for everyone in the academy; there was no doubt about that.

My throat tightened, and I almost clawed at them as I tried to suck in air, but it was almost impossible. Having a panic attack right now wasn't the best thing for me, but my body obviously had a mind of its own.

Think of mom. Think of mom.

I kept repeating that mantra until my throat opened and I sucked in a greedy breath, my lungs finally getting oxygen again. First day at the Academy, and my life was already chaotic. What else was awaiting me?

I suddenly felt someone was watching me as I turned instantly, and I sucked in a sharp breath when I saw him staring at me from afar.

Damon.