***

As most stories start between a man and a woman, he swept me off my feet. He swept me off my feet with a metal bat.

My world flipped as I landed on my back, my head ricocheting onto the wet road. The streetlamp above us burst into stars as my vision blurred. I winced at the pain shooting up my spine and bit my tongue.

A weight crushed my chest. Heaving for air, I blinked up at the man standing over me. Gone was everything I thought I knew about him. His muddied boot stained my blouse and blood dripped from the bat he had slung across his shoulder.

Is that my blood? I wondered. He stepped off me and strolled to the back of his car. Pushing myself onto my elbows, I stared at my legs. They were already swollen, but no open wounds.

Which meant the blood on the bat was not mine...

And that was when I saw it.

Dangling from the trunk was a bloodied, lifeless hand. The man shoved it back inside before he turned to me again with duct tape and an unfortunate smile.

"I didn't plan this," he said. "You were just unlucky."

The pain, the cold night air, everything disappeared until I was left with nothing but the simple conclusion that I would die tonight.

"I'm sorry about that," was all I said.

And I meant it.

***

FIVE DAYS EARLIER

***

On Monday morning, I arrived at first year orientation exactly five minutes before it was due to start. Autumn trees livened up the lush green fields of the academic quadrangle. Some students were gathered already, but it took ten minutes for orientation to begin and another twenty for most first years to arrive.

"Did I make it?" Bianca Brooks huffed as she ran over.

I smiled at my friend, handing her the flyers we were all given.

"It's mostly been talking. They're finishing up with campus rules and regulations."

"Oh, good. The tour after this?"

"Yep."

"Great."

Bianca pulled her sunglasses over her eyes. We shared a look before she laughed, shoving my shoulder playfully.

"Hey, don't judge," she said. "Not everyone can be as perfect as Lucy Starling. There was a pre-orientation party last night."

Although the signs of waking up late were there — flip flops and a puffer jacket she never wore, Bianca's makeup was still flawless and her ombre blonde and purple hair was pulled into a perfect ponytail.

"Don't forget to drink lots of water today," I cautioned.

"Yes, Mom," she rolled her eyes.

"With my part done," the orientation head spoke up louder, "I'm happy to hand the reigns over to more lively hands. Please give a warm welcome to the Student Body Representatives." Eyes framed with crow's smiled at the students stepping onto the platform.

A change in atmosphere rushed over the crowd of first years along with the autumn breeze. Whispers fluttered around like rustling leaves.

"There he is," Bianca gushed, "the reason half the girls here chose this university."

I squinted at the platform. Among the six representatives, three were male. One was tall, one wore glasses, and the third had paint on his clothes.

"Which one?" I asked.

"Isn't it obvious?"

The orientation head eagerly shook hands with the tall student before the latter faced the crowd.

"Welcome, first years," he greeted. Without needing to raise his voice, his words traveled across the quad.

"Him," Bianca whispered.

I took another look at the man. Sandy brown hair framed a pair of kind eyes. He was tall in his clean-cut clothes, but with enough mass in his figure to suggest an athlete's build. Though his best feature was that smile. It was rare to find a smile so genuine it made you feel like a close friend.

"My name is Jace Lloyd, and I am your Student Body President," he introduced. "With me here are the rest of the Student Body Representatives." His companions raised their hands as he introduced them. "Cindy, Heather, Anna, Henry, and Wikus. If you ever need any help or have any questions, anyone here will be happy to help."

The first years clapped, most of the girls indeed staring at Jace.

"Although I'm here to lead the tour of campus grounds, there is something I must get off my chest." His smile faded, leaving a hollow feeling.

Not a single student took their eyes off him.

"New Hale University prides itself in its student's well-being," Jace continued. "You're all pursuing various bachelor's degrees. Some of you will leave us in a few years and enter your chosen fields. Others who wish to go further in medical studies might continue their education here. As I'm doing."

Although the tuition was expensive, I pushed myself to earn a scholarship and afford my studies at N.H.U. for this reason. It was by far the best university for those studying in the medical field.

"Whichever path you choose, we will support and protect you as best we can," Jace declared. "It is my wish that all of you look back at this time in your lives with fondness. And that not a single student here will come to any harm."

At the mention of harm, a deathly quiet settled over the crowd. Everyone knew the words that would follow. It had been almost two years since these safety briefs became requisite.

"Classes started a month ago," he said solemnly. "Yet today is the first day our doors open to students this year. It's no secret why this is. Although the missing persons have stopped this last month, the police are keeping these cases open. Over forty people in this city have vanished without a trace over the last two years. The only similarity between them is that there are no similarities at all. Old, young, men, women. You might even know some of them personally."

A breeze pulled at my hair, and I tucked a dark strand behind my ear. When I turned to my friend, my heart sank. Bianca stared ahead without blinking.

It had been three months since we last saw Charlie Whyte...

My dove pendant sat heavy around my neck.

The Student Body President offered a smile so faint; it could break just about anyone's heart.

"Although N.H.U is proud to say we have not lost a single student to these unfortunate events, we must stay vigilant. Students are advised to travel in groups of three and be indoors by ten PM."

"Tch," Bianca snickered. "Charlie was never out late. This killer doesn't care if it's day or night."

I rubbed her back.

"We don't know if it's a killer. Nothing's been found."

"I know," Bianca said with gritted teeth, swatting my hand away. "I know Charlie's a rotting corpse somewhere. He didn't just go on a trip without his wallet and phone."

"His sports bag was missing, though," I offered. Charlie always had his sports bag strapped across his shoulder, keychains dangling as he strutted around.

"Are you trying to tick me off?" Bianca asked.

She aimed a cold glance at my pendant before facing ahead again. With nothing else to say, I stared at my shoes, tapping my old loafers together.

"I still pray for his safe return," I said.

And it was true. I prayed every day for the safety and happiness of those around me. It was all I could do.

"You've all been warned to be careful countless times, but I want to press the matter further," Jace said. "If any of you feel in danger or see something suspicious, please contact me or any staff member."

Another round of applause filled the quad for Jace with whispers traveling among the girls.

"He'll have his hands full with this lot," Bianca rolled her eyes.

With the safety brief concluded, the Student Body Representatives took the first years on a tour of campus for the next hour. Through it all, I marveled at the historic design of the buildings. With ivy creeping up every wall and grand oak trees canopying carefully tended gardens, I felt as though I was wandering around a castle from a fairy tale.

It was nothing like the snug apartment I stayed in with my family. Nor the stale air of the convenience store I worked at.

The tour finally concluded in the hall of the student union building where Jace once again took the stage.

"I will claw the next girl that pushes me while trying to get close to him," Bianca threatened. "How delusional can they be? As if he'd settle for some random first year. The guy's got everything going for him. Handsome, rich, student body president, a future doctor, captain of the baseball team."

"Oh, he's captain of the university's team?" I asked. "He must know George then."

"I swear you live under a rock, Lucy. He's Jace the Ace. With that killer pitch of his, I heard even the national team tried scouting him."

The student reps quieted the hall while Jace clamped his hands together.

"That's it for the tour, folks! I hope you'll be able to navigate your way between classes tomorrow. And before I forget," Jace turned to one of the reps who handed him a note with a chocolate. "Is Lucy Starling here today?" he asked the crowd. "Can she come up here?"

In an instant, I turned to stone.

Me?

"—ucy? Lucy?"

Bianca shoved at my shoulder, bringing me back to Earth.

"Lucy, that's you. Go."

My jaw loosened.

"Uh. Oh. Okay."

At the very back of the hall, I left my shoulder bag against the wall and stepped forward. My feet awkwardly carried me all the way to the stage. Too tunnel-visioned, I had no idea what kind of look everyone had as they stared at me. At the last step up the stage, I stumbled, but a gentle hand braced my shoulder before I could plant my face on the polished floor.

My face burned hotter than hell.

"Careful now," Jace chuckled.

My tongue was too knotted to reply. He must've noticed because he quickly offered a reassuring smile, capturing all my focus. His brown eyes were so rich, they were almost red.

"The Student Body Reps would like to wish you a happy birthday, Lucy." Without a response from my dazed self, he added, "It is the twenty-third of September, right?"

"Y-yes!" I managed to blurt out. "Th-thank you very much."

Jace placed a chocolate wrapped with a red ribbon in my hands along with a small note.

"At N.H.U. we care about every one of you," he said.

"Th-thank you!" I repeated.

A round of applause filled the hall as I scurried my way back to Bianca.

"What the hell, Lucy?" my friend scolded. "You didn't tell me your birthday was today."

"It's been the same day for the last five years we know each other," I teased.

"Damn, you're so lucky. Why does my birthday have to be in December?" she whined.

When people stopped staring at me, I peeked at my chocolate, reading the note.

Best wishes from the Student Body Representatives.

I smiled, playing with the red ribbon as something warm bubbled inside me.

This year will be different. No more high school rumors.

"Thank you all for joining today," Jace ended off with. "Don't forget the Club Fair tomorrow and of course the orientation party in five days at Downtown Highrise!"

With everyone dismissed, Bianca and I headed for the parking lot, taking the cobbled path through the gardens. Most of the other students stayed behind to talk to the reps.

"I can't wait for Saturday. I've always wanted to go to that bar," Bianca smiled. "This'll be the best orientation party so far."

I nodded along.

Massive oak trees canopied our way with shades of autumn. The tour was amazing today, but my favorite part undoubtedly was the library.

I stopped.

"Uhm, actually, Bianca, you can go ahead. I want to register for a library card."

"Alright, alright," she waved me off. "See ya tomorrow, nerd."

"Drive safe," I greeted, my eyes squinting as I smiled.

Hands behind my back, I took my time on the cobbled pathway back, my long skirt swaying with each step.

The smell of paper and ink filled my nose when I stepped inside the grand building. Tall Victorian windows let in the warm afternoon sun. A handful of students flitted in and about, either studying or looking for books. I walked to the front desk, looking around for an assistant.

"Need help?" a deep voice asked from behind.

I almost jumped as a turned.

The man stood a few inches too close for comfort, his eyes looking straight through me. He looked to be a fourth year, or maybe even a med student, with bleached hair and skin nearly as pale as mine. Tattoos peeked out from his rolled-up hoodie sleeves.

"Need help with something?" he repeated.

Something about his face was familiar. His blue eyes tugged at a far-off memory.

"Oh," I blushed, realizing I stared too long. "Yes, uhm. Are you working here?"

"Don't recognize me?" he sulked sarcastically.

My eyes widened.

"I thought you were familiar!" I said, pressing myself against the desk. He smelled of smoke and cologne.

"Well, it has been a couple of years. Dyed my hair. Got some tattoos. Don't blame you," he shrugged. A piercing through his brow caught the light. "How long's it been since you moved away? Your mom remarried back then, right?"

It finally clicked.

"Lucas Whyte!"

"Lucy Starling. Took you long enough," he smiled, and I finally recognized him for the boy I last saw almost ten years ago.

"How'd you know it was me?" I asked.

"Are you kidding me? You haven't changed at all. Still got that ridiculous habit of wearing a bow in your hair too."

I instinctively reached for the back of my head and touched the white ribbon. Have I really worn them that long?

"Dad used to tie them for me."

"Yeah, I remember."

A cold air rose up within me, but I snuffed it out before any thoughts could take root. When I looked back at Lucas, he stared without batting an eye. I stayed perfectly still, a million faded memories paralyzing me.

"I'm sorry, Lucas," I finally managed to get out, fiddling with my gold pendant.

"For?"

"Charlie... They're still looking for him."

"Ah. Yeah. You two were thick as thieves. Went to same high school eventually, right? Didn't you date my brother too?"

"No, no," I avoided eye contact. "Him and Bianca were a couple."

"Bianca? Whenever I came home from uni he was only talking about you."

"We were just friends."

"Even as kids he always followed you like a puppy."

"You followed me too," I accidentally blurted.

The two of us stared at each other again and I wondered if he remembered it too. That day in the forest... The tension between us grew thick. Who would bring up that memory first? Would we bring it up at all?

Lucas eventually broke eye contact and took a step back, allowing me to breathe comfortably. His eyes went over my attire, and he laughed just as he did when we were kids.

"Let me guess, you're studying Lit? Or fine arts?"

I inspected my outfit. Loafers, a long brown skirt, and a cream turtleneck sweater. My brows pinched together when nothing pointed at his conclusion.

"B.S.N. actually," I said.

"What's that one again?"

"Bachelor of Science in Nursing."

"Huh, look at that," he said. "I would've bet my tuition on you pursuing a creative field."

"My stepfather has a weak body. And Mom won't get any younger. I thought nursing would be the best choice to take care of them."

"You must really love your family?"

"They're all dear to me."

He shook his head.

"You really didn't change a bit. I bet even a wild dog would be dear to you."

I laughed, not entirely sure what the joke was. When I looked around the library, I finally noticed we were alone. Just a minute ago there were at least a dozen students... I turned back to my old neighbor, and he was doing it again. Staring at me like he was deciding on something.

"You living at the dorms?" he asked.

I shook my head.

"I'm still staying with my family."

"Is it far away?"

"Not much."

Lucas' gaze went to my shoes, then back to me.

"You should be careful walking alone."

I offered a sympathetic smile.

"I will."

"If you get scared or need someone to walk you to the bus, feel free to come to me."

"Thank you, Lucas."

Unsure where to steer the conversation, I cleared my throat.

"Anyway, I came to register for a library card."

"Got your student ID with you?" he asked as he rounded the counter.

I reached for my bag, but halted when I realized nothing was slung across my shoulder.

"Oh, gosh, I left my bag."

"Forgetful as ever."

I glanced at the clock. There was still a lot to do before my shift.

"I­— I'm just going to get my bag and head home. I'll register tomorrow then."

"As you wish."

With a red face I waved my old friend goodbye.

"I'll head off now. It was nice seeing you again, Lucas."

"You too, Starling."

A smile tugged at me as I rushed to the student union building.

By this time, the hall was empty, and the lights were off. My steps echoed as I entered. Spotting my bag against the wall, I rushed over and made sure nothing was stolen. As I did, a small note fluttered from my bag to the floor.

The strangest, quietest feeling crawled up my bones.

I looked around, suddenly feeling less alone. Despite my concern, the hall remained empty. My brows furrowed as I crouched down.

That strange feeling grew into a chill as I picked up the note. Staring at the words scribbled in black ink, my heart drummed loudly and my mouth dried.

Lucy... My lovely Lucy... Don't you remember how you killed Charlie Whyte?

My body froze.

Who wrote this?

***