The Don's Heir: A Campus Underworld

yed the room. Every person seated at the table stared at her with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar curious and suspicious looks. Elena pointed to an empty seat and said, "Please,

f. "Avery, what do you know about Blac

the table. She chose her words carefully. "I know thi

smile, then she grinned. "Certainly. Blackthorn has grown beyond ju

strange mix of anxiety and excitement. She had tried to leave this world behind, but it was still there, hidden under scholarly robes

n to disperse. "I know, there's a lot t

useful insights. The only other person in the college coffee shop at this late hour was a d

k?" Lucas asked, stir

e to respond. "It's... different from what

freshman either, are you?" When their eyes met, Avery felt a sur

ighten. Avery glanced at her watch and swore

nd dismissively. "

her things. "I have to.

out of place in this academic setting. She slipped into a seat toward the back for her Cognitive Psychology class just in time. As the lecturer droned on about brain pathways and decision-making, Avery's th

iar itch of discontent. She had to act, to move, and remind herself of who she really was beneath her college student disguise. After slipping ou

d, she said without th

businesslike. "I thought you

on the phone. "Things c

ecurity penthouse, and a fleeting chance-it was all so familiar that it almost felt comforting. As Avery bypassed the buildin

e hadn't felt since arriving at Blackthorn still coursed through her. Lost in her thoughts, she almost missed the d

ce sounded somewhat amused as he stepp

her racing heart. "Something like t

easy. Though he spoke casually, his eyes were intense. "Just

d didn't back down. "I

Chen, get some rest. This place is g

y separated worlds were starting to merge. Back in her room, Avery removed her black clothing and stored it in a secret compartment she had built

, and the ongoing battle to keep balance between her two identities was thrilling. But one last concern lingered in her mind as she finally drifted off to sleep. In a place like Blackthorn, where everyone had secrets and hidden agendas, who could she truly trust? This question haunted her dreams, where fam