Chapter 1

A New Horizon, A Faint Moon

Emery steps off the bus at Northwood High, a whirlwind of vibrant energy from Michigan. The cool autumn air bites at her cheeks as she takes in the imposing brick building. Her moon phase tattoo, a subtle reminder of her past, peeks from beneath her jacket as she navigates the crowded hallways. She’s determined to start fresh, to let her outgoing personality shine, but a knot of anxiety tightens in her stomach. This new environment feels both exciting and daunting. Unbeknownst to her, her arrival has already stirred the dormant currents of the school's social hierarchy, particularly for one individual who thrives on control.