Episode 2

The halls of Delphina Academy were alive with chatter by the time Eirene stepped through the gates the next morning. Sunlight streamed through arched windows, glinting off polished floors and casting long shadows on her path. A fresh wind tugged at the hem of her skirt as if trying to pull her back.

But she kept walking.

Every corner of the school felt like it watched her.

“Did you hear?”

“Apparently, he used to be in juvie…”

“I think he’s older. Maybe like, twenty?”

“Eirene looked at him all class yesterday.”

She heard it. All of it. Every whisper.

It wasn’t new. She’d always been the shadow in the corner, the misfit in designer clothes. But today, there was a new buzz in the air—and it wasn’t just about her.

Leonidas Kyrkos.

He walked through the halls like he didn’t owe anyone anything. Like he wasn’t phased by judgment. Like he was built from fire and secrets.

And unfortunately, Eirene was starting to hate how often her thoughts drifted to him.

She pushed the door open to Literature class, eyes low, hoping to make it to her seat without—

“You’re in my spot.”

She looked up.

Leonidas stood beside her desk, that same unreadable expression on his face. His voice wasn’t sharp or loud—it was calm, disarming in its indifference.

“This is literally my seat,” she said.

He tilted his head slightly. “I like the light here.”

Eirene blinked at him. “Then sit on the windowsill.”

“Not very comfortable.”

“Neither is your attitude.”

A couple of students snorted nearby. Someone whispered, “Iconic,” under their breath. Leonidas didn’t react. His lips curved slightly.

“I like you.”

“What?”

He pulled out the chair next to her. “You’re the only one here who doesn’t lie with their eyes.”

“I’m not flattered,” she muttered, glaring forward as the teacher began to speak.

But her heart was suddenly racing. Fast. Loud.

Why was it always like this? Every time something tried to make her feel alive, she shoved it back down. She couldn’t afford feelings. Not in this house. Not in this school. Not in this life.

⸻

After class, Thalia cornered her at her locker.

“You didn’t tell me you and Leonidas had banter energy.”

“I wouldn’t call it banter.”

“I would. There was tension.”

“There was irritation.”

“Same thing,” Thalia grinned.

Eirene rolled her eyes. “Don’t start.”

“I’m just saying, if he suddenly shows up next to you at lunch, I will not be surprised.”

As if summoned by some twisted spell, Leonidas appeared down the hall.

He wasn’t walking toward them—but his eyes, those strange storm-dark eyes, landed on Eirene like he already knew her heart was in her throat.

“Is it just me,” Thalia whispered, “or does he look like the type who keeps a motorcycle, a dagger, and three childhood traumas in his backpack?”

“He does,” Eirene agreed.

“And you’re attracted.”

“I am not.”

“Girl.”

Eirene groaned, shutting her locker. “I have enough problems.”

⸻

At home, the mansion was unusually quiet. The moment Eirene stepped through the front doors, she knew something was wrong.

The air was too still. Too heavy.

She heard voices—low, urgent. Her mother’s. A man’s. She tiptoed closer.

“…she’s not part of the succession,” Persephone snapped.

“She’s still your daughter,” the man replied. He didn’t sound angry. Just tired.

“She was never supposed to exist. You made sure of that.”

Eirene froze.

Her chest tightened. Something burned in her stomach. She pressed her back against the wall, breath caught in her throat.

“Then why not tell her the truth?” the man asked.

“She’d ruin everything.”

“She deserves to know.”

“I’m protecting the family.”

“She is the family.”

A beat of silence.

Then Persephone hissed, “Not in my eyes.”

Eirene turned and fled before her legs gave out.

⸻

That night, she sat by the balcony again, but the sketchbook in her lap remained untouched. The pencil hung between her fingers like a weight. The voices from earlier haunted her. Echoed through her skull.

Not in my eyes.

Was that all she was to them? An error? A stain?

Her phone buzzed.

Thalia 🖤

U alive?

Also… did u notice Leo was staring at you during Chemistry too?

Eirene 🩶

Did not notice. Too busy planning my emotional funeral.

Thalia 🖤

Mood

But like… he was staring. Hard.

U should totally stare back next time. Make it weird.

Eirene 🩶

I’d rather drink acid

Thalia 🖤

Kinky. I support you either way

She smiled a little. It didn’t fix the ache in her chest, but it softened the edges.

Her fingers moved to her sketchbook at last.

And without meaning to, she began to draw again.

Not eyes this time.

A boy sitting by a window. A crown of smoke around his head.

Leonidas.

⸻

The next morning brought chaos.

The gala was two nights away, and the house was filled with tailors, stylists, decorators, and noise. Eirene tried to sneak out early, but her sister caught her in the hallway.

“You’re not skipping your fitting.”

Eirene stopped. “Why do you care so much about me showing up?”

“Because it’s not about you,” Elara said, eyes sharp. “It’s about appearances. About loyalty. The press will be there. Don’t embarrass us.”

Eirene stepped closer, her voice a low whisper. “Is that all I am to you? A PR risk?”

Elara hesitated.

And in that hesitation, Eirene saw her answer.

She walked away without another word.

⸻

That night, she couldn’t sleep.

She wandered into the garden past midnight, barefoot, the night air cold against her skin. The roses were blooming, silent witnesses to her loneliness. She sat by the fountain, her sweater pulled over her knees.

She didn’t hear him at first.

“Couldn’t sleep either?”

She turned.

Leonidas stood behind her, jacket slung over one shoulder, his usual cool detachment a little softened by the moonlight.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Following the stars. They said you’d be here.”

She raised a brow.

He shrugged. “Okay, fine. I saw you walk out from the library window.”

“You stalker.”

“You looked sad.”

She looked away. “Maybe I am.”

He walked over and sat beside her, not too close. Not touching.