"Veins of Fire: The Hidden Queen" Chapter 3: Teenage Flames

Years passed like whispers in the wind. Childhood innocence faded, replaced by the restless fire of teenage years. At Verona High — the prestigious school where only the richest dared to step foot — the names Smith, Hudson, and Brown ruled the hallways.

Hazel Smith (FL)

Hazel had grown into a striking young woman 🌑. Her long dark hair framed her pale, calm face, and her eyes carried the same unreadable depth that once silenced even adults. To her classmates, she was quiet, distant, almost cold. Yet, behind those calm eyes, her mind was sharper than blades. She excelled in every subject — mathematics, literature, science, even arts — but she hid her brilliance, never drawing attention.

Sira Smith (Fl adoptive step sis)

Sira, on the other hand, bloomed like fire 🔥. Popular, charming, and loud, she was the center of every crowd. Boys admired her beauty, girls envied her style. She smiled sweetly in public, but whenever Hazel entered a room, her smile tightened. No matter how much attention I get, why does Hazel always steal the quiet kind?

Steven Hudson (ML & FL bff)

Steven, taller now, still carried that same sunshine smile ☀️. He played sports, aced his classes, and yet his attention often wandered — always toward Hazel. He loved her silence, her ability to stay calm when others crumbled.

David Hudson (Ml)

David was the shadow . He rarely spoke in class, rarely smiled, but his presence commanded respect. He was cold, unapproachable, yet his gaze often lingered on Hazel — sharp, possessive, unreadable. She intrigued him. Unlike others who bent over to impress him, Hazel never cared. That stung his pride… and ignited something darker.

One evening, during a school event, Hazel stood alone by the balcony, watching the city lights flicker like stars. Steven approached, holding two glasses of juice.

Steven Hudson (ML & FL bff)

“You always hide in corners,” he teased softly, handing her one. “Don’t you ever want to be in the spotlight?”

Hazel Smith (FL)

Hazel glanced at him, her lips curving into the faintest smile 😊. “The spotlight blinds people. I prefer the shadows. You see more from here.”

Steven Hudson (ML & FL bff)

Steven’s heart skipped. "God, she’s different."

But before he could reply, Sira appeared, linking her arm with Steven’s possessively.

Sira Smith (Fl adoptive step sis)

“Steven! The dance is starting. You promised me the first one.” Her voice was too sweet, her eyes flashing with challenge at Hazel.

Hazel Smith (FL)

Hazel simply sipped her drink, unfazed. Yet inside, for the first time, something stirred — not jealousy, but an ache.

And from the far end of the hall, David watched it all.

David Hudson (Ml)

His jaw tightened, his fists curled. Hazel’s calm smile… Steven’s closeness… Sira’s desperation…

David Hudson (Ml)

He whispered to himself, voice low and cold: “She won’t be his. Hazel Smith belongs to me.”

That night, under the glittering lights of Verona Heights 🌃, the flames of rivalry, love, and obsession silently began to burn.