“I heard we’re getting a new student today,” Jordan says.

Thorne peeks up from his desk, staring up at Jordan with mild intrigue. This wasn’t the first new addition they had gotten since the school year had started, though Thorne finds the number to be a little unnerving.

Was it common to have ten new students two months into the school year?

“What do you think they’ll be like?”

“Who knows?” Thorne mumbles. “Luca was nothing like anyone expected.”

Out of all the new students they had gotten during Thorne’s time here, Thorne considers Luca Ventura to be one of the more interesting ones. The guy dressed like some kind of edgy pop star with ocean blue hair to match. He wore a ton of accessories but he never really looked gaudy. In fact, the whole get-up suited him and Thorne could respect people that wore whatever they wanted regardless of other people. Yet, if you ever spoke to him, you’d find that Luca was nothing like how he appeared.

Luca is sweeter than a slice of apple pie topped with ice cream and syrup, and Thorne swears anything more would make him sick or something.

Of course, no one really knew Luca was terribly sweet to the point that he’d give a normal person diabetes. His sense of style kept people from bothering him, but his eyes were a soft brown that contrasted his entire look. They were kind and gentle and if Jordan hadn’t insisted that Thorne get to know him, Thorne probably wouldn’t have bothered.

He didn’t need more human friends to get attached to.

Jordan likes him though, so Thorne feels the need to at least be cordial. No need to blame Luca for his own problems

“Alright, everyone! Settle down!” Their teacher, Ms. Winters, calls as she enters the room. “We have a new student joining us today. Do try to be nice.”

The person that follows Ms. Winters in makes the whole class gasp in awe. Thorne gasps too, but not for the same reason as his classmates, because never in a million years would he ever be in awe of his sorry excuse for a cousin.

Why the hell was Virgil here?

“Everyone, this is Virgil Elizabeth. He'll be joining us for the remainder of the year. He is also Thorne's cousin!”

“WHAT?!”

Thorne winces at the loud exclamation from the rest of his classmates as they all turn to look at him, then back at Vigil, then back at Thorne.

“I mean, they kinda look alike...right?”

“They both have that strange aura about them too. I guess I could see the connection.”

“I guess looks run in his family…”

Thorne can feel his eye starting to twitch.

This was one problem Thorne never anticipated. Not once, not ever. Virgil is rather vocal about his opinion on humans. He considered them livestock that had overtaken the world and had a rather strong distaste towards them. He despised Thorne because of his willingness to integrate into human society and refusal to drink human blood.

Of course, their grandmother didn’t really help, since Virgil ended up living with her after Aunt Camilla died.

So why would Virgil ever want to come to a human school?

It didn’t make sense.

“Settle down, everyone,” Ms. Winters sighs. “I know you’re all dying to ask questions but I’m afraid that’ll have to wait. Need I remind you that you all have an assignment to be working on right now?”

A few students in the class grumble, but Ms. Winters quickly hushes them.

“You can chat with him when you finish,” she announces. “Virgil, I’ll have you sit in the back front for now. I’ll brief you on the class in a minute.”

“Of course. Thank you.”

Thorne can’t help but scowl as Virgil takes his seat and Virgil clearly noticed because he takes a second to stick his tongue out at him. Thorne would’ve taken the bait too if Jordan didn’t rest his hand on Thorne’s shoulder.

“You never told me you had a cousin,” Jordan whispers, catching Thorne’s attention.

“You never asked,” he retaliates. “Besides, he’s a pain in the ass.”

“Really? He doesn’t seem that way. He seems rather...charming. Like a prince.”

“Excuse me?”

Thorne notices Jordan jolt back, and Thorne tries not to look as irate as he feels. Though, he feels like he’s failing miserably judging by the startled look on Jordan’s face.

“A-All I’m saying is that he’s really attractive.”

“Oh, so I’m not attractive?”

“I didn’t say that!” Jordan squeaks, glancing behind him. “You’re a very attractive guy. I’ve just never seen anyone with such pretty eyes!”

“Don’t ever look him in the eyes!” Thorne hisses, grabbing Jordan by the chin, forcing Jordan to look at him. “Don’t even give Virgil a second thought. I don’t know what he’s doing here or what he wants, but for the love of God stay away from him.”

“Thorne, you’re kind of freaking me out right now. I’ve never seen you so worked up.”

“He’s right, Thorne. You’re nearly sweating.”

Thorne nearly yelps at the sound of Virgil’s voice, covering his face in shame from being startled.

“Forgive my little cousin,” Virgil chuckles. “He isn’t too fond of me, nor anyone in our family for that matter.”

“Do you need something Virgil, or are you just trying to annoy me?” Thorne asks before Jordan can respond.

“Well, I suppose I just wanted to meet your little friend. You’re such a loner, I didn’t even think you had friends.”

“Yeah, well I’m surprised they even let a snake like you inside. What are you doing here?”

“Aunt Mathilda sent me,” Virgil says with a wide grin. “She’s so worried about you that she wanted me to come here. Doesn’t that make you happy, Thorne?”

“Like hell it--”

“T-Thorne,” Jordan interjects. “It’s okay.”

With a deep breath, Jordan turns to Virgil and gives him a soft smile.

“I’m Jordan. It’s nice to meet you, Virgil.”

For a moment, Thorne sits there in surprise as Jordan shakes Virgil’s hand. Virgil looks just as surprised, though Thorne knows it for a different reason than his own. He can see the gears turning in Virgil’s mind, connecting the dots until he’s smiling. He’s smiling and the smile sends a chill down Thorne’s spine.

“So...you’re the one,” Virgil says. “You’re the one he likes so much.”

“I-I wouldn’t say all that. Thorne and I are best friends. That’s all.”

“Hm. Is that right?”

And Thorne couldn’t help the tremor of unease that passed through his body.

Everything felt like it was suddenly changing.

Virgil knew about Jordan and the thought scares Thorne more than he ever thought it would.