Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to Kelly Armstrong's series, The Darkest Power Trilogy.

Please enjoy.

Chapter One: Welcome

Chloe Saunders, the sweet young girl who avoided trouble, had a small mishap at her previous school. No, she did not struggle against her teachers screaming but she did cause a problem. Miss Saunders was far too quiet for the rowdy high school she was previously in.

She couldn't feel at ease in a school that valued sports over academics and social clubs over quiet library reading.

On Chloe`s request, her father gladly payed for her to go to school where there wouldn`t be a problem. A school by the name of Lyle High Private Academy that had dorms perfect for her. A school that should be more of her pace.

Chloe stretched as she was let off to the school late into August. Her father faintly smiled at his child's independence and decision. He helped her carry her luggage and quickly said goodbye. No hugs or sentimental tears were needed for her father to prove that he cared for his daughter, just a simple, ``I`ll come visit.`` On the other hand her Aunt, whom she had been living with, was sobbing in a desperate attempt to stay longer. After kissing Chloe`s forehead almost endlessly and wishing her good luck she bid her farewell too.

``Freedom.`` Chloe breathed as she settled her things.

After sorting out her belongings Chloe began to wonder what her life would be like now. This was a private school after all. It was supposed to be quiet.

As the clock on Chloe's new wall began to tick, its clicking eventually brought her to a blissful tiredness that allowed her to drift off into a dream world.

The next morning Chloe awoke to a blonde rummaging through her closet.

"Hello?" Chloe asked aloud tentatively.

"Nice labels." She giggled as she heard Chloe shuffle in her bed to approach her.

"Chloe Saunders." Chloe said in a friendly attempt to sound cool.

"Call me Liz." she said as her smile became even perkier than before; which Chloe hadn't thought possible.

"We're roommate?" She asked unaware that she would have one.

"Yup."

"How long have you been here?"

"Since last night. I didn't want to wake you."

"Did you see anyone else too?"

"Yeah. Let me think, I think there was only one girl in my year. Rachelle. But two other guys, Simon and Derek. No worries though, my best friend Tori is in the same grade as you so we could always go meet her."

"How old are you?" Asked Chloe.

"Seventeen. Gunna be going to grade 12."

"How did you know I was going to be a year younger?"

"Our Principal, Davidoff, told me that my new roomy would be you, an eleventh grader. I guess there wasn't enough space in the intermediate building so now you're stuck in the senior building."

"You said you saw two boys. Are the dorms co-ed?"

"No. Don't worry, they're in one wing and we're in the opposite. But if you wanna meet them-" she said as she strung out the words anticipating a response.

"It's okay." Chloe said with a small curt smile.

Liz explained that she merely moved rooms but that she had been at Lyle's dorms since tenth grade. She then promptly said that she would give Chloe a tour as a newbie would be completely lost without Liz's miraculous help. Chloe laughed as she agreed.

Liz skipped around to show her where the male and female side split. She then revealed a weight room, swimming pool, game room, theatre room and kitchen.

"Why would I ever want to leave?" she laughed.

"Hey, you're gunna have to go outside to get to the library and there a pretty sweet forest out back oh and a few courts."

Chloe nodded slowly processing the information.

As she moved further into the dining room she breathed in the smell of breakfast.

"They serve a bunch of great stuff especially since we're in the Senior Building. We get the best, but don't go telling your grade."

"Then the secret is safe with me."

As the two of them ate, two boys entered. One large and gruff like and the other lean and Asian.

"Hey Liz!" Called the blonde.

"Hey Simon, meet Chloe. She's a year younger but she's bunking with the seniors."

Simon walked closer and Chloe examined him. He was gorgeous. She almost wanted to reach out and touch his face to see if it was actually real.

"I'm Simon. Nice to meet you." he said with a warm smile. Chloe instantly felt welcomed. It was almost like the two of them felt comfortable with one another spontaneously.

From behind Chloe was startled by a loud hunkering noise. She jumped and dropped her utensil. As she spun to see where the terrifying noise came from she found a large built boy sitting at a table behind them, eating quietly.

"That's Derek. We're still teaching him manners." He told her. He ran around to pat Derek on the back and told him to turn around.

"Derek, Chloe. Chloe, meet my brother Derek."

"Brother?" she asked sounding more like she was stating than questioning it.

"Identical Twins." Derek said sarcastically.

Chloe sputtered out a laugh then attempted to contain it. This boy may have been antisocial and slightly awkward but he atleast had some humour.

Liz stared at Chloe's plate seeing that it was empty and asked whether she wanted more.

"I don't eat that much." she said shyly. She then watched the large boy from before finish his meal and go up for more. He turned to her looking slightly offended that she said she didn't eat much.

"Well if you wanna go back to any of the rooms I just showed you then we can go check it out." Liz told her.

"Is there a large section of movies?" Chloe asked with a smidge of hope.

"Huge." Simon chimed in.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Chloe said with enthusiasm. Chloe wanted to ask Simon to come along but she didn't quite feel comfortable having Derek that close so she said, "See you around." and followed Liz out.

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