The day the transfers came was when it all started to change. Aelin had been pretty happy with her life in all; she had great friends, did well in school without too much effort and had a cute dog that always got excited when she came home. Things were pretty great.

But she'd always felt there was something missing. Something that she needed in life and it was coming. She just didn't know it when she saw it.

The transfers immediately became one of the most popular group in school. It was no surprise really. Everyone loved them. All young, gorgeous with muscles to kill and they each excelled in both academics and sports. The model students and the coolest without a doubt.

It surprised Aelin that Manon was on the same page as her. Manon Blackbeak was one of the few people that hated them. And that was because she was bitter.

Aedion, the five-ball nerd, had burst in excitedly to announce that the Thirteen had their asses handed to them in their last game. And their group crowded around in shock. Not once had anyone come close to beating them. This was news.

Maeve, the female of the transfers, had created her own five-ball team called the Cadre. They consisted of herself, and four of the males; Gavriel, Fenrys, Cairn and Lorcan. She challenged Manon to a game. And Manon, being that arrogant witch she was, had just waltzed into the field only to watch in anger as the Cadre scored point after point.

By the second quarter, the Cadre was almost ten points ahead and the witch was practically spitting fire. After the third quarter started, Manon's team started getting their shit together. They were, after all, the legendary five-ball champions of the school. Maeve's team might have raw talent but they didn't have the experience in the sport Manon's did.

But somehow, they still managed to keep pace with the Ironteeth witches. The sport was fast paced and every second mattered. The witches, slighter and smaller, were faster than the Cadre and darted like ninjas around the field. But the Cadre were strong and fast enough to make up for it. The end score had been a draw with both teams exhausted and shaking.

But Maeve had been smirking with amusement while Manon was literally snarling in anger.

Aelin didn't hesitate to say how satisfied she was. Manon just pissed her off. One day she'd be the one to do that, on the field with pure talent.

Which brought her to her most recent problem. Who to have on her team. She had herself, obviously, Aedion, Dorian and Lysandra. She'd convince them to play. Chaol with his legs in that condition couldn't play so that left the fifth opening vacant and up to debate.

She considered getting Elide to play, just to see the look on Manon's face when she was on her team, not theirs. Hmph. That would show her. But with Elide's foot the way it wasn't, it was very unlikely.

But five-ball was the least of her worries as the next few days, there was a new student in her science class.

Science was the only class she had where none of those in her close friend group were also with her. It was also the class in which she'd made friends with Ansel. She was surprisingly friendly for someone on the, uh, other side of social circles.

But to her dismay, Ansel revealed she was leaving the school, reasons unclear. Aelin was disappointed but respected her decision. She could do what she liked. The only thing she hated about her leaving was that it now left her with… him... as her partner.

Rowan Whitethorn, one of the new transfers, the only one not on the Cadre, and she hated his guts. He rolled in arrogance and good looks and that pissed her off. Girls were pouring over him but he didn't even pay attention. It was like he didn't even care.

He joined their science class the day Ansel left and oh wow, convenience dictated that he must be her new science partner. People actually moaned in jealousy but Aelin would have given anything to trade him.

The transfer sat next to her and this was the first time she saw him up close. He was just as muscle bounded as she thought. His shirt looked like it was going to burst. His tattoo whirled down the side of his face and she could see that it wasn't just design, they were words. In a different language but definitely words.

He suddenly turned his head and then she was looking into pine-green eyes. He held her gaze, face solid and unmoving. Aelin glared at him and then he smirked which made her blood turn to liquid fire.

He looked back at the teacher, seeming amused. Aelin didn't even give him the satisfaction of hating him.

Her teacher started talking about some physics formula or something else but Aelin just lounged in her chair. Rowan was distracting her. How was she supposed to work with him? Science partner? When hell freezes over!

Rowan just smirked, as if knowing what she was thinking.

Aelin felt her lip curve. Oh it was on, tattooed bastard. She was getting serious. And when she got serious, things started to burn.

~•~•~•~

"You want me? To play with you?" Nox Owens said incredulously. Aelin had cornered him after school, finally deciding who could be the fifth. He was a good friend of hers and he ran track do that had to count for something.

Aelin nodded. "You're nimble and quick, you'd be perfect for five-ball."

"And this is for your team? In Adarlan High? You do realise that means we'll be up against the Thirteen? And the Cadre? Champions of the school?"

"Aw shit, I need an edgy team name too. It sounds way cool," Aelin realised. "What do you think of - the Ashryver-Galathynius Army? AGA for short."

"Cut it, Ae."

"Ah you're right, Aelin's Army is so much better. Thanks for the team input."

"Aelin please. I'm being serious. You think we'd stand a chance against them? The Thirteen are probably on their way to being national stars. I'm not sporty in team sports, I can't compete with them. I just run hurdles."

"Exactly! You'd be perfect for scoring! Just a little dash and juno, weave your way around. I know you'd be great."

Nox rubbed the back of his neck, sighing in defeat. "Look, I'll play for a bit but I'm not doing it permanently. I've got things to do that need time. But for you, I think I can managed a few weeks."

Aelin punched his shoulder playfully. "That's the spirit! Welcome to the AGA!"

"Aelin, that team name is trash."

"Hmph. You know you love it."

"I think not."

"Don't you mean "I think 'Nox'"?"

Nox elbowed her in the ribs and Aelin started laughing. "You are a dork, Aelin Ashryver Galathynius."

Aelin slung an arm around his shoulders. "It's all part of the charm. All part of the charm."