The week following the last attack passed in a strange calm. No new alerts, no suspicious sightings, and Dr. Cross had returned to his usual routine of cryptic lectures and distant glances. Yet, Isabella couldn't shake the feeling that the peace was fragile, like the stillness before a storm. Her mind often wandered back to the unsettling events, leaving her with an unshakable sense of foreboding.

During that time, her bond with Claire grew tighter. They were inseparable now, sharing secrets and jokes that no one else could understand. Claire had even started joining Isabella's group for lunch, laughing at Nathaniel and Elliot's antics while Juliette teased her relentlessly about her strawberry-themed wardrobe.

"Alright, we've been too good this week," Elliot announced as they gathered at their usual table. "No sneaking out, no breaking rules… It's unnatural. I'm calling for a party night."

"A party?" Juliette raised an eyebrow, already intrigued. "Where?"

"Jason's frat house," Elliot said with a mischievous grin. "The big one off-campus. It's going to be packed."

Juliette's face lit up at the mention of Jason. "Well, if Jason's going, I'm going. Isabella?"

Isabella hesitated, glancing at Claire, who looked equally unsure but intrigued. Nathaniel's infectious excitement made it hard to resist.

"Fine," Isabella relented, grinning despite herself. "But if you guys embarrass me, I'm leaving."

Party Preparations

That night, Isabella stood in front of her mirror, adjusting her black off-the-shoulder distressed sweater. It hugged her figure perfectly, paired with dark shorts and her favorite Converse sneakers. Gold hoops glinted against her smooth skin, and her black hair cascaded down her back in soft waves.

Claire stepped out from the bathroom, wearing a pink sweater dotted with tiny strawberries, light denim shorts, and matching strawberry earrings. Her soft honey-blonde hair was pulled into loose pigtails.

"You look cute," Isabella said, smiling warmly.

"So do you. Way cooler than me, though," Claire replied, twirling nervously.

Isabella held out her hand. "We've got this. Pinkies?"

Claire laughed and hooked her pinky with Isabella's. "Pinkies."

As they prepared to leave, Isabella couldn't help but wonder if Claire felt the same magnetic pull she did—a mix of friendship and something more profound.

The Party

The red Jeep roared to life, carrying the group to the sprawling mansion on the edge of town. Lights spilled from every window, and the thrum of bass shook the air as they pulled up to the crowded driveway. The scent of beer and smoke mingled with the crisp night air, and laughter echoed from the backyard.

Inside, the house was alive with energy. Students danced in the living room, their bodies moving in a chaotic rhythm to the pounding music. The kitchen was a makeshift bar, with red cups and bottles scattered across the counters.

"Truth or dare!" someone shouted from the living room.

"Count me in," Elliot said, dragging the group toward the circle forming on the floor.

Truth or Dare

The game started lighthearted—truths about crushes, dares to chug beer—but things escalated quickly.

"Isabella," one of the players called out with a wicked grin. "Dare."

She raised an eyebrow, bracing herself. "What's the dare?"

"Body shot. Off Claire."

The circle erupted in cheers and laughter as Isabella's cheeks flushed. She glanced at Claire, who shrugged with a playful smile but had a glint of nervousness in her eyes. "Only if you're okay with it," Claire said softly.

"Let's do it," Isabella replied, feeling a strange mix of nerves and excitement coursing through her.

Claire laid back on the carpet, her pink sweater riding up slightly to reveal her flat stomach. Someone handed Isabella a shot of tequila as she leaned down to place it just above Claire's navel. The room went silent as Isabella tilted her head; her lips brushed against Claire's warm skin as she grabbed the shot with her mouth.

The tequila burned as it went down, but what lingered was not just its heat—it was something deeper that made Isabella's heart race when she met Claire's sparkling eyes.

The Alert

Hours later, they stumbled back to the dorms still buzzing from the night's chaos. Nathaniel and Elliot were reenacting his ridiculous naked-pillow dare while Juliette clung to Jason's arm, giggling at his bad jokes.

As they reached the steps, their phones buzzed in unison.

"Another alert?" Juliette muttered, pulling her phone from her pocket. Laughter died as she read aloud:

"ALERT: A faculty member has been found dead; cause of death: animal attack. All students are reminded curfew is in place until further notice."

"This is insane," Claire said, trembling slightly; fear etched across her face. "First a student, now a professor? What kind of animal would—"

She stopped, noticing the tension among the others.

Isabella's stomach churned as she glanced at Nathaniel, Elliot, and Juliette. Their expressions mirrored her unease.

Telepathic Conversation

•Isabella: "Why shift to a professor? Do you think there's a pattern?"

•Nathaniel: "If there is, we're missing something. The timing feels… deliberate."

•Elliot: "Could Dr. Cross be involved? The escalation fits."

•Juliette: "It's too coincidental. We need to dig deeper."

Out loud, Isabella forced a casual tone: "Probably just some wild animal. The school's taking care of it."

Claire and Jason nodded, though worry was evident. As they made their way inside, Isabella's mind raced. The attacks were becoming more violent and precise. Whoever—or whatever—was behind them wasn't done yet.

The storm they'd been waiting for was just beginning.