After hours on the road, Isabella finally pulled her bright red Jeep Wrangler into the university's main lot, the tires crunching over gravel as she parked. Beside her, Elliot leaned forward to take in the sprawling campus, brimming with life. Juliette and Nathaniel, seated in the back, were equally captivated.
They had finally reached their destination. The campus buzzed with energy—students dragging suitcases, parents giving tearful goodbyes, and the faint hum of music drifting from an open dorm window. For the four of them, it marked the start of something entirely new.
"Well, here we are," Elliot says, leaning forward to get a better look at the towering dorms. Isabella smirks, hiding her nerves.
For the first time in their lives, they are parting ways to live separately, and the weight of that change is palpable.
After hugging Elliot and promising to meet later, Isabella lugs her suitcase to her assigned dorm room. Inside, she finds her new roommate, a quiet but polite girl named Claire, who offers a small smile as Isabella enters.
"Hey, you must be Isabella," Claire says, her voice soft but friendly.
Isabella introduces herself, finding Claire a little reserved but nice enough. The room is modest but cozy, with two single beds and a large window overlooking a quad. Isabella quickly unpacks, hanging her favorite photos of her family and pack on the wall.
Later, she calls Bella and Edward to let them know she and Elliot arrived safely. Bella's voice is warm and reassuring, though there's a tinge of maternal worry. "I know you'll do great, sweetheart. Just…remember, if anything feels off, trust your instincts."
Meanwhile, Elliot is tossing his duffle bag onto his bed in a different dorm. His roommate, Caleb, is already there, leaning against his desk with a casual smile. Caleb is tall and laid-back, with a quick wit that immediately puts Elliot at ease.
"Roomie, huh? I was hoping for someone cool," Caleb jokes, shaking Elliot's hand.
"You're in luck," Elliot quips back, already liking the guy.
As they unpack, the two bond over shared interests—sports, music, and a general love for adventure. Caleb mentions a nearby diner that serves "the best milkshakes in town," and Elliot files that away for future reference.
Later that evening, Isabella changes into something casual but cute—ripped jeans and a loose sweater—and heads out to meet Elliot, Juliette, and Nathaniel. The four of them gather outside the dining hall, catching up on their first impressions.
Juliette, always the optimist, is excited about their new surroundings. "It's so weird not having Mom and Dad hovering," she laughs, though her tone holds a hint of nostalgia.
Nathaniel, ever the thoughtful one, teases her. "It's been a day. Let's see how you feel after finals week."
The group heads inside for dinner, marveling at the array of food options. The dining hall is lively, filled with the hum of students talking and trays clattering.
As they settle into a corner table, a girl with bright red hair and a confident stride approaches them. She introduces herself as Emily and extends an invitation.
"Hey, you guys are new, right? My friends and I are throwing a party tonight—off-campus. You should totally come."
Isabella and Juliette exchange a glance, intrigued but cautious. Elliot, however, is already grinning. "We're in," he says before Isabella can overthink it.
Emily flashes a smile. "Great. Here's the address. Starts at nine. See you there!"
As she walks away, Nathaniel leans in. "This could either be a great idea or a terrible one."
"Only one way to find out," Elliot replies with a shrug, excitement dancing in his eyes.
Later that evening, the excitement of their first college party buzzed through the air. Isabella and Juliette decided to get ready together in Juliette's dorm, which was already cozy and stylish, thanks to her penchant for aesthetics. Soft fairy lights draped along the walls cast a warm glow, and Juliette's favorite playlist played quietly in the background.
Isabella stood in front of the mirror, inspecting her reflection as she slid into a sleek black long-sleeve mini dress. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, and the lace leggings added a touch of edge. She slipped on her platform boots, which gave her a satisfying boost in height, and carefully clipped on small gold earrings to match her gold bracelet.
Turning to Juliette, Isabella grabbed her red lipstick and applied it with precision. "What do you think? Too much for a college party?"
Juliette, brushing her long, wavy hair into a high ponytail, glanced over and grinned. "You're channeling edgy elegance. It's perfect."
Juliette, as always, leaned toward a brighter palette. She wore a shimmering pink long-sleeve dress that sparkled under the dim lights. The dress flared slightly at the bottom, giving it a playful yet classy look. Her pink platform boots, adorned with decorative buckles, added just the right amount of boldness to the outfit.
She opted for silver jewelry—delicate hoops and a matching bracelet—and kept her makeup simple, with a touch of highlighter and nude lipstick. As she adjusted her ponytail one last time, she looked at Isabella with excitement.
"Okay, now we're ready to turn heads," Juliette said, twirling dramatically.
"Not if Elliot and Nathaniel get there first," Isabella joked, slipping her phone into a small black crossbody bag.
They met up with Elliot and Nathaniel outside the dorm. Both guys were leaning casually against a nearby tree, their outfits reflecting their personalities. Elliot wore a fitted black jacket over a white t-shirt, paired with dark jeans and sneakers, exuding effortless charm. Nathaniel, on the other hand, went for a more polished look—a dark green sweater and tailored pants that highlighted his calm, composed demeanor.
Elliot gave an exaggerated whistle as the girls approached. "Whoa, are we underdressed? You two look like you're about to steal the show."
Juliette smirked and tossed her ponytail. "Someone has to."
Nathaniel smiled warmly. "You both look great. Should we head out?"
Isabella nodded, linking her arm with Elliot's as they began walking toward the party. The cool night air was filled with the faint hum of distant music, and the group was already starting to feel the pulse of their new college life.
The hum of the car engine blended with the upbeat chatter as the group drove through the bustling college town. They followed the directions to the party, winding through tree-lined streets until the houses became larger, more extravagant. Finally, they pulled up to a sprawling mansion on a hill, its grand facade illuminated by strings of golden lights.
The mansion looked more like something out of a movie than a student residence. It towered over the well-manicured lawn, complete with a fountain in the circular driveway. Loud music poured out from the open doors, and the muffled sound of laughter and chatter spilled into the night air. Luxury cars lined the driveway and nearby street, hinting at the wealth of whoever owned the house.
"Rich boy alert," Juliette muttered, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.
"Yeah, this isn't exactly your standard dorm party," Isabella said, her voice dripping with skepticism.
"Let's hope the drinks are as fancy as the house," Elliot quipped as they climbed out of the car.
The group walked up the stone pathway to the entrance, where clusters of students mingled outside. The inside was even more impressive. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, reflecting off the marble floors. The house was packed with students, the air alive with energy. A massive staircase led to the second floor, where people leaned over the railing, laughing and watching the crowd below.
The main living area was a sprawling space with sleek modern furniture pushed to the sides to make room for a makeshift dance floor. A DJ stood behind a setup near the corner, pumping out music that made the walls vibrate. To the right, a large dining room had been converted into a makeshift bar, where students lined up for drinks served by a hired bartender.
Juliette and Isabella stuck close to each other as they navigated the crowd, weaving past clusters of partygoers. The scent of alcohol mixed with expensive cologne and perfume lingered in the air, and the sound of clinking glasses punctuated the music.
"Fancy digs," Isabella remarked, taking in the gilded mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked a backyard with a glowing pool.
"It's like a frat house met a luxury hotel," Juliette replied, grabbing her sister's arm as someone stumbled past them, laughing loudly.
They made their way to the bar. Isabella ordered a simple cocktail while Juliette opted for something sweet and fruity. Both girls kept their drinks light, knowing they wanted to stay sharp in the unfamiliar environment.
"Cheers to surviving our first college party," Juliette said, clinking her glass against Isabella's.
"Cheers," Isabella echoed, scanning the room.
Elliot and Nathaniel joined them a few moments later, holding beers. "This place is insane," Elliot said, gesturing to the ornate decor.
"I overheard someone say the guy who owns this place is some trust fund kid," Nathaniel added. "Apparently, he throws these parties every other weekend."
"Well, as long as he doesn't mind us crashing," Juliette said with a smirk.
The group stuck together, observing the crowd as they sipped their drinks. Isabella and Juliette stayed close, not straying far from each other. Their bond felt like an anchor in the chaotic environment, where everything was new and overwhelming.
The party continued to swell with energy as more people arrived. The sound of laughter and conversation mixed with the steady thrum of bass. From their spot near the bar, Isabella watched as groups of friends danced, couples whispered in corners, and others lounged on the sprawling leather sofas.
"I'll admit, this isn't the worst way to start college," Isabella said, leaning close to Juliette so she could be heard over the music.
Juliette grinned. "And it's only the first night. Just imagine what's coming next."
The party was in full swing, the energy in the room surging with each new arrival. As Isabella and Juliette lingered by the bar, a tall boy approached them. He had a friendly smile and an easy confidence that made him stand out in the crowd.
"Hey," he said, his voice smooth but not overbearing. His eyes were fixed on Juliette. "I was wondering if you'd like to dance?"
Juliette froze for a moment, her usual confidence wavering. She glanced at Isabella for reassurance.
"Go ahead," Isabella said with a small nudge, her tone encouraging. "I'll be right here."
Juliette hesitated but finally smiled and nodded. "Okay."
As Juliette disappeared onto the dance floor with the boy, Isabella leaned back against the bar, keeping a watchful eye on her sister. She wasn't one to let her guard down completely, especially not in a new place.
Meanwhile, Elliot and Nathaniel had found their way to a game of beer pong, their laughter carrying over the noise of the party. Isabella decided to give Juliette some space and stepped outside to the backyard. The cool night air was a welcome change from the heat of the packed house.
The backyard was just as extravagant as the mansion, with a large pool glowing under string lights. The scent of chlorine mixed with the faint aroma of smoke, and Isabella's gaze settled on a figure leaning against the pool railing.
He was tall, with piercing gold-and-brown eyes that seemed to catch the light, and his dark brown hair was tousled in a way that looked effortlessly perfect. His jawline was sharp, and his smile, when he noticed her, was disarmingly charming. He held a lit joint between his fingers, the faint orange glow bright against the dark.
"Hey," Isabella said, approaching him. "What are you doing out here?"
He exhaled a stream of smoke and shrugged. "Got dragged to this party by my friend. It's not really my scene." He held out the joint. "Want some?"
Isabella hesitated for a moment but then took it. "Sure," she said casually. In high school, she and Juliette had snuck a few joints here and there, something they'd kept well hidden from their parents. She felt a twinge of guilt but quickly brushed it off.
They stood in silence for a moment before the boy asked, "What about you? What brings you to this circus?"
"First week of college," Isabella replied, taking a slow drag. "Figured I'd see what all the hype was about. Not sure it's my thing, though."
He chuckled. "Yeah, I get that. I'm Nick, by the way."
"Isabella," she said, handing the joint back to him.
The conversation flowed easily after that. They talked about music and their favorite bands, and Isabella found herself relaxing as they bonded over a shared love of anime. Nick was easy to talk to, and his laid-back demeanor was a nice contrast to the chaos of the party.
As they laughed about a particularly obscure anime reference, Isabella's vampire-enhanced hearing picked up a sudden, sharp scream. She froze, her senses going into overdrive.
"Everything okay?" Nick asked, noticing her change in demeanor.
"Sorry, I've got to go," Isabella said quickly, already moving toward the house.
Isabella pushed her way back through the crowded house, following the sound of Juliette's scream. She found her best friend in a side room, struggling to push a guy away. He was leaning over her, his intentions clear.
Without hesitation, Isabella kicked the door open with enough force to make the hinges creak. The guy turned, startled, but didn't have time to react before Isabella grabbed him by the collar and lifted him clean off the ground.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" she snarled, slamming him against the wall. Her eyes glowed faintly, a warning of the power simmering beneath her calm exterior.
"I—I wasn't—" the guy stammered, his face pale.
"If you ever come near her again," Isabella said, her voice low and deadly, "I will end you."
She released him, and he stumbled, nearly tripping over himself as he bolted out of the room.
"Are you okay?" Isabella asked, turning to Juliette.
Juliette nodded, her hands trembling slightly. "I didn't want to have to use my powers… but thank you."
Isabella hugged her briefly, whispering, "You're safe now. Let's get out of here."
The two Nathaniel and Elliot at the beer pong table, the game clearly having gone on too long. Both boys were laughing uncontrollably, teetering on the edge of being hammered.
"Time to go," Isabella said firmly, pulling Elliot away from the table while Juliette grabbed Nathaniel.
"Party's just getting started," Elliot protested, but Isabella shot him a look that silenced any argument.
The ride back to campus was quiet, the energy from earlier replaced by a shared sense of exhaustion. Isabella drove, her hands steady on the wheel despite the whirlwind of emotions from the night.
By the time they pulled up to the dorms, everyone was ready to crash. Isabella helped her brother up the stairs, her mind still replaying the events of the night.
As they parted ways for the night, Juliette gave Isabella a small, grateful smile. "Thanks for having my back."
"Always," Isabella said softly.