A/N: If you haven't yet, go back and read the preface as there are some important details about the story you'll need to know. Remember to vote and comment what you thought of the chapter. Since this is the first chapter, constructive criticism will help out a lot.

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Luna Windsor — [December 21st, 2028]

Crackling red embers dance around me as the ashy gray smoke fills my lungs. The flames continue to migrate closer, constricting me inside a circle of fire. With the heat intensifying, I twirl around frantically, sweat forming on my skin. Where am I? How'd I even get here? The night sky gleams brightly, revealing the evergreen trees surrounding me. Wind begins to rustle the dirt around me as the breeze hits my face.

"Luna, you'll understand in time, but for now, be careful," a voice booms. It begins to grow dark and the surrounding area dissipates, leaving nothing in sight. Something or someone yanks me out of my short dream.

The voice rings through my ears as I jerk my head up off of my desk. With a quickening heartbeat and uneven breathing, my eyes dart around. Rumbustious laughter begins to bounce off the four walls closing in on me.

"Quiet down! That better not happen again, Ms. Windsor. Everyone get out your homework," Mrs. Johnson wails, wagging her poorly manicured finger around at the class.

"Yes, Mrs. Johnson," I mutter groggily, lowering my head. Good job, Luna, you got into trouble with the teacher. I rub my eyes before reaching back into my backpack, pulling out my neatly typed English paper. Mrs. Johnson walks up and down the rows, gathering the homework.

The PA chirps and a voice starts to speak. The class slowly stops blabbering and fixate on the voice. "Good afternoon, Salem High School! Happy birthday today to Solis Alroy, Ben Keller, and Luna Windsor. Art Club is having a meeting in B122 at 3:00 and the meeting will end at 4:00. Tryouts for girls' basketball will end today, December 21st. There will be no school next week because of Winter Break." Rustling papers could be heard faintly before the PA is turned off. The bell rings and the class scrambles out through a tiny doorway. Slowly getting up out of my desk, I walk over towards Mrs. Johnson who was typing something hastily on her computer.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Johnson? I'm sorry I fell asleep in class, it's just— I was up all night studying for my science test," I utter, almost tripping over my words.

"Look, Luna, you're a good student, but that isn't a good enough excuse. I'll let it pass this time, just don't let it happen again," she states.

"Thanks, Mrs. Johnson. I promise I won't do it again," I reply, letting out a sigh. Everything's okay, you just had a crazy dream, it's whatever. You'll just lose your mind over it if you think about it too much. Walking out of the classroom, chatter floods my ears. Staring at the scuffed tile floor, I walk towards my locker. Teenagers collide with me while I try to dodge their careless actions. Can't people watch where they're going? Fumbling with my lock, I sigh in relief after I open the creaky locker. After putting my worn-out coat, woolen hat and mittens on, I place all of my books into my hole-ridden backpack. Gaining momentum by pulling the locker door backwards, I slam it loudly.

As I start rushing out of the main doors, the Sun's rays envelops me when I spot my mom's white 2026 Escapade. I've been dying to celebrate with them! I wonder what they got me... Suddenly, a hand latches onto my wrist, pulling me out of sight. As I stumble and fall, someone props me up. Looking up, my eyes meet the gaze of a blonde girl with blue eyes. With a youthful, almost alabaster complexion, she would've fit in if it wasn't for her flashy outfit. Her white coat and blue jeans are a total contrast to the casual attire the students wear. Knee-high brown leather boots cap off a stylish, perky outfit. Backing away from her, she tightens her grip. I fill my lungs with air, but before I could yell, she smacks her hand on top of my mouth.

"Shh, Luna," the blonde whispers as she looks around. Students continue to walk past us, carrying books and discussing their plans for the weekend. "I'm not going to hurt you, just be quiet. I need to go get some one else. Do you promise not to yell?" Terrified, my mind races, what do I do, what do I do?

I try to wiggle out of her grip, but her talons continue to dig into my flesh, causing an agonizing pain to radiate through my left arm. How is she so strong? I let out a sigh and nod my head reluctantly. She lifts her hand off of my mouth. The stranger walks forward, loosening her grip around my wrist and continues to lug me.

I furrow my eyes and try to catch onlookers' attention. No good. Please! Just— just look at me! Ok, just breathe, Luna. Someone's going to help you... maybe. Why'd I have to be so weak? If only I could... Trying to squirm again, it doesn't work. Wait... My captor begins to charge towards a blonde girl I've seen in the halls leaning against a cedar tree.

***

Solis Alroy — [December 21st, 2028]

The Sun blares in my eyes as I notice a petite blonde rushing towards me. A girl with mocha colored skin and natural hair reluctantly trails behind her. Her coal black backpack leaves an indent in her shoulders, causing her to walk abnormally, trying to carry something heavy that's weighing her down. Snow starts to crunch under the soles of the blonde's boots as she nears. Snatching my wrist, I flail. I have never seen this girl in school, and if she did go here, she wouldn't be latching onto me like a vulture.

Noticing her hands are occupied, I take the opportunity and screech loudly, "What the heck? Let me go!" Teenagers halt as they stare at me. The blonde girl flashes them a fake smile and chuckles. She loosens her grip on the other girl and me.

"Solis, please, I just want to talk to you and Luna," she chuckles, grinning. I peer over her shoulder, eyeing the girl she called "Luna." Her basil green eyes stare back, fear radiating from them. "It's your sixteenth birthday and you two are in for a big surprise."

"What are you talking about? How do you even know it's my birthday?" I exclaim as my blood begins to boil. Luna continues to stare at us, eyes gaping.

"Don't believe me? Fine. When crazy things start happening, don't blame me when you hurt your friends and family," she asserts with a tone of irritation.

"Wait, what about my family?" Luna questions.

"Oh, I'm glad that I finally caught your attention," she says, rolling her eyes and scoffing. "I can't talk about it here... Follow me and I'll explain more. By the way, I'm Destiny," she states before marching away, Luna scurrying after her. What the heck is she doing? I'm not going to be responsible for her ending up in a ditch or somewhere even worse. I chase after her, grabbing her hand.

"Where are we going?" I inquire, turning right. Suddenly, I swerve left, trying to keep up with Destiny while still holding onto Luna's hand. Cars zoom by as we hurry along the cracked concrete sidewalk. Where the heck is she taking us? Luna stops, causing me to jerk backwards. I stop, peering over my shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I just need to go study at the library. Mhmm. We can celebrate when I get home. Okay. Bye, Mom, I love you." Luna's steps grow quicker and louder, trying to catch up.

"Liar, liar, pants on fire," Destiny sniggers, shaking her head, "We're here," she declares, yanking the glass door towards her. The neon sign reading 'open' flashes and a bell jingles.

"Hello! Welcome to Vinny's Diner! Today's soup of the day is cream of potato. I'm Donna and I'll be serving you today. Just three people?" a lanky young brunette yells. Wearing a baby blue dress with a filthy apron, she zooms by, dropping off steaming plates of soups and sandwiches to nearby booths.

"Yes, and I'd like a root beer," Destiny replies before walking towards a booth. Sitting down, she gestures vigorously for us. Taking off her jacket, it reveals her peach-colored sweater. Realizing I'm still holding Luna's hand, I let go, my cheeks blushing. I pace towards the chair, dodging wads of chewed-up gum sticking to the floor. Lowering myself into the booth, it creaks. Luna slides next to me.

After I take off my coat, I face Destiny, asserting myself, still seething with rage, "Are you going to tell us or not?"

Donna speeds over to our table, carrying a dirty tray. Placing down a root beer, she gives us a smile, revealing the red lipstick smeared on her teeth. Returning the smile, I order a vanilla milkshake. Nodding her head and scribbling my order down furiously, she glances at Luna, who's slipping off her coat.

"I'll just have fries." Giving a nod to us, she whizzes to the next table.

"Now that we have some privacy, I'll tell you why you're here." My eyes are locked on her as she proceeds to sip her drink obnoxiously. Proceeding on, her voice breaks the silence, "What I'm about to tell you has to stay between us. You can't tell another soul."