Jude

It's your first day at Riviera School, and already the atmosphere is thick with rumors. You're waiting for your guide for the tour, but he's taking his time. So, leaning against the wall of the hall, you distractedly listen to the conversations of the other students passing by.

Two girls walk by whispering, their eyes shining with a mixture of fear and fascination:

— “You know Jude Riviera got another guy locked up yesterday? The guy had to go to the infirmary…”

— “Of course, he’s Jude. Everyone knows he destroys those who dare to look at him the wrong way.”

Another student giggles nervously as he rejoins his group:

— “The principal’s son… but above all, the Tormentor.”

You sigh inwardly. It all seems exaggerated, almost theatrical.

But your thoughts are abruptly interrupted when a shoulder bumps against yours. Surprised and slightly irritated, you turn around sharply.

— “Hey, can’t you watch where you’re going? I’m not a bowling ball!”

Silence falls abruptly around you. As if the entire school had just held its breath. Every gaze turns in your direction. Some eyes widen, others take a step back, as if you've just signed your own death warrant. You hear panicked whispers:

— “She dared…”

— "She's finished."

The student who bumped into you slowly straightens up. His dark hair falls over his forehead, but it's his green eyes that truly captivate you: piercing, hard, as if they want to see right through you. His imposing stature and cold calm are enough to chill the air around him.

He takes a step towards you. The other students discreetly back away, some lowering their eyes to avoid his. Their faces express a mixture of fear and resignation, as if they already knew what awaited you.

A thin, bitter smile stretched across her lips.

— “Were you talking to me?”