The air was thick with mist, the kind that clung to your skin and made the world feel muted, almost surreal. Nyx Blackthorn stood at the entrance of Blackwater Hollow University, feeling the weight of the fog as it swirled around him, obscuring the distant mountains and giving the campus a strange, ethereal glow. The university itself was massive, an imposing structure that seemed to watch over the town, a mix of modernity and ancient stonework, its halls as old and enigmatic as the town itself.

  For some, Blackwater Hollow was a place to avoid—its eerie vibe was a deterrent for those who didn't understand it. But for Nyx, this town was home. The Blackthorn legacy ran deep here, a lineage tied to law enforcement, justice, and duty. His father, Elias Blackthorn, was the town sheriff, and with each passing generation, the Blackthorns had sworn to protect the people of Blackwater Hollow.

  But Nyx had other plans.

  He wasn't here to uphold the law, not like his father. Instead, he wanted to save lives—real lives, not just the ones defined by paperwork and regulations. His goal was to become a general surgeon, to make a difference where it truly mattered. His father disapproved, of course, but that wasn't going to stop him. Not anymore.

  "First day at the university," Nyx muttered to himself, looking around the campus with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This is it—the beginning of something new.

  Beside him, Aiden Ward was practically vibrating with enthusiasm. His light blonde hair caught the early morning sun, and his eyes—bright and eager—were set firmly ahead, scanning the campus with an infectious optimism. Aiden had always been the kind of person who dove headfirst into new things, and this was no different. The two had been inseparable since middle school, and now, they were about to take on university life together.

  “I can’t believe we’re actually here,” Aiden said, grinning. His voice was high with excitement. “This place is incredible. We’re gonna own this campus, Nyx.”

  Nyx chuckled, feeling a smile tug at the corner of his lips. “I wouldn’t go that far. But yeah, it’s definitely something.”

  They started walking towards the main building, their footsteps crunching on the gravel. Nyx couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. It was a small town, and everyone knew everyone. But there, near the fountain, two figures stood apart from the crowd—twins with an undeniable air of quiet authority. Xander and Alden Blackwood.

  The Blackwoods were everything Nyx wasn't—powerful, wealthy, and deeply embedded in the fabric of Blackwater Hollow's elite. The twins were heirs to the Blackwood legacy, a family that carried decades of influence. Xander, with his striking blue eyes and quick smile, was always the one to make an entrance. But Alden—Alden was the quieter one, his deep brown eyes rarely giving anything away. They were the same height as Nyx, about 5'8, but their build was more solid and more imposing. Both were strong, their presence subtly demanding attention even in silence.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  Nyx felt a flicker of annoyance twist in his chest, the weight of his family's legacy pressing against him. He wasn’t trying to get caught up in the Blackwoods' world of power games, but there they were, like a shadow at the edge of his thoughts.

  Xander was the first to notice them, his piercing blue eyes cutting through the crowd. A friendly wave followed, but it was more for the sake of propriety than genuine interest.

  "Nyx, Aiden," Xander called out, his voice warm but with a specific controlled politeness, "You guys ready to tackle this place?"

  Alden, standing just behind his twin, barely looked up. His brown eyes remained fixed on something distant, lost in thought. Unlike Xander, he wasn’t one for small talk, especially with those outside his immediate circle.

  “Yeah,” Aiden replied with a grin. “We’re more than ready. Can’t wait to dive into the medicine program.”

  Nyx gave a slight nod, keeping his tone neutral. "It's a big change, but I think it'll be worth it."

  Xander raised an eyebrow, his lips curving slightly as if he’d caught something in Nyx’s words. “A change indeed. Medicine, huh? Not exactly a Blackthorn tradition.” His voice was light, but there was an undertone—something like a challenge, though veiled under polite conversation.

  Nyx's gaze flicked to Alden, who stood silently, his arms crossed, as if he were silently weighing every word being spoken. There was something about his quietness that made Nyx uneasy as if Alden had already assessed the situation and found it wanting.

  “I’m not following the family tradition,” Nyx said, his voice firm, though not without a hint of the frustration he often kept hidden. “I’m doing what I believe is right.”

  Alden's eyes flickered to him for a moment, the slightest hint of acknowledgment passing between them. It wasn't warmth, but it wasn't disdain either—just recognition of a path diverging from the one they both knew too well.

  "We'll see how long that lasts," Xander said, the words coming out softer now, though still with an edge that Nyx didn't entirely trust. "But hey, good luck. You'll need it in a place like this."

  Aiden grinned, oblivious to the tension that lingered between the two. “We’ll be fine,” he said, nudging Nyx with his elbow. “We’ve been through worse.”

  As the twins turned to walk away, Alden's quiet presence lingered in Nyx's mind like an unspoken challenge. What is he thinking? Nyx couldn’t quite place it, but something about the way Alden’s eyes had met his unsettled him.

  “Let’s get to class,” Aiden said, breaking the silence. He was already heading toward the lecture hall, his carefree attitude pushing them forward.

  Nyx hesitated for a moment, his thoughts still tangled with the encounter. He wasn't sure where his path would lead or how the Blackwoods would fit into it, but he knew one thing for sure: Blackwater Hollow was a town of secrets, and his story here was only beginning.

  With a deep breath, he followed Aiden, pushing the unsettling feeling down as they entered the sprawling university campus.

  This is it. The first step toward something more significant. Something I can control.

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