Maddy
MADDY
T he warmth of the bonfire feels nice against my skin as I walk beside Mihai, and for the first time in what feels like forever, things seem… easy. There’s a calm between us, the awkward tension from earlier fading into something more comfortable.
I actually laughed—a real, genuine laugh—and for a moment, I can almost pretend everything’s normal.
But then I see her.
Sofia.
She sidles up to Mihai, her movements graceful, like she knows exactly what she’s doing. Her thick blonde hair falls in soft waves, and she’s wearing this tight, fitted dress that clings to every curve. She doesn’t even bother looking at me—her focus is entirely on Mihai, as if I’m not even standing there.
And just like that, the easy atmosphere vanishes.
Mihai tenses up the second he notices her, his shoulders tightening, the muscles in his jaw flexing. He doesn’t say anything at first, he just stands there, and the warmth from the fire suddenly feels colder. I can tell he’s uncomfortable, but after a moment, he turns to her.
“Sofia,” he says, his voice calm, but there’s a tension behind it.
She smiles sweetly, leaning in closer to him. “Mihai,” she purrs, her voice soft and seductive, as if they’re the only two people in the world. “Come with me?”
I feel myself shrinking back, not sure what to do with the sudden intrusion. Mihai was fine just a second ago, but now... now he’s slipping away. He doesn’t say anything else, just gives me a quick look—something almost apologetic—and then, after a beat of hesitation, he goes with her.
Sofia’s arm loops through his, pulling him along with her. And as they walk away, she glances back at me, her green eyes narrowing slightly before she smirks. It’s a knowing, condescending smirk, like she’s already won whatever game she thinks we’re playing.
I feel a lump form in my throat, that familiar sense of discomfort settling in my gut. I don’t belong here. I don’t fit into this world. And Sofia’s smirk? It’s a reminder that I’m an outsider.
Before I can dwell on it too much, Chiara walks up to me, her eyes following Sofia and Mihai as they disappear into the crowd. She lets out a small snort, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Yeah,” Chiara says dryly, her tone light but pointed, “I’m not warming up to her either.”
I glance at her, a little surprised by her bluntness. Chiara catches my look and shrugs, a wry smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
“I prefer the guys,” she adds, her voice laced with amusement. “Less drama.”
That pulls a small smile from me, and I nod, scribbling quickly on the notepad.
She doesn’t seem… friendly
Chiara reads the note and laughs, shaking her head. “That’s putting it mildly.” She tucks a strand of her dark hair behind her ear, glancing in the direction Mihai and Sofia disappeared. “Sofia’s… complicated. I heard that she and Mihai used to be a thing. And she doesn’t let people forget that.”
I tilt my head, curious, and scribble again:
Used to be?
Chiara nods, leaning in conspiratorially. “Oh yeah, used to be. Big emphasis on used to. But she’s still got her claws in him. You saw it. She knows exactly how to pull him away.”
There’s a bitter edge to her voice, and I can’t help but wonder if Chiara’s been in my position before—on the outside looking in. I write:
Why don’t you like her?
Chiara sighs, glancing up at the sky for a moment before answering. “It’s not that I hate her. I’ve seen how she acts and just don’t trust her. She’s... manipulative. Good at getting what she wants, no matter who she has to step on to get it.” She pauses, then adds, “Mihai’s a good guy, but he’s got a blind spot when it comes to her. She knows how to play him.”
I nod, feeling a little more at ease now that Chiara’s being so open with me. It’s strange but comforting to know that I’m not the only one who feels this way about Sofia.
Do the others like her?
Chiara smirks. “Connor? Definitely not. He’s never been a fan. Marina… well, she tolerates Sofia, but that’s because of Mihai. Cat? She’s too nice to say anything, but I doubt she’s her biggest fan either. I think it has to do with how spoiled she is, and the fact that she’s a Crown heir, she thinks she gets free passes.”
I smile at that, imagining sweet, quiet Cat trying to find something nice to say about Sofia.
Chiara’s expression softens as she looks at me, her tone losing some of its sarcasm. “Hey, don’t let her get to you, okay? Sofia’s all about control. She likes to make people feel small, especially if she thinks they’re a threat.”
I blink, my heart skipping a beat at her words. A threat? Me?
I’m not a threat to anyone
She laughs again, clapping a hand over her mouth. “, trust me. You don’t have to do anything to be a threat. Sofia sees it in the way Mihai looks at you. And that’s enough for her to feel… territorial.”
I frown, my mind racing. Mihai? He looks at me differently? No way. He’s just protecting me because of his father, because I’m his responsibility. That’s all it is. But as I glance back in the direction Mihai and Sofia went, I can’t help but wonder if Chiara’s right. If maybe, there’s more going on than I realize.
Chiara nudges me lightly, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Come on,” she says, her voice playful again. “Let’s get away from all this drama for a bit. You and me. Girl talk. We don’t need Mihai or Sofia messing with our vibe.”
I smile, nodding as I follow her away from the crowd. The noise of the bonfire fades into the background as we find a quieter spot, just the two of us. Chiara sits down on the grass, patting the space next to her for me to join.
I sit down, feeling the cool earth beneath my hands, and Chiara stretches out, looking up at the stars. “You ever just look at the sky and wonder what the hell we’re all doing here?”
I raise an eyebrow, writing:
That’s deep.
Chiara laughs, her voice light and musical. “Yeah, well, sometimes I get philosophical. Especially after dealing with people like Sofia.”
I smile, actually relaxing for once. Chiara has this way of making things feel lighter, less heavy. She’s direct, sure, but there’s a kindness in her that makes me feel safe around her.
“So,” she says, propping herself up on her elbows, “tell me more about you. What do you do for fun? What’s your thing?”
I hesitate for a moment before writing:
I used to sing.
Chiara’s eyes widen in surprise. “No way! You sing? Why didn’t I know this?”
I shrug, smiling a little as I scribble:
Not anymore.
Chiara frowns, clearly not happy with that answer. “Well, we’ll have to change that. You can’t just stop singing, . That’s a crime. You’ve got to sing for us sometime.”
I shake my head quickly, writing:
Not happening.
She laughs, but there’s a softness to her expression now, like she understands there’s more to my reluctance than just shyness.
“Alright, alright. I won’t push. But one day, you’re gonna have to show me what you’ve got.”
I smile at her, feeling a warmth settle in my chest. Chiara’s easy to be around; she makes me feel like I’m part of something—like I belong. The tension from earlier, the way Sofia had sucked all the air out of the place, fades away, replaced by this simple moment of connection.
Chiara nudges me gently, her voice quiet but sincere. “Hey, … don’t let people like Sofia mess with your head. And if she ever gives you shit, you come find me, okay?”
I nod, my throat tightening with emotion. I don’t write anything in response this time—Chiara doesn’t need the words. She just knows.
But curiosity has a hold on me as I think about the snippets of conversation that I’ve heard so far. So I scribble:
What’s a Crown?
She sees what I’ve written and chuckles. “Oh, I was wondering when you’d ask me that,” she says, her eyes lighting up excitement and mischief.
“Willow Bridge, if you haven’t noticed by now, isn’t like any other university. It’s where the heirs to the most powerful criminal families in the world come to ‘study.’” she air-quotes the word, rolling her eyes. “But mostly, it’s where they learn to play the game.”
What game?
“The game of power,” she says, her voice dropping slightly. “Here, it’s about alliances, control, and knowing exactly where you stand in the hierarchy. And at the very top? That’s where the Crowns are.”
My brow furrows as I write again.
So, the Crowns are like… kings and queens?
She grins, clearly enjoying this. “Exactly. The Crowns are the five most powerful heirs on campus. They’re the crème de la crème, the ones who will eventually lead their families and, by extension, influence the underworld itself. Right now they’re Giovanni, Mihai Nikolai, Connor, and Sofia.”
My eyes widen at this. I knew Mihai’s father was a crime boss who had the police in his pockets back home. But to actually rule and influence?
And you?
She laughs softly, shaking her head. “Oh, I’m no Crown. But I’m tied to them—Nikolai’s my stepbrother and I’m engaged to Giovanni, so I guess you could say I’m an honorary Crown.”
I chew on the end of my pen, thinking that over.
So, Mafia Royalty
Chiara snorts, pushing her hair over her shoulder. “In a way, yeah. But don’t get it twisted—this isn’t some fairy tale. The Crowns have enemies, responsibilities, and more pressure than you can imagine. It’s not all private jets and designer clothing.”
Before I can respond, a familiar Irish drawl interrupts us. “Are you fillin’ her head with nonsense, Chiara, or is this the good stuff?” Connor drops onto the grass beside me, his easy grin putting me instantly at ease.
Chiara rolls her eyes, but there’s a playful glint in them. “I’m educating her on what you all are, Connor.”
He laughs, slinging an arm around my shoulders in a way that’s more brotherly than intimidating. “ doesn’t need all that heavy Crown nonsense. She’s already smarter than most of us.”
I smile shyly, scribbling on the notepad.
She was just explaining the Crowns hierarchy
Connor leans over to read it, nodding sagely. “Ah, the hierarchy. You’ve got the Crowns at the top—yours truly included,” he says, winking. “Then there’s everyone else who wishes they were us.”
Chiara smacks his arm. “Stop being a showoff.”
He grins but doesn’t reply, because Giovanni has appeared, his presence heavy and commanding. He crouches down across from us, his intense hazel eyes flicking between Chiara and me before settling on the notepad in my hands.
“What’s this about hierarchy?” Giovanni’s voice is smooth, dark, and carries an arrogance that seems to be as much a part of him as his leather jacket.
I hesitate, glancing at Chiara for reassurance. She nods subtly, and I quickly write,
Trying to understand how things work here
Giovanni reads it, then leans back on his heels, his expression softening slightly. “It’s survival of the fittest here, Madison. The strong rule, and everyone else learns to follow.”
Connor rolls his eyes. “Don’t let Gio scare you off. He likes to sound dramatic.”
“I’m not trying to scare her,” Giovanni says, a ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m being honest.”
“Don’t listen to these two, ,” Chiara jumps in. “You’re not a student, so none of this really applies to you. But it’s good to know who’s who and what’s what.”
I nod, scribbling again.
So the Crowns make all the decisions?
“Essentially, yes,” Chiara says. “At least when it comes to how things run here. The faculty might think they’re in charge, but everyone knows the Crowns hold the real power.”
Connor grins. “And we look damn good doing it.”
Chiara gives him a withering look, but I can’t help but smile at his lightheartedness. Giovanni, however, is watching me carefully, his gaze sharp.
“You’re safe here, Madison,” he says suddenly, his voice softer than I expected. “As long as Mihai’s around, no one will touch you.”
My throat tightens slightly. It’s not fear I feel, though—it’s gratitude, but it’s overwhelming. I don’t know how to respond, so I simply offer him a smile.
Giovanni nods, seemingly satisfied, while Connor squeezes my shoulder affectionately. I glance at the three of them, feeling a strange sense of comfort despite their intimidating presence.
I may not fully understand this world yet, but at least I get it now. And it’s in no way less scary knowing I’m an outsider.
So, I pick up my pen again, writing one last question.
What happens if you cross a Crown?
Chiara’s smile fades slightly, her expression growing serious. “You don’t. That’s an unspoken rule of Willow Bridge. You don’t cross a Crown. Ever.”
Connor leans back, his grin replaced by something darker. “Not unless you’ve got a death wish.”
Giovanni doesn’t say anything, but the way he looks at me—the intensity in his eyes—says more than words ever could. The Crowns aren’t just powerful. They’re dangerous. And now, more than ever, I understand why Mihai was assigned to protect me.
“We’ve got you, ,” Connor says, as if reading my thoughts. “And Mihai? He may not act like it, but he’s got a soft spot for you.”
I snort quietly, a soundless laugh, and scribble on my notepad.
Mihai? Soft?
Connor smirks, then he gives me a look that tells me he knows something I don’t. “Trust me, lass. You’ll see.”