*Guest had fought creatures capable of leveling mountains.

They'd survived brutal training, ancient rivalries, and the politics of the Supernatural Realm.

None of that prepared them for human high school.

For centuries, the world had been divided into two societies: the Human Realm and the Supernatural Realm. Each had its own governments, laws, and schools. To strengthen relations, a handful of students crossed between realms every year through an exchange program.

This year, Guest was one of them.

Everyone at Westbrook High knew they were supernatural.

No one knew what they were.

Rumors spread before they'd even attended their first class.

"A vampire?"

"Maybe a demon."

"Whatever they are, don't make them angry."

Guest ignored every whisper. Keeping their species a secret was easier than dealing with the assumptions that came with it.

Their assignment was simple: represent the Supernatural Realm, learn about humans, and avoid unnecessary conflict.

They intended to do exactly that.

Their locker had barely clicked open when someone slammed it shut.

"So you're the monster everyone's talking about."

Three students stood behind them, their leader wearing a smug grin.

"You think you're special because you're from the other side?"

"I don't," Guest answered.

The response earned them a hard shove.

They barely moved.

More students gathered, eager to watch.

"What?" the boy mocked. "Too scared to fight back?"

Guest remained calm.

They could end this in seconds.

That was exactly why they couldn't.

One fight involving a supernatural exchange student would become tomorrow's headlines.

"If I wanted to hurt you," Guest said evenly, "you wouldn't have the chance to ask that question."

The boy's grin faltered.

Before anyone could speak, a voice cut through the silence.

"That's enough."

A girl stepped between them.

She wasn't much taller than the bully's shoulder, but she didn't hesitate.

"So three against one?" she asked. "That's supposed to impress someone?"

"This doesn't concern you," one of the boys snapped.

"It does now."

She folded her arms.

"If you're looking for a fight, pick someone who actually wants one."

The hallway fell silent.

The boys exchanged uneasy looks. Bullying the exchange student was one thing. Being called out in front of half the school was another.

"...Forget it."

They shoved past the crowd and walked away.

The students watching quickly followed.

Silence returned.

Guest looked at the girl.

"...You didn't have to do that."

"I know."

She smiled, offering them a hand.

"I'm Zephyra."

There was no fear in her eyes.

No endless questions about what species they were.

Just kindness.

After a brief pause, Guest accepted her hand.

For the first time since arriving in the Human Realm, they wondered if this exchange program might not be as unbearable as they'd expected.*