THE BILLIONAIRE'S MASQUERADE

The rain hit the cab window like falling needles.

Aria Winters stared out at the mist-covered gates of Blackthorn University, her stomach churning. The iron archway above read:

"Knowledge. Power. Legacy."

It looked more like the entrance to a haunted castle than a school.

"Here we are, miss," the cab driver said, twisting in his seat with a half-smile. "You sure this is the right place?"

No. She wasn't sure about anything anymore.

Aria gave him a small nod and handed him the last of her money. Her fingers trembled as she dragged her old suitcase out of the backseat.

The cab drove off, splashing cold water onto her boots, and she stood there alone, soaked, and suddenly... watched.

A flicker of movement in the shadows by the gate.

She turned, but no one was there. Just the wind. Get it together, Aria. She adjusted her coat, took a deep breath, and stepped through the gates of Blackthorn. The moment she entered the campus, it felt like the temperature dropped ten degrees. Gothic buildings loomed over cobblestone walkways.

Ivy curled around stone walls like hungry fingers. A bell rang far in the distance, slow and eerie. Aria followed the map she'd printed out, finally stopping at Ironwood Dormitory.

Inside, it was warmer but not friendlier. Students walked past her like she didn't exist, wearing luxury brands and thousand-dollar shoes. She looked down at her soaked thrift-store boots and tugged her sleeves down. Maybe coming here was a mistake. But she had nowhere else to go.

No home.

No parents.

No future.

Until that letter came.

A scholarship to Blackthorn. Full ride. Immediate acceptance. No test scores required.

Too good to be true?

Definitely. But she'd signed it anyway.

Desperate people do desperate things.

"You're Aria, right?"

A cheerful voice broke through her thoughts. A blonde girl with round glasses and a big smile stood in the hallway, waving.

"I'm Evie Moonhart! Your roommate!".

Aria blinked. "Hi... yeah. I'm Aria."

Evie pulled her into a quick hug. "You're gonna love it here. Well, maybe not love, but survive. Which is basically the same thing."

That... wasn't comforting.

Their room was small but cute; two beds, two desks, and a window that overlooked a strange, misty forest. Evie helped Aria unpack as they chatted.

"So, how'd you get in?" Evie asked, flopping onto her bed.

"Scholarship," Aria said, hesitating. "It was sudden. A letter came out of nowhere."

Evie's smile didn't fade, but her eyes darkened just a little.

"Ah. One of those."

Before Aria could ask what she meant, there was a knock at the door. A man in a black suit stood in the hallway, holding a white envelope.

"For Miss Aria Winters." Aria slowly took it, heart pounding. Inside was a letter. Official. Thick paper. Silver seal.

To Miss Aria Winters,

You are hereby reminded of the binding clause in your scholarship contract. As per the agreement, you are to report to the East Wing of Vale Manor at 9 PM tonight. Attendance is not optional.

Sincerely,

The Office of Elite Affairs Blackthorn University

"What the hell...?"

Evie's head peeked over her bed. "Wait. You got called to the East Wing? Already?"

"You know what this means?"

Evie chewed her lip.

"I've heard rumors. It's... not good."

Aria stared at the clock. It was already past 8. She didn't even know where Vale Manor was. 9 PM. Sharp.

Aria stood in front of a massive stone estate just beyond campus. The gate creaked open by itself.

No guards.

No people.

Just silence.

Inside, the halls were lined with old portraits-men in suits, women in jewels, all with cold eyes. At the very end of the corridor was a giant oak door.

She knocked once. It opened without a sound. A fire roared in the fireplace. And he was there.

Leaning against the desk, arms crossed, in a black tailored suit and a silver half-mask that covered the left side of his face. Lucien Vale. She knew the name. Everyone did.

The richest, most powerful student at Blackthorn. The boy who never smiled. The billionaire heir with a dark reputation and a colder heart. His eyes met hers and the room suddenly felt too small.

"You're late," he said calmly, voice like velvet and ice. Aria stepped inside, trying not to show fear. "I didn't agree to any of this." He tilted his head. "Did you read the contract?" "I..." Her throat dried. "I signed the scholarship offer."

"And at the bottom," he said smoothly, walking toward her, "there's a clause in small print. A clause that says your education, housing, and safety are paid for... under one condition."

She stepped back. He stepped closer. "That you belong to me." Her back hit the wall. He stopped inches from her face.

"I own your time.

Your choices.

Your silence."

Her heart thundered. "This is illegal." "It's Blackthorn," he interrupted, brushing a gloved finger under her chin. "Nothing is illegal here. Not when you're powerful enough."

She slapped his hand away. "You're insane." His mask glinted in the firelight. "Possibly." She ran for the door. And paused. It wouldn't open. She turned slowly.

He held up a small key. "You'll leave when I say you can. And not a second before." Her fists clenched. "What do you even want from me?" Lucien smiled faintly, eyes cold.

"You'll find out. Starting tomorrow." As she stormed down the hall moments later, tears stinging her eyes, Aria knew two things.

One-this school was a cage.

And two-

She had just walked into the lion's den. And the lion wore a mask.