Chapter

234

The first time Elyra saw her, she felt a chill run down her spine.noveldrama

The woman strode into their classroom with an effortless grace, her striking red hair catching the sunlight streaming through the window. She set her bag down on the desk and surveyed the students with a knowing smile.

"Good morning, class. My name is Ms. Vaughn. I'll be your substitute teacher for the next few weeks."

Her voice was smooth and commanding, drawing murmurs of approval from the students. Even Jason sat up straighter, smirking in a way that made Elyra's skin crawl.

Dain, however, stiffened beside her, his hand twitching as if he were ready for a fight.

"Something's wrong with her," Dain whispered.

Elyra nodded, her unease mirroring his. There was something unnatural about Ms. Vaughn-something lurking just beneath her charming exterior.

Throughout the day, Ms. Vaughn's influence became apparent. She had a knack for flattery, praising students and subtly turning them against each other with carefully placed comments. Her eyes lingered on Elyra and Dain longer than they should have, a faint flicker of amusement in their crimson depths.

At lunch, Jason lingered near Ms. Vaughn's desk, his usual smirk replaced by an almost reverent expression.

"She's amazing," he muttered, not noticing Elyra and Dain walking past.

"Jason's got a new obsession," Dain growled under his breath, glaring at the red-haired woman.

"That makes two of them," Elyra whispered, unease curling in her stomach.

When the final bell rang, Ms. Vaughn caught their gaze as they hurried out of the classroom. Her smile deepened, her eyes gleaming with something ancient and predatory.

"Run all you like," her voice echoed in their minds, though her lips never moved. "You can't hide from what's coming."

Dain grabbed Elyra's arm, pulling her into the hallway. "We need to tell Matthew. Now."

Elyra nodded, her pulse racing. They weren't sure what Ms. Vaughn was, but one thing was clear-she wasn't human.