Chapter 3
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Then Victoria appeared.
Victoria was an Alpha and president of the student council, consistently ranking in the top three of our grade. Her father was the principal of the school and had his fingers in numerous business ventures. Yet she showed unexpected kindness to me—a transfer Beta in off-the-rack clothes.
After class that day, she approached my desk: "Hi there, I'm Victoria. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to ask."
She sat beside me, sharing her immaculate notes, and even invited me to join her study group.
"You're clearly bright," Victoria said softly, her gaze disarmingly sincere. "You just need some guidance. I can help you fit in better."
I treasured this connection more than gold. In this frigid social landscape, having someone—anyone—extend a hand made me pathetically grateful. I followed Victoria everywhere, hanging on her every suggestion.
Victoria urged me to join the debate club, insisting I had natural talent for public speaking. She encouraged me to voice my opinions in literature class, claiming my insights were refreshingly unique. She "suggested" I wear a pink jacket with a black and green checkered skirt, saying the combination showed personality.
Every time I followed Victoria's advice, I ended up being mocked mercilessly by my classmates. And each time, Victoria would be the first to leap to my defense.
"Come on, guys, don't be so harsh. She's really trying her best."
"Give her some time to adjust to our standards."
"We should be more inclusive, right? Isn't that what we're all about?"
Her words only deepened my gratitude, convincing me of her genuine kindness.
Until that day when I went to the storage room for a book and accidentally overheard a conversation.
"She literally believes everything I say," Victoria's voice dripped with contempt I'd never heard before. "Yesterday I told her that hideous pink jacket looked good on her, and she actually wore it. With that checkered skirt! God, she looked like such a hick."
"You're awful," another girl giggled. "But it is hilarious. The way she looks at you with those grateful puppy-dog eyes is priceless."
"People like her need to know their place," Victoria sneered. "Thinking she can blend into our circle? As if. She should take a good look at her bloodline—just another country Beta. Making her look like an idiot in front of everyone is actually me doing her a favor."
My hands began to shake uncontrollably, knuckles white against the straps of my backpack.
