Chapter 1

Ring! Ring! Ring!

The alarm clock on the bedside table blared loudly, disturbing the peaceful silence of the room and announcing the beginning of a brand-new day.

Curled up comfortably beneath her soft blanket was Sofia Gonzalez, a girl whose smile was bright enough to chase away even the darkest clouds. With her long hair scattered across her pillow and her face buried halfway beneath the covers, she looked completely unwilling to leave the warmth of her bed.

There wasn't much in the world capable of dimming her light...

Well, except for her alarm clock.

With a sleepy groan, Sofia stretched one hand out from beneath the covers, blindly searching for the annoying device. After several unsuccessful attempts, her fingers finally landed on it, and she quickly silenced the ringing.

"Finally..." she mumbled, pulling the blanket over her head.

"Sofia! Get ready for school!" Mrs. Gonzalez's voice echoed from downstairs.

Those words instantly chased away the remaining traces of sleep lingering in Sofia's eyes.

Her eyes snapped open.

"Oh, right! Today's my first day of school!"

A wide smile immediately spread across her face as excitement bubbled inside her once again.

After spending practically her entire childhood being homeschooled, she was finally going to experience what it felt like to attend a real school. New friends, different teachers, interesting subjects, and perhaps even exciting adventures!

What more could a girl ask for?

Although she had never stepped into the four walls of a school before, Sofia wasn't particularly worried. She was a quick learner who understood lessons almost immediately, so she was ninety percent sure—no, one hundred percent sure—that she'd fit in just fine.

At least, that's what she kept telling herself.

Jumping out of bed, Sofia hurried through her morning routine. She brushed her teeth, took a quick shower, and changed into her neatly pressed clothes.

However, just as she was about to grab her bag, she caught sight of herself in the full-length mirror.

Stopping in front of it, she adjusted her clothes and examined her reflection.

For some reason, her confidence suddenly began to waver.

What if they don't like me?

What if I don't fit in?

What if everyone already has friends and nobody wants to talk to me?

Her smile slowly disappeared.

But only for a moment.

Sofia shook her head, refusing to let unnecessary worries ruin her special day.

"I'm big. I'm brave. I'm beautiful," she whispered to her reflection.

She repeated the words, this time with more confidence.

A small smile gradually returned to her face.

"There we go!"

Satisfied with her little motivational speech, she grabbed her backpack and hurried downstairs.

The moment she stepped into the dining room, her eyes widened.

Good heavens!

The dining table was practically overflowing with food. There were pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, toasted bread, fresh fruits, and a large pitcher of orange juice.

Sofia blinked.

She couldn't help wondering why people in movies always rushed out of their houses with nothing but an apple or a slice of plain toast.

Well... that definitely wasn't going to be her problem.

Grinning to herself, she pulled out a chair and settled down, already preparing to devour the delicious feast.

"Good morning, Denton, Ryan, Dexter!"

"Morning, princess," her three brothers replied almost simultaneously.

Sofia giggled at their synchronized response.

"You look really excited for your first day," Dexter commented, chuckling as he watched her practically bounce in her seat.

"I am!" Sofia squealed. "I seriously can't believe I'll finally be going to school. I've been waiting forever for this!"

Her enthusiasm was contagious, and the three brothers couldn't help smiling.

However, beneath their cheerful expressions was a tiny bit of concern.

Being the only daughter and youngest child in the family, Sofia had always been surrounded by love and protection. Her brothers, especially, had developed the habit of treating her like she was made of glass.

Deep down, they still wished she had chosen to attend the same school they did.

At least then, they could keep an eye on her.

But Sofia had insisted on experiencing something different, and eventually, they had no choice but to respect her decision.

"Have you washed your hands?" Mrs. Gonzalez asked as she walked out of the kitchen, wiping her hands with a towel before hanging it neatly on the rack.

"Yes, Mum!"

"Good girl."

Without wasting another second, Sofia reached for the pancakes, generously drizzled maple syrup over them, and took an enormous bite.

"Mmm..."

Her eyes practically sparkled with satisfaction.

She happily washed it down with a sip of fresh orange juice.

"Sofia," Mr. Gonzalez called as he entered the dining room, a newspaper tucked beneath his arm.

"Yes, Dad?"

"Be safe today. And if anyone bullies you, tell your father, alright?"

Sofia smiled at him.

As the youngest child and only daughter in the family, she had always been spoiled with endless love and affection. Nevertheless, her father understood that she couldn't remain sheltered forever. Sooner or later, she would have to experience the real world herself.

"And if anyone gives you trouble," Denton added, leaning back against his chair, "tell us. Your big brothers will always have your back."

Ryan and Dexter nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, guys." Sofia laughed. "You're making it sound like someone's going to beat me up on my very first day."

She stood up, raised her right hand, and playfully saluted them.

"But if that somehow happens, I'll definitely report them to my soldiers!"

The entire family burst into laughter.

"Alright, bye, everyone!" she announced, slinging her backpack over one shoulder as she headed toward the front door.

"Young lady."

Sofia stopped in her tracks.

Slowly turning around, she found her mother standing with her hands resting on her hips.

"You forgot something."

Sofia frowned.

"I did? What?"

"My kiss."

"Oh!"

Laughing sheepishly, Sofia hurried back and planted a kiss on her mother's cheek.

Not wanting the others to complain about favoritism—as they always did—she proceeded to kiss her father and each of her brothers too.

"There." She giggled. "Happy now?"

"Much better," they answered with satisfied smiles.

"Bye!"

"Bye, princess!"

With one final wave, Sofia stepped out of the house, her heart filled with excitement as she began walking toward her new school.

The morning was beautiful.

A cool breeze brushed gently against her skin, making a few strands of her hair dance around her face. Birds chirped happily from the trees, while the golden rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting beautiful patterns along the pavement.

Sofia took a deep breath, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Everything seemed perfect.

Too perfect.

Then...

A loud cry shattered the silence.

Sofia stopped walking.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she turned toward the direction of the sound.

Was that someone screaming?

Curiosity getting the better of her, she cautiously moved forward.

And what she saw made her blood run cold.

A few meters ahead, a boy lay helplessly on the ground while several teenagers mercilessly kicked and punched him.

His schoolbag had been thrown aside, and his belongings were scattered across the pavement.

Sofia's eyes widened in horror.

Why were they doing that?

Couldn't they see he was already hurt?

Not far from the group stood another boy, his hands tucked lazily into his pockets as he watched the brutal scene unfold.

Unlike the others, he wasn't participating.

He didn't need to.

A cruel smile played on his lips as though the entire situation was nothing more than an amusing performance.

He wasn't stopping them.

He was enjoying it.

Sofia's heart began pounding.

She knew she should probably find an adult or call for help, but watching someone get hurt while doing absolutely nothing wasn't something she could bring herself to accept.

Before she could reconsider, her feet were already moving.

"Stop!"

Her voice rang through the air.

The teenagers immediately paused, turning their attention toward the unexpected interruption.

Sofia hurried forward and spread her arms in front of the injured boy, shielding him with her own body.

"That's enough! Can't you see he's already hurt?"

For a brief moment, nobody said anything.

The atmosphere suddenly became uncomfortable.

Several pairs of eyes stared at the little girl who had just interrupted them.

Sofia swallowed nervously.

Okay...

Perhaps this wasn't exactly how she had imagined her first day going.

Nevertheless, she refused to move aside.

Behind her, the injured boy struggled to lift his head, seemingly surprised that someone had actually stepped forward to help him.

Meanwhile, the boy with the cruel smile slowly raised his head.

His dark eyes settled on Sofia.

Then, almost imperceptibly, the corner of his lips lifted.

"And what do we have here?"

His voice was calm.

Far too calm.

Sofia turned to face him, trying her best not to let the nervousness creeping through her body show on her face.

He wasn't the tallest person there, but his lean, athletic build suggested he was strong. His uniform was slightly dishevelled, and his hands remained comfortably tucked inside his pockets.

There was something unsettling about the way he carried himself.

He didn't look particularly bothered by the interruption.

If anything, he appeared entertained.

His gaze travelled briefly over her before returning to her face.

A small smirk formed on his lips.

"Are you lost, little girl?"

Sofia frowned.

"I'm not lost."

"Then why are you standing in my way?"

"Because you're hurting someone!"

A few of the teenagers exchanged glances.

The boy tilted his head slightly, studying her with renewed interest.