Page 1 of Ruined Wolfsbane

CHAPTER 1

BRIAR

As the wrought iron front gates of the school come into view, I stop and take in the imposing front of Wolves Hollow University. Today will be so different from how I’d imagined it. For years, I looked to college as my escape. I thought I would go to school across the country. Free from expectations. Free from this shithole town. Free from him.

Instead, I’m just as firmly shackled as ever, twisted in a snare I see no way out of.

Gritting my teeth, I force myself to think about something else. I shove all my longing for freedom into the steel box in my mind that houses the rest of my inconvenient feelings because feeling isn’t safe.

Swinging my gaze across the lush lawn, towering pines, and twisting ivy-covered buildings, I survey the courtyard of my new school. That is, if you can even call this castle-like monstrosity a school.

A gray stone wall separates Wolves Hollow University from the road. Past the outer wall is a collection of towering buildings, complete with turrets, arched entryways, and winding staircases. These buildings house everything from classes to dorms to administrative offices—not that I’ll ever see the inside of the dorms.

As a resident of the town of Wolves Hollow, I’m not allowed to live on campus. Wolves Hollow is a seemingly idyllic Pacific Northwest small town. Its picturesque pine forests, mountain views, and scenic nature trails make it seem like the perfect place to live.

I’d give almost anything to never see this city again, and I was on track to do just that. Life has a funny way of screwing me over just when my dreams are in reach, though. Instead of leaving Wolves Hollow for college, I have to live with my stepfather.

Lucky me.

Dorm life isn’t glamorous, but I looked forward to living anywhere other than in that house.

Before I can get sucked into thoughts about another four years living at home, my phone chirps. My mood instantly improves when I see who it is.

Ava

Have a great first day of school, Rosie!!!!

My little sister, Ava, is the only one who gets away with calling me by my middle name—Rose. To everyone else, it’s Briar.

Yep, my mom named me Briar Rose, like Sleeping Beauty. She always told me she named me Briar Rose to be as sweet as a rose and as fierce as its thorns. However, I think she went through a Disney princess phase right before I was born. I guess I’ll never know.

Shaking off thoughts of my mom, I reply to Ava.

Thanks, Bun Bun. I’ll give you a call when you’re done with classes for the day. Love you.

Even though she’s six hours away, I swear I can see Ava’s eye roll at her nickname. It’s not my fault she went through a bunny phase when she was little. At almost eight years older than her, I remember a lot about when Ava was a sweet baby and toddler, even though she wishes I’d forget the embarrassing parts of her childhood.

With my lips tipped up in a small smile at the thought of baby Ava, I glance at the screen again. After getting a heart emoji in response, I tuck my phone back in my bag.

Adjusting the strap so it doesn’t dig as painfully into my back, I walk toward the Wyldhart building. I have most of my classes there. As a small, private college, WHU has only a few buildings for classes.

Being a first-year, my schedule consists of mostly general education requirements. It should be an easy semester. I took most of these classes online during the past couple years. Unfortunately for me, WHU doesn’t accept online credits. So, I have to start all over as a freshman at twenty.

Stepping inside Wyldhart Hall, I take a second to smooth down my unruly jet-black hair that’s so dark it looks navy at times. My raven hair only makes my fair skin and icy eyes look paler. My light blue eyes are from my mom. The black hair probably comes from my father. I don’t know, though, as I don’t remember him.

I pulled my hair into a loose French braid this morning in an attempt to tame it. It’s only been a few hours and, already, tendrils are escaping and curling around my face and neck.

I glance at the time.

Shit.

I only have minutes to get to class. No time to fix my hair, then.

Giving up on my hair, I tug at my ridiculous blue-and-green-plaid skirt. As if having to go to college in this godforsaken town isn’t bad enough, WHU has a uniform. Crisp, white button-up shirts and scratchy navy blazers are standard-issue for both boys and girls. Guys get to wear navy pants. Girls have to wear dark-blue-and-emerald tartan skirts with matching navy knee-high socks.

On my five-eight frame, the standard-issue skirt is way too short for my liking. It barely covers my ass, let alone comes down to my knees like it’s supposed to.

I look like I’m trying to be a sexy schoolgirl in this ridiculous getup.

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