Page 1 of Lost Paradise

Prologue

Dunrowan Village, Scottish Highlands

The early morning sky is an overcast blanket, typical for this region. I remain hidden in the shadows of the old stone buildings that line the waterfront and observe the others standing by the weathered wooden railing of the docks. The foggy air carries the faint scent of the sea, mingling with the earthy aroma of the nearby pine trees. The ferry is moored a short distance away, and its engines are quiet but ready to awaken for the journey to the island.

I pull the collar of my leather jacket tighter around my neck, more out of habit than cold. It isn’t particularly chilly, but the breeze has a bite to it.

Clusters of first-year students mill around, their chatter a gentle hum that occasionally rises with bursts of excitement. They are easy to spot, with their wide-eyed expressions and tentative steps. The anticipation of their first day at Hawthornes Valor is intense. It’s a familiar scene from last year, though the cast of characters has changed slightly. There are a few recognizable faces, but none hold my attention.

As I observe from the outskirts, a quiet observer amidst the flurry of activity, I wonder which of these eager students will become fixtures in the tapestry of the institute and how their individual stories will intertwine with mine in the coming months.

My eyes quickly dart to my right. A black SUV with darkened windows and a City of London parking permit sticker on the windscreen pulls up near me, its engine purringquietly but powerfully. The vehicle comes to a smooth stop, and the rear door opens with a soft click.

Stepping out of the SUV is a tall, broad-shouldered man dressed in a sharp, tailored suit that does little to disguise his muscular build. His presence commands attention, an air of authority and menace clinging to him like a second skin. He surveys the dock with cold, calculating eyes that miss nothing. His face is rugged, with a strong jawline and a thin scar running from his temple to his cheek.

A younger bloke, closer to my age, follows him out of the vehicle. He carries himself with a similar confidence, though there’s a noticeable tension in his posture, a hint of reluctance. He’s dressed in expensive, casual attire that screams money and power but also hints at a desire to blend in, to be one of us. His light brown hair is neatly styled, and his eyes scan the crowd with a mix of curiosity and wariness.

The older man leans in to speak in a low, commanding tone. The bloke nods, his jaw tightening slightly. It’s a brief exchange, but it’s enough to convey the weight of expectations and the unspoken rules of their world.

The man lights a fag, taking a slow, deliberate drag, his gaze fixed on the younger one as he retrieves his luggage from the back of the car. “The ferry will be departing soon. You need to get on it, and I’ll be back here in June to pick you up.”

East London. I recognize the accent. Even though I’m not from the English capital, cockney is distinct and unmistakable.

His eyes widen in disbelief at the older man, “June? It’s fucking September! What the fuck, Jimmy?!”

“Look, son, this is your father’s orders. You fucked up in America and are a liability. He managed to get you into Hawthornes Valor Institute.”

“What the fuck am I supposed to do at some fancy-arsed college?”

Jimmy shrugs his shoulder.

“Study mate, what do people do at college?”

“I haven’t even got any A’Levels1!”

“And your father pulled some very important strings to get you in here. Take my advice,son, and use this opportunity to learn something here. Everything you need is in the bag, Astro. Make use of your time here. It’s for the best,” he says and shuts the boot.

“Oh yeah, and this is for you, mate,” Jimmy reaches inside his blazer pocket and hands him an envelope. “Make sure you don’t fuck up this time.”

Astro looks inside it. "You've got to be kidding me," he mutters, looking around; his cocky facade crumbles in an instant.

But Jimmy says nothing and takes a final drag from his cigarette, the ember flaring brightly in the gloom. He holds the smoke in his lungs for a moment and exhales slowly, a cloud of grey mist within the air. With a flick, he sends the butt spinning to the ground, stepping on it to extinguish it instantly. With a final glance at Astro, he opens the car door and sighs once more before getting back inside the vehicle.

Astro steps back, watching him drive away. The road back to England is a long one.

His head turns towards the dock. A flicker of hesitation crosses his face, etching lines of apprehension. A bunch of students gather with their luggage; some engage in animated conversations while others quietly observe.

My eyes are abruptly drawn to a striking figure standing near a town car rental. A beauty easily noticeable in her elegant camel coat. Her long, layered light blonde hair cascades down her back, catching the grey light in a way that makes it shimmer even though there’s no sun for it to shine off from.

Standing a step behind her is a tall, imposing figure — her bodyguard, most likely. Dressed in a sharp, dark suit, he exudes an air of silent vigilance as he scans the area ahead. “I can wait until the ferry is ready to depart, but I won’t be able to accompany you beyond that point.”

“No, I’ll be fine, Thomas,” she says with a soft American accent. “You should go. I guess I’ll see you again in June?”

“That’s right, Miss. Winters.”

She glances up at him with her big, expressive blue eyes, her lips forming a faint, sad smile. With a final nod, the bodyguard turns, gets back into the automobile, and drives away. As the car disappears from sight, she takes a deep breath, steadying herself. Her eyes shift back to the docks, determination replacing the sadness. She smooths her coat and adjusts the strap of her handbag, readying herself for the journey ahead.

I continue to watch her as she takes in the surroundings with a mix of curiosity and confidence. Something is captivating about her gaze; it is as if she sees everything and misses nothing. Her pale skin contrasts beautifully with the coat, giving her an ethereal quality. Her full, naturally pale, rosy lips are set in a thoughtful line, adding a touch of softness to her otherwise composed demeanor.

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