Bulletproof Hearts

The last day of summer. Freya Arsov, the infamous 'ice princess,' lounged in a trendy Beverly Hills coffee shop with her long-time friend, Mayella Vance. The Californian sun felt miles away from the looming return to Arrowsmith Institute in England. Freya, porcelain-skinned and platinum-haired, engaged in a typical, exasperating phone call with her mother, Lady Victoria Calvert, her responses a blend of languid drawls and triumphant grins.

Across the table, Mayella, sipping her iced caramel latte, observed Freya with amusement, knowing her friend's ability to push her mother's buttons. The air of privilege and boredom hung heavy, punctuated by Freya's sudden, rapid-fire Russian that drew eyes from around the cafe.

Meanwhile, miles away in London, Matthew al Nassar, head of the Du Morts Gang, was rudely awakened from a much-needed sleep by his Third-in-Command, Anakin Graves. Exhausted from a week of navigating the 'Dark World' in Mexico, Matthew was in no mood for interruptions, especially at six in the morning.

Anakin, one of the few with the nerve to disturb him, delivered urgent news: Andre Kirova had called, sounding angry, and Matthew had to enroll in Arrowsmith Institute. The news sent a ripple of fear and fury through Matthew, hinting at a forced mission that would collide his dangerous world with the seemingly sheltered lives of the elite.