Chapter 2: The Howl

The clock above the quad struck midnight as I stood at the edge of the expansive lawn. The grass looked purple in the moonlight. The nervous energy in the air was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. I was here, and I had absolutely no idea why. After assuring my mom I was safe and fine and having fun, I tried to crack open my books, but the torchlight and rising voices outside my dorm window drew me out.

I scanned the crowd and saw a figure standing confidently at the front of a group of upperclassmen. They wore a welcoming smile and waved me over. As I approached, I noticed their short, dyed hair and a distinctive air of self-assurance.

"Hey there, newbie. I'm Jordan," they said, extending a hand. "You're Cadence, right?"

"Yeah, how did you—" I replied.

"Small school. New scholarship kid is big news. Normally, it's a freshman, but Callie Weathers didn't come back this year, and I guess the money went to you. You must be smart as hell."

I didn't know how to respond to a compliment like that, so I just smiled and tried to change the subject. "Uh, so what's all this about then?"

"You don't know about The Howl?" Jordan chuckled. "Don't worry, it's mostly fun. We all did it."

Just then, a loud voice boomed across the quad. "Freshmen, line up!"

A brash, energetic student with an air of authority strutted to the front. His presence was magnetic, and the crowd immediately fell silent. "Welcome to The Howl! I'm Max, and I'm here to make sure you all start your Crownwood journey right."

Most of the freshmen ran to fall into place while others moved anxiously into position. I noticed Emma in the crowd, her eyes glinting with amusement as she watched them.

Max's eyes scanned the line of freshmen, then found me in the crowd of onlookers. "Cadence Kincaid, get up here."

My heart skipped a beat, but I stepped forward, trying to mask my nervousness. "Me? Why?"

Max grinned. "All new students, Cadence. Not just the freshmen. Come on, darlin'."

I glanced at Jordan, who gave me an encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, I walked up to stand beside the freshmen.

"Alright, newbies, it's time to howl like coyotes. Let's hear it!" Max shouted.

We all looked at each other before letting out tentative howls. It felt ridiculous at first, but as we continued, it became strangely liberating. The howls grew louder and more enthusiastic, echoing off the surrounding buildings. The night air was cool and crisp, carrying our voices into the stillness.

Max raised a hand for silence. "Good start! Now, on all fours."

The excitement faltered, replaced by confusion and hesitation. Some students immediately complied, while others, including myself, were reluctant.

"I'm not doing that," I whispered, my defiance bubbling up.

Max's eyes locked onto mine. "Tick-tock, Cadence. Don't be the odd one out."

I felt the pressure from all sides, the stares of my peers, the weight of trying to fit in. Reluctantly, I dropped to all fours, feeling the grass beneath my hands. It felt damp and cool, a stark contrast to the warmth of the night.

"Good. Now, let's hear it! Louder this time!" Max commanded.

We howled, the sound echoing through the quad. Just as the howling reached its peak, a group of seniors emerged from the shadows, carrying buckets. Before I could react, I was drenched in sweet tea. The liquid soaked through my clothes, the sticky sweetness clinging to my skin.

Laughter erupted, and I spotted Emma, her face alight with amusement. Embarrassment surged through me, but I quickly pushed it aside. If this was a test, I was going to pass it. I stood up, shaking off the excess tea and flashing a defiant grin. I flung my arms out and howled as loud as I could, eyes to the sky.

Some of the upperclassmen joined in with their own howls, and claps and laughter erupted as everyone came together.

Jordan appeared by my side, an ecstatic grin on their face. "You're gonna do great here, Cadence."

I couldn't help but laugh too, the earlier embarrassment fading into a strange sense of camaraderie. "Thanks."

As the seniors and freshmen began to disperse, Max approached me. "Not bad, Kincaid." He looked me up and down before strolling off toward Milam House, one of the boys' dorms.

"Steer clear of that guy," Jordan said. "He's walking Rohypnol."

"I caught that impression," I said.

"You wanna come back to Burnet Hall and party a little?"

"Uh, I kinda need a shower, and classes start tomorrow, so..." I said.

"All good. No peer pressure. Nice meeting you," they said, turning to head back with their friends to the dorm.

I wanted to shout for them to wait up. I wanted to race to join them and party. But I just couldn't. I couldn't risk everything for a little fun.

When I got back to Lamar House, I found a scrunchie on the doorknob and heard Emma inside with who I assumed was the blue-eyed guy from earlier. Great. Just great.