Cass Winfield clutched her tray as she stepped into the cafeteria. The smell of reheated pizza and mystery meat hit her first, followed by the low hum of gossip, laughter, and the occasional shriek from someone who had dropped their tray. She tried to breathe, tried to act normal, but the tight knot in her stomach reminded her just how much of a battlefield this school had become.
Lena was already at the window table, waving frantically. Cass felt a flicker of relief. At least someone here was on her side. She navigated through the crowd, elbows and backpacks barely missing her, and finally collapsed into the seat across from Lena.
“You made it!” Lena said, grinning. “I was starting to think Marvin had some sort of magical force field keeping you from eating in peace.”
Cass snorted. “I’
