In Her Shadow

Gianna’s Scheme

Chapter Four:

Chloe’s POV

The clang of wooden swords echoed through the training field, the rhythmic clash almost soothing. Riley and I had been sparring for the better part of an hour, and for once, I was holding my own. I ducked under his swing, pivoting to the side and aiming for his ribs.

“Not bad,” Riley said, blocking me easily with a grin. “You’re getting quicker.”

“Or maybe you’re just getting lazy,” I shot back, earning a bark of laughter from him.

It felt good to spar with Riley, to lose myself in the movements and forget everything else for a while. But the distraction only lasted so long. The moment we finished and started packing up, my thoughts drifted back to Skyler.

Last night, during our best friend hangout, he’d told me he planned to ask Gianna to the Moon Festival. My stomach twisted just thinking about it. He’d kissed me at the Christmas party, thinking it was her, and now he was convinced she might be his mate.

The thought crushed me, even though I knew it shouldn’t. Skyler was my best friend. He deserved to be happy. But why did it have to be with her?

Riley noticed my silence as we walked back to the packhouse.

“Alright, spill,” he said, slinging an arm around my shoulders.

I frowned. “What?”

“You’ve been weird all day,” he said, his tone light but probing. “Is this about Skyler?”

I sighed, pulling away from him. “It’s nothing, Riley.”

“Yeah, right,” he said, crossing his arms. “Come on, Chloe. You think I don’t notice the way you look at him?”

Heat rose to my cheeks. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He snorted. “Please. You’ve been in love with that guy since we were kids. Does he know?”

“Of course not,” I snapped, my voice sharper than I intended.

Riley raised an eyebrow, surprised but not offended. “Alright, fair enough. But you know he’s gonna figure it out eventually, right?”

“Not if Gianna has anything to say about it,” I muttered under my breath.

Riley’s face darkened. “What did she do now?”

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to drag Riley into it. But before I could decide, a familiar voice called out from behind us.

---

Gianna’s POV

The moment I saw them walking back from the training field, I knew something was up. Chloe looked like she’d just lost a fight—metaphorically, at least—and Riley was hovering over her like some kind of guard dog. Typical.

Chloe Brentwood, my perfect little twin. Well, perfect in the *I’m-so-nice-and-loyal-it’s-disgusting* kind of way. She wasn’t flashy like me, didn’t know how to command attention when she walked into a room. But people liked her anyway.

Her long, sandy-brown hair was always tied back in a braid, her green eyes bright but cautious, like she didn’t want to take up too much space. She didn’t wear makeup, didn’t bother with trendy clothes, and somehow still managed to look annoyingly pretty. It was like she wasn’t even trying.

But me? I had to work for it. And I did, because I understood how the world worked. Charm, looks, confidence—those were the things that got you ahead in life. Not Chloe’s quiet, self-sacrificing act.

And yet, people still adored her. Skyler included.

At least, he had before the Christmas party.

But there was something about the way Chloe had looked at me that night, her expression tight and guarded, that made me suspicious.

I’d been watching her ever since, and it didn’t take long to put the pieces together.

Chloe was in love with Skyler.

I knew I could use it. I just needed the right moment.

“Hey, Chloe!” I called, my voice sweet as sugar.

She stiffened but turned to face me, her expression carefully neutral.

“What do you want, Gianna?”

I grinned, sauntering over to them. Riley rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath, but I ignored him.

“Just wanted to chat with my favorite sister,” I said, looping an arm around her shoulders. “Alone.”

Riley frowned, stepping between us. “Whatever you’re planning, don’t.”

I flashed him an innocent smile. “Relax, big brother. It’s just a little girl talk.”

Riley looked at Chloe, his gaze questioning, but she nodded. “It’s fine, Riley. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Once he was gone, I turned to Chloe, dropping the fake sweetness.

“So,” I said, leaning against a nearby tree. “Skyler asked me to the Moon Festival.”

Chloe’s face paled, but she didn’t say anything.

“And I thought it was such a coincidence,” I continued, my tone light but sharp. “After all, he’s your best friend, isn’t he? Funny how he chose me instead.”

“Get to the point, Gianna,” she said, her voice low.

I smirked, stepping closer. “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

She flinched, and that was all the confirmation I needed.

“Wow,” I said, pretending to be surprised. “How tragic. Poor little Chloe, pining after someone who doesn’t even notice her.”

“Shut up, Gianna,” she said, her hands curling into fists.

“Oh, don’t be like that,” I said, tilting my head. “I’m just trying to help. You wouldn’t want me to accidentally let it slip, would you? Or worse, tell him about that "diary" of yours?”

Her eyes widened in panic, and I felt a rush of satisfaction.

“You wouldn’t,” she whispered.

“Wouldn’t I?” I said, my smile widening. “Unless, of course, you do me a little favor.”

“What kind of favor?” she asked warily.

I shrugged. “Skyler wants to take me out, but I need to make sure it goes well. You’re his best friend, so who better to give me all the details? What he likes, what he doesn’t like, what I should talk about.”

Chloe hesitated, her jaw tight.

“Well?” I prompted.

“Fine,” she said finally, her voice trembling with anger. “I’ll help you. But you’d better keep your mouth shut, Gianna.”

“Of course,” I said sweetly. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

For now, I added silently, already planning my next move.

“If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I’ll tell Skyler about your diary.”

Her face paled, and I felt a rush of satisfaction.

“Don’t worry,” I added with a smirk. “I won't tell a soul until you get me a reason to.”

As I walked away, I couldn’t help but laugh. This was going to be easier than I thought.

---

Flashback:

I remember the first time I realized Chloe was different. We were seven, playing hide-and-seek in the woods near the packhouse. Chloe had found me crouched behind a tree, her green eyes wide with excitement.

“I win!” she’d said, laughing as she tagged me.

Even then, she’d been so "good". So pure. It was infuriating.

But I’d learned something that day. Chloe was too trusting, and too willing to believe the best in people. And I knew I could use that to my advantage.

End of Flashback

Now, standing in the clearing with her, I couldn’t help but smile. Some things never change.