Jade’s POV
If I had known turning eighteen would be the catalyst for all this chaos, I would’ve begged the Moon Goddess to skip my birthday altogether.
Now, every hallway feels tighter. Every glance heavier.
Every time I catch Hunter Ashford’s scent, my stomach knots like I’ve swallowed a thousand tiny needles.
The boy who used to laugh when others humiliated me now watches me like I’m a puzzle he regrets tearing apart.
But I’m not here for regrets. I’m here to survive.
After my parents sat me down again this morning, urging me to be careful, I’d promised them—no more drama. I would go to school, avoid Hunter, and stay out of trouble.
So far, I was succeeding.
Sort of.
Until lunch, when he tried again.
“Jade.”
I didn’t look up. I picked at the sandwich Ashley had made for me, pr
