Amara's POV
Next morning at school I sat at my desk, trying to steady my breathing. My mind was a storm—last night with Caden, his brokenness, his confession. His pain was etched in my mind like a scar. He wasn’t lying. I could feel it in the way his voice trembled, the way his body seemed to shatter in my presence. But what could I do? His words didn’t erase the betrayals or the wounds they had inflicted.
I brushed away the thoughts and dressed for school. Elian, sensing my unease, gave me a subtle nod before I left the house. “You’re ready, Amara. Whatever happens today, remember who you’ve become.”
The reminder bolstered my courage, even if only slightly.
When I arrived at school, the familiar whispers began. My presence, once timid and invisible, now commanded attention. Heads
