The next morning, Crescent High felt heavier somehow, like the air itself was thick with unspoken challenges. Aria adjusted her bag straps and took a deep breath before stepping into the classroom. Today was the first meeting of the debate team’s study group—a setup that Damian had engineered, knowing she would be involved. The thought made her chest tighten, equal parts dread and anticipation.
By the time she reached the long table in the back of the room, a small cluster of students had already gathered. Damian sat at the head, arms crossed, his dark eyes scanning everyone as though he were the chess master and they were pieces on his board. The smirk on his face flickered when he caught her gaze. It was brief, subtle, but enough to make her stomach clench.
“Moretti,” he said, voice ca
