The following morning brought a haze of gray clouds and a persistent drizzle that clung to the windows of Crescent High. Aria walked through the halls with a measured pace, the weight of yesterday’s conversation with Luca pressing on her chest. She could still hear his voice in her mind, urging caution, reminding her not to lose herself to the pull Damian exerted. And yet, the moments with Damian—the subtle protection, the warmth in his voice—refused to leave her thoughts.
By mid-morning, the school was buzzing more than usual. Aria could feel the whispers brushing against her like a cold wind. She had hoped the gossip surrounding her father’s fall might fade, but instead it had grown louder, more insistent. The rumors weren’t just idle chatter anymore; they had become a kind of public sc
