The walk home from school felt heavier than usual, the events of the day clinging to Selene like a second skin. Lila’s cruelty, Caleb’s unexpected kindness, and the strange energy she’d felt when pushed to her limit—it all swirled in her mind, leaving her restless and on edge. The bitter taste of Lila’s taunts lingered on her tongue, like a stain that wouldn’t fade, while Caleb’s protective actions made her heart flutter with confusion. Her mind was a whirlwind, and she couldn’t quiet it.
The forest loomed in the distance as she walked, its shadows stretching long under the setting sun. Normally, the sight of it brought her comfort—a sanctuary when the world became too loud. But today, it felt different. The trees seemed to hum with a kind of restless energy, as though they were alive in
