***
As we settled into Esme's room, the warmth of friendship enveloped us like a comforting embrace. The events of the day had left us drained and tense, but being together eased the weight on our shoulders.
"I can't stand Sierra," I muttered, my voice tinged with frustration. "She's always trying to undermine me."
Esme nodded sympathetically, her expression mirroring my own disdain. "Tell me about it. She's been a thorn in my side since we were kids."
Ryder chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Remember the time she tripped and fell into the pond during the Midsummer Festival?"
Esme burst into laughter, her cheeks flushed with amusement. "Oh, how could I forget? She was soaked from head to toe, and she didn't live it down for weeks!"
I couldn't help but join in, the tension o
