The ride back to the girls’ dormitory was quiet and guarded. Adrian insisted on escorting Sophia personally, his arm resting firmly around her waist as they walked, his eyes scanning every shadow, every corner, every person they passed. The battle at the Student Council building had ended hours ago, the intruders detained or driven off, the damage assessed and secured—but the tension hadn't faded. If anything, it had grown heavier, thicker with the weight of the truth they had uncovered: Sophia’s accident had never been an accident at all. It had been an attempt on her life, planned and executed by the Silver Vipers, simply because of who she was to Adrian.
Before parting ways, Adrian pulled her gently aside, away from the others, his expression soft yet etched with worry. He lifted a han
