Chase’s P.O.V
I spent the entire day dodging Alex, sticking close to Keith and Lucia like they were my lifelines. Keith’s quiet humor and Lucia’s steady presence kept the whispers and stares at bay, and for the first time since moving to Devil’s Lake, I felt a flicker of control.
The energy drink Keith had given me still buzzed faintly in my system, dulling the pull of Alex’s bite, and Lucia’s promise to watch my back gave me enough courage to make it through classes.
By the time the final bell rang, my shoulders sagged with relief. I could go home, lock myself in my room, and pretend, just for a few hours, that this nightmare wasn’t my life…..
I said goodbye to Keith and Lucia outside the school, their waves lingering as I turned toward the direction of the Marshall estate.
The la
