The Zhao estate glittered in memory long after the gala ended, but for Emily, the shimmer had curdled into poison.
In the privacy of her room, she stood before her mirror, the crimson gown that had once made her feel invincible now mocking her reflection. She replayed the night again and again—the applause for Sara's dance, Daniel's steady gaze fixed on her, Lina's sharp words cutting through her pride.
Every moment was a blade.
She swept an arm across her vanity, sending perfume bottles crashing to the floor. The sharp scent of roses and jasmine filled the air, cloying and suffocating.
"Stupid girl," Emily hissed, eyes burning. "She thinks this changes anything? She'll pay for embarrassing me."
A timid knock came at the door.
Emily snapped, "What?"
The door opened hesitantly, revealing Hannah, her posture small, her eyes darting nervously. "Emily… I just wanted to check on you. You left the party so suddenly."
Emily's gaze snapped to her, sharp and cold. "Check on me? Or check on Sara?"
Hannah flinched. "N-No, of course not. I'm your friend, Emily."
"Then prove it." Emily's voice was like ice. She stepped closer, her perfume thick in the air. "Sara's getting too bold. Daniel notices her, the others notice her… even the whispers are shifting. Do you know what that means?"
Hannah swallowed hard. "That she… she's becoming a threat?"
Emily's lips curled. "Exactly. And I don't tolerate threats. You'll help me remind her of her place."
Hannah's chest tightened. She had followed Emily for years, basking in her light, obeying her orders because it was easier than being invisible. But lately, Sara's quiet strength had unsettled her. The way Daniel defended her, the way Lina stood beside her—Hannah couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to have that kind of loyalty.
Still, Emily's eyes bore into her like a predator. Resistance felt impossible.
"What do you want me to do?" Hannah asked softly.
Emily smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "At school, we'll set the stage. Sara thinks she's safe now with her little circle of friends. We'll show her how fragile that safety really is."
Hannah's hands trembled. "What… kind of stage?"
Emily leaned close, her voice low and venomous. "You'll lure her into a trap. Something small at first. An 'accident' that embarrasses her. If that doesn't work, we'll escalate. She needs to feel the ground shake beneath her feet."
Hannah's throat tightened. "Emily, if anyone finds out—"
"No one will," Emily cut her off sharply. Her hand gripped Hannah's wrist, nails digging into her skin. "You owe me, Hannah. Don't forget who dragged you out of obscurity. Without me, you'd be nothing. Do you want to go back to being invisible?"
Hannah shook her head quickly, tears stinging her eyes. "No… I'll do it."
"Good girl." Emily released her, the sharpness of her grip replaced by a chilling pat on the cheek. "Remember, Hannah. Friends don't betray each other. And you're my friend… aren't you?"
Hannah forced a smile, though her stomach churned. "Of course, Emily."
That night, when Hannah finally returned home, she collapsed onto her bed, her mind spinning. She stared at the ceiling, guilt pressing heavy on her chest.
She remembered Sara's expression during the dance — hesitant, yet radiant under the lights. She remembered Lina's fearless defense at the after-party.
And she remembered Emily's claws digging into her wrist, the unspoken threat behind her smile.
"Am I really her friend?" Hannah whispered into the darkness.
The silence answered her, cruel and suffocating.
The next morning, Emily arrived at school with her usual brilliance, mask firmly in place. Her laughter rang out, her steps light, her words sweet. To the world, she was untouchable.
But in her eyes, behind the gloss and charm, cracks had begun to show. Her jealousy was no longer contained; it seeped through her every word, every glance.
Hannah walked a step behind, her stomach twisting with dread. The mask she wore for Emily felt heavier than ever.
And Sara?
Sara walked into the academy with Lina at her side, Daniel and his friends not far away. For the first time, she looked less like prey and more like someone who belonged.
Emily's smile faltered. Just for a second.
But Hannah noticed.
And for the first time, Hannah wondered which mask would break first—Emily's rage or her own loyalty.