The classroom buzzed with the usual chaos of chatter and shuffling papers, but Hannah barely noticed. Her mind was still trapped in last night's shadows, replaying every poisonous word between Grace and Emily.
She'll have nowhere left to stand.To Sara's downfall.
The phrases echoed in her skull until her stomach twisted. For years, Hannah had stayed close to Emily because it was safer — safer to obey, to hide in her shadow, than to be her target. But now, after seeing the venom Emily wielded alongside Grace, Hannah felt the walls closing in.
"Hey," Lina's voice broke through, sharp and curious. She leaned across the aisle, narrowing her eyes at Hannah. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Hannah startled, fumbling with her pen. "I-I'm fine. Just tired."
Lina arched an eyebrow. "Tired, huh? Funny, because I've been watching you all week. You always look nervous when Emily's around."
Hannah's heart lurched. "That's not—"
"Yes, it is." Lina's voice softened, but her eyes stayed piercing. "Look, I'm not accusing you of anything. But if you know something… if you know what she's planning against Sara…"
Hannah's throat closed. She wanted to tell her, to spill everything she'd overheard, to beg someone else to carry this burden. But fear coiled around her ribs like chains. Emily's threats weren't idle — Hannah had seen what she was capable of.
So she shook her head quickly. "I don't know anything."
Lina studied her for a moment, then leaned back in her chair, lips pressed into a thin line. But her expression said she didn't believe a word.
At lunch, Sara sat with her circle — Lina, Adrian, Ryan, Leo, and Daniel. Their laughter bubbled around the table, but Hannah sat off to the side, her tray untouched.
She watched as Sara leaned closer to Daniel, her smile small but genuine. Adrian cracked another joke, Ryan rolled his eyes, and Lina swatted Adrian's arm while trying not to laugh.
It was a scene Hannah had never imagined seeing — Sara not alone, not crumbling under Emily's cruelty, but surrounded by people who cared for her.
And for the first time, Hannah felt the sharp stab of shame. She had helped Emily isolate Sara in the past. She had stood by while Emily spread lies. She had been complicit.
Now, watching Sara laugh, Hannah realized how wrong she'd been.
Emily appeared at the cafeteria doors, her presence shifting the air. The chatter dimmed, eyes drawn to her like moths to a flame.
She strolled in with her usual poise, her smile practiced, her gaze cutting across the room until it landed on Sara's table. Her lips curled faintly before she turned to whisper to her lackeys.
Almost immediately, a ripple of whispers spread. Sara stiffened, trying to ignore it, but Lina slammed her fork down. "Unbelievable. Can't she go one day without trying to poison the air?"
Daniel's eyes darkened. "She's escalating."
Adrian smirked. "Then maybe it's time we escalate too."
Ryan sighed. "Violence isn't the answer, Adrian."
"Who said anything about violence? I'm thinking creative revenge." Adrian winked at Sara, earning a reluctant laugh from her.
Hannah's chest tightened again. These people weren't just defending Sara — they were lifting her higher.
And here Hannah sat, silent, knowing that Emily and Grace were weaving something far more dangerous than gossip.
After school, Hannah lingered by her locker, her hands shaking as she stuffed her books inside. Lina appeared beside her, leaning casually against the lockers.
"You're jumpy again," Lina said lightly. "Almost like you're hiding something."
Hannah froze. "I-I told you, I don't—"
"Relax," Lina interrupted, her voice calm. "I'm not here to attack you. But I can see it in your eyes, Hannah. You're not like Emily. Not really."
Tears prickled behind Hannah's lids, but she blinked them away. "You don't understand. If I say anything, she'll—" She cut herself off, panic surging.
Lina's expression softened. "She can't control you forever. When you're ready… we'll be here. Sara will be here."
Hannah bit her lip, her vision blurring. For the first time, someone was offering her a way out. But fear still held her tongue.
As Lina walked away, Hannah whispered to herself, barely audible: "How much longer can I stay silent?"