Hannah walked through the academy halls with her head bowed, clutching her books tightly to her chest. Whispers still followed her everywhere — little daggers disguised as laughter.
Sara's maid.
Her shadow.
Nothing without her.
The cruel words burrowed deep, but what stung most was her own doubt.
That morning, she sat quietly beside Sara in the café, her untouched tea growing cold. Lina slammed her hand against the table, startling her.
"This is ridiculous!" Lina snapped. "Why should Hannah keep suffering because of Grace's poison? We're not going to let her be their joke."
Adrian leaned back in his chair, smirking, but his tone was sharp. "Agreed. If they want to call her a shadow, let's show them she shines brighter than all of us."
Hannah blinked. "What… what do you mean?"
Daniel's calm voice cut through the noise. "Hannah, you have talents no one's seen because you hide behind us. But if you step into the light, they won't be able to call you weak anymore."
"I-I don't know," Hannah whispered, her fingers tightening on her skirt. "I've never been like you guys. Confident. Strong."
Ryan gave her a small smile. "Strength doesn't mean being loud, Hannah. Sometimes, it's just refusing to stay silent."
---
Two days later, the academy's cultural week began — a stage for students to showcase their talents. Music, debate, art, literature. Grace, of course, planned to dominate the event.
But Sara had other plans.
"Hannah's entering the competition," she announced to the group.
Hannah nearly choked on her water. "What? No! I can't—"
"You can," Sara said firmly. "I've heard you play the piano. You're incredible. And the world deserves to hear it."
Lina grinned. "Imagine the faces of those brats when the 'shadow' outshines them."
Adrian winked. "And if anyone boos, I'll make sure their voices mysteriously disappear."
Hannah's cheeks burned, but a small warmth bloomed inside her. They believed in her — more than she believed in herself.
---
On the day of the event, the auditorium was packed. Grace sat in the front row, flanked by Emily, both smirking as if the stage belonged to them.
When Hannah's name was announced, murmurs rippled through the crowd. "Her? What's she doing here?"
Her knees trembled as she stepped onto the stage. The piano gleamed under the lights, waiting.
She sat down, her palms sweaty, her heart racing. For a moment, the whispers almost drowned her.
Then she remembered Sara's words: "You're my strength. Always."
Her fingers touched the keys. And the music began.
---
The melody was soft at first, hesitant — but gradually, it grew. Gentle notes flowed into powerful chords, weaving sorrow and hope together. It wasn't just music; it was Hannah's voice, the one she'd hidden all this time.
The crowd fell silent. Even Grace's smile faltered as the auditorium filled with the aching beauty of Hannah's song.
When the final note faded, there was a pause — then thunderous applause erupted.
Students rose to their feet, clapping, cheering. For the first time, Hannah wasn't in Sara's shadow. She was standing in her own light.
Tears stung her eyes as she bowed.
From the side of the stage, Sara and the others clapped the loudest, their faces beaming with pride.
---
Backstage, Lina threw her arms around Hannah. "You were amazing!"
Adrian whistled. "Didn't know you had that in you, little star."
Ryan gave her a small nod of approval. "Now they'll think twice before mocking you again."
Hannah laughed, a shaky, tear-filled sound, but it was real. For once, she felt like she belonged — not because she stood behind Sara, but because she stood beside her.
---
In the audience, Grace's hands clenched into fists. "Impossible," she hissed. "She was supposed to break, not shine."
Emily leaned closer, her smile brittle. "We underestimated her. And now everyone's rallying around Sara even more."
Grace's jaw tightened. For the first time, doubt flickered in her eyes.
Sara had taken every blow meant to destroy her — and turned it into strength. And now even Hannah, the weakest link, was untouchable.
But Grace wasn't ready to surrender.
"If light won't destroy her," Grace murmured, her voice cold, "then we'll use shadows."