The next morning was oddly quiet.
Liana arrived at school early, her backpack heavier than usual, her sketchbook clutched tightly under one arm. She had submitted her application for the art competition, choosing to enter a live painting round—bold, raw, and vulnerable. Just like her.
Bianca grinned when she saw her. "You did it?"
Liana nodded. "Yeah. I'm tired of hiding."
But in truth, a storm brewed in her chest. Ever since she stood up to Xavier, the Vipers had been unusually quiet. No pranks, no smirks, no whispered insults. Just… silence. And somehow, that was worse.
Meanwhile, across campus, the Vipers gathered in the Viper Lounge—a hidden rooftop space known only to the elite few.
Adrien kicked a chair lazily. "You saw the list. She's in."
Ralph shrugged. "She's talented. We all saw the sketch she posted in the entry forum. Girl's not just brave, she's brilliant."
Xavier didn't speak. He stared at the sky, jaw clenched.
Zayn leaned forward. "So what now? Do we drop it? Or do we make her quit before the festival?"
Xavier's voice was cold, almost bored. "Let her try."
They all looked at him, surprised.
"Let her try," he repeated. "But don't go easy on her."
Back in class, Liana sat in the back row, sketching silently. But this time, it wasn't pain she was drawing. It was fire—roaring, rising, consuming. She was done being quiet.
And then something unexpected happened.
Mr. Kade, the drama and literature teacher, entered the room. "Good morning, students. I've been told that one of you has entered the Talent Festival art competition under the Visual Expression category."
Liana froze.
Mr. Kade smiled. "Miss Liana. Congratulations. I've seen your application. Exceptional work."
The entire class turned to stare.
Bianca beamed.
But Xavier… Xavier didn't look at her.
He stood up and left the classroom.
And outside, for the first time, the weight in his chest refused to disappear.