A whole week had passed.
And the rumors? Still flying around.
She couldn't walk into class without eyes following her, without someone whispering behind a palm or nudging their friend like she was a show.
The cafeteria was worse.
Just yesterday, some random common wolf had looked her dead in the face and called her a murderer.
And he got applause from other students.
Thanks to that big-mouthed idiot, Priya. And that Lucien's girlfriend… what was her name again?
Velora? Valtira?
Didn't matter. She didn't care. They were both certified witches. And not the magical kind.
The principal and her council better hurry up and clear her name because this? This wasn't living.
She was in the library now. A fat spellbook open in front of her—but untouched. Her sandwich, though? Already halfway gone.
The library was the only place that gave her peace lately. Quiet. No snickers. No glares. Just her and rows of books that didn't judge.
Why would anyone believe she killed Solera?
If Lucien and his stupid goons hadn't bagged her that night, none of this would've happened.
Gods, she hated him right now.
She began to eat her sandwich.
"Eating isn't allowed in the library."
The voice made her jump. She almost choked.
"Gods, Ed," she said, hand on her chest. "You scared me."
He smiled, sitting on the chair beside her. "Sorry. Just… haven't seen you around. After class, you vanish."
She sighed. "Yeah. The rumors… they've been getting to me. I just can't deal. I didn't kill her, Ed."
He reached for her hand. Held it.
"I know," he said. "I believe you."
That—right there. That meant everything.
At least someone in this school still had a brain.
Ed glanced at her book. "I started on the potion already. It's brewing in my room. Smells horrible, by the way."
Yvaine smiled, the first real one in days.
"We're almost there. The last step's the binding, and that's where the witch comes in."
"What would I do without you?"
She leaned over and hugged him tight.
"Thank you. Really. I hope this works."
"It'll work," he said, voice low. "I know it will."
She didn't know who moved first.
Maybe it was her. Maybe it was him.
But one second they were staring, and the next… their lips were almost touching. Just one breath between them.
And then—
"Thought I'd find you here."
Yvaine flinched.
"Damn it, Nyxara," she hissed. "You should walk around with a bell on your neck."
Ed quickly got up, his face already red. He straightened his blazer.
"See you around, Yvaine, and tell Zully about the… stuff."
"Hi, Nyx," he added before making his exit.
Nyx's eyes followed him out the door.
"Tell Zully about what?"
Yvaine slammed the book shut and shoved it into her bag. "Nothing. It's nothing."
Nyx leaned on the table, arms folded. "Look, I wouldn't even be here. I get it—people need space. But Zully's worried. She says you've been quiet. You don't sit with us at lunch. You barely talk."
Yvaine's chest tightened. She snapped.
"Maybe I'm just trying not to be popular for something I didn't do, like murder!"
Then she sighed. "Sorry. I didn't mean that."
Nyx shrugged. "Look, I understand. This place? It's a zoo sometimes. But I know you didn't kill Solera. You don't have it in you. I'm sure the council will find the killer and clear your name."
She paused.
"Unless… you want to snoop around with me? Dig up our own truth?"
Yvaine blinked at her. "You're wild."
"I'm practical," Nyx said, standing. "Now come on. Lunch is almost over and you need air."
Right then, the bell rang.
"There. Told you," Nyx smirked. "We've got dance class next. Lucky us."
Yvaine groaned. "Ugh. I hate dance class."
Nyx grinned. "Good. That means you'll be my partner."
At least for now, she didn't feel completely alone.
_____
Dance class had Yvaine sweaty. So, she headed for the bathroom.
She had a quick shower, put in her underwear and stepped out wrapping a towel around her.
It wasn't there.
She blinked. Looked around again.
Nothing.
"What?" she said under her breath. "But I left it right here…"
She checked the next bench. The one after that. Still nothing.
Her stomach dropped.
"Damn it!"
Just then, a girl came out of one of the stalls. Pointy ears. A fae.
"Excuse me," Yvaine said quickly. "Did you see my uniform? I left it here."
The fae girl looked at her, then shrugged. "Oh, that was yours? I saw a guy take some clothes and walk into the male bathroom."
Yvaine stared. "A guy? You didn't stop him? Guys aren't allowed in here."
"He wasn't in uniform. I thought he was the janitor."
Yvaine blinked again. A male janitor cleaning the girls' bathroom? During school hours?
"Thanks," she muttered.
Now what?
She looked down at herself. Just underwear and a small towel. Great.
This was so stupid. The boys' bathroom was literally the next door. She'd just go in, grab her stuff, and bounce. Quick. Easy.
No one would be there.
Right?
She opened the door.
Three stalls were closed. That was it. Quiet otherwise.
She scanned the room.
Where was it?
Where was it—
"Looking for this, Theolux?"
Her heart sank.
She turned.
Lucien.
He was leaning against the sink. Her uniform in his hand.
Two boys stood beside him. The same ones from the other night.
She swallowed hard. "Please give it back."
Lucien raised a brow. "Come get it."
Yvaine stepped forward. "I don't want trouble. Just give me the uniform, and I'll go."
Lucien smirked. "What? Afraid someone's gonna catch you in the boys' room, half naked?"
Yes. She didn't want that. Now give the uniform back!
But she didn't say that.
Lucien held the blazer higher. "I'll give it to you. But you'll have to take it from me."
He was tall. Too tall.
Yvaine looked at the towel wrapped around her. Thin. Too short.
She'd have to jump.
And that would mean—
"Don't you want it back?" one of the boys asked, voice mocking.
Fine.
She jumped.
Lucien moved his hand.
Not fair.
"Higher, Theolux," he said, voice almost sweet.
The other grinned. "Should we call the janitor?"
She jumped again.
This time, one of them pulled her towel off.
She gasped, using her arms to cover herself. Her face burned.
"Aww," Lucien said, staring at her. "Look at you. I guess you don't need the uniform after all."
He dragged a claw across her shirt and blazer, tearing them.
"No!" she shouted.
He held up the ripped pieces and waved them in the air.
She tried to grab them. They laughed.
She was half-naked. In the boys' bathroom. With nowhere to run.
Then a voice came from behind her.
"Aren't you just pathetic, Lucien Lioréan?"
She turned.
Lucien turned too.
"And why can't you mind your damn business?" Lucien snapped.
Yvaine's heart jumped.
It was Vireleith.