The chill of night still clung to the academy, but the library confrontation had followed Elena like a shadow. Lila's smirk. Adrian's watchful eyes. Clara's mocking glance. Ryan's silence. It all pressed on her chest, daring her to crumble.
But she refused.
At breakfast the next morning, the dining hall buzzed with laughter and gossip. Students leaned over tables, whispering about duels, romances, and rumors of secret societies. The perfect stage.
Elena entered calmly, her expression cool. Every step was deliberate. She could feel eyes on her, the whispers starting even before she reached her seat.
Clara's voice rang out from the other end of the table, sweet yet sharp. "Well, if it isn't Elena Zhou. You've been quite… busy these days. Sneaking into the library at midnight? How bold."
The hall hushed. Forks stilled. Elena lifted her gaze, locking eyes with Clara. The girl's smirk was bait—waiting for Elena to shrink back, to play the fool.
But instead, Elena rose to her feet.
"I don't sneak," she said clearly, her voice carrying across the room. "Unlike some people, I don't need to hide my moves."
A ripple of shock swept through the students. Clara's smirk wavered. Adrian, seated nearby, leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes narrowing with interest. Ryan, arms crossed, tilted his head slightly, as if curious to see how far Elena would go.
And then—Lila entered.
Perfect timing. Her arrival was like the drop of poison in a cup of water; the air instantly soured. Students parted to let her pass, her delicate smile masking venom.
"Elena," Lila greeted smoothly, her voice silk over steel. "So loud this morning. Are you trying to prove something?"
Elena's nails pressed into her palms, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she stepped forward until only a few feet separated them.
"I don't need to prove anything," Elena said, her tone steady. "But I won't let liars and snakes move around freely anymore."
The hall erupted in gasps. Some students glanced at Adrian, others at Clara, waiting for someone to strike back.
Clara's eyes flashed. "Careful, Elena. Words like that can get you into trouble."
Ryan finally spoke, his voice smooth but edged. "Or maybe," he said lazily, "trouble is exactly what she wants."
Elena turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze. For a moment, their eyes locked—his unreadable, hers blazing with intent.
And then Adrian rose. Slowly, deliberately. The room stilled.
"Elena Zhou," he said, his voice calm but cutting, "are you declaring war?"
The question hung in the air like a blade suspended above all their heads.
Elena's lips curved into the faintest smile. "No," she said softly, letting her words slice through the silence. "I already declared it the moment I stopped being silent."
The room exploded into whispers. Clara's fists clenched under the table. Lila's smile stiffened, the first crack in her mask. Ryan chuckled quietly, almost impressed.
And Adrian—he didn't smile, but his gaze sharpened, as though finally recognizing the dangerous game Elena had begun to play.
She had made her move. And there was no turning back.