The trip's first days were a blur of monuments, museums, and guided tours. Lila's friends buzzed with excitement, snapping photos, laughing through late nights, and devouring pastries until their stomachs hurt.
But the moment that lingered most wasn't in the bustling streets of Paris.
It was in the quiet countryside, on the edge of a campground where their group pitched tents beneath a sky so wide and endless it made even her restless heart pause.
The teachers had arranged it as a "bonding activity"—one night outside the city, one night beneath the stars.
Students gathered around the massive fire, flames dancing, sparks flying up into the dark velvet sky. Someone strummed a guitar, off-key singing and laughter filling the night.
Lila sat cross-legged near her friends, hoodie pulled tight against the chill, staring at the fire. It reminded her of her family—Caleb's teasing, Aiden's temper, Jordan's calm watchfulness, Tyler's sharp wit. She missed them already, though she'd never admit it.
Her friends passed snacks around. Someone dared another to tell a scary story. Someone else broke into song, their voice loud but not terrible.
And then—
"Lila should sing!"
Her head snapped up. "What? No."
"Yes!" her best friend laughed. "Come on, you never sing for us."
She shook her head, panic sparking. "I don't sing. Not in front of people."
"That's a lie." One of the boys leaned forward, grinning. "I heard you humming once. You've got a voice. We all know it."
Chants started. Her name echoing around the circle, louder and louder.
Her chest tightened. Her voice was hers. Her secret. A piece of her heart she guarded as fiercely as her racing.
But the circle of expectant faces, the teasing laughter, the warmth of the fire—it pressed against her walls.
And then her eyes found his.
Across the flames, Ethan Cole watched her. Silent. Dark. His gaze burned into her, demanding, daring.
Her throat went dry.
Maybe it was the fire. Maybe it was the stars. Maybe it was the dangerous thrill of doing something she swore she never would.
She stood slowly. "Fine. Just one song."
The group erupted into cheers.
Someone handed her the guitar. She shook her head. "No. I'll do it without music."
A hush fell.
She closed her eyes, breathed in the cool night air, and let it out—slow, steady.
Then she sang.
🌙 Original Song Lyrics for Lila 🌙
In the silence of the night,
I'm running free,
Chasing shadows no one else can see.
Every scar, every flame I hide inside,
Turns to light when I don't have to hide.
So hear my voice, let it break the dark,
Every word's a piece of my guarded heart.
If tomorrow comes and I fade away,
Remember me in this song I sing today.
The sound carried into the night, soft at first, then soaring. Her voice was clear, rich, hauntingly beautiful. It wrapped around everyone, tugging them into silence.
Even the fire seemed to quiet. Even the trees leaned closer.
When she opened her eyes, faces stared back at her, wide-eyed, spellbound.
No one spoke. No one moved.
Then applause broke out—loud, wild, endless. Her friends screamed her name, cheering. Teachers clapped. Strangers shouted for an encore.
Her cheeks burned, her heart pounding with adrenaline and terror and… something else. Something like freedom.
But when her eyes flicked across the fire again, her chest constricted.
Ethan didn't clap.
He just stared.
His jaw was tight, his hands fisted, his eyes so dark they looked bottomless.
Jealousy. Possessive, burning jealousy.
Because for those few minutes, her voice, her beauty, her soul—she had given it to everyone.
And Ethan Cole didn't share