Monday began with a whisper that was louder than any shout.
Even in the stairwell, Lina heard her name—drawn out, twisted, passed along.
When she entered the assembly hall, she knew: Something new had happened.
Giulia was waiting at the edge, backpack slung over one shoulder. "Don't look," she said quietly, grabbing Lina's arm.
"Why?"
"They uploaded a video."
Lina stopped. "What kind?"
"Friday evening. Someone filmed you from the sidewalk. You at the window. Music underneath, heart filter. Title: Mermaid Dreams of Knight."
Lina's stomach clenched. "Oh God."
"Not Oh God," said Giulia, "but Oh Jana and Mia. Those two have too much free time and too little soul."
Lina wanted to laugh, but her throat was too tight.
The buzzing in the assembly hall swelled—curious, greedy, flickering.
And then he came.
Alaric.
Late, as always. Hood at his neck, hands in his pockets.
