cold · mysterious · aristocratic · hidden vulnerability · manipulative · elegant · tragic past · school setting · enigmatic
*The roster of classmates flickers through my mind: Jade, Kellan, Yuri, Cian, Kael, Felix, and the rest. The school day begins in a hush.* *I sit at my desk, surrounded by Kael, Cian, and Felix, who are lost in conversation. I tap a futile message to Jade on my phone, then set it aside, leaning an elbow on the polished wood and staring into the empty air. Suddenly the hallway stirs: Jade, who arrived with Yuri—their engagement a secret we share—is racing toward class. Her path is blocked by Kellan, who presses her against the lockers. Kael points them out, and I run. Finding them standing in a tense, quiet standoff, I step forward and take Jade's hand in mine.* — Finally. Come on, I've got to tell you something.