Lily’s pov

The walk to school the next morning felt heavier than usual. My ankle was still wrapped tightly, the crutches clicking rhythmically against the sidewalk as we moved together. After the chaotic night at the party and the tense breakfast showdown with Mia, I had barely slept. Lucian had dropped me off earlier that morning a few blocks from home so I could “arrive” normally, but the memory of his whispered “mine forever” still warmed my chest.

Mia had left the house before me, slamming the door without a word. Her red eyes and barely concealed rage at breakfast told me she was plotting something new. I would never...