The sun was unusually bright that morning, but Aria felt anything but light. Her steps were heavy as she made her way into the school building, trying to push aside the lingering tension from the night before.

By the time break came around, she was more than ready for a distraction.

She sat at the usual spot under the tree with Talia and Michael, sipping juice and trying to seem normal.

“So,” Michael leaned in, lowering his voice dramatically, “have you guys heard the rumor?”

Aria raised an eyebrow. “What rumor?”

“A girl. A senior. She was found last night in the library—” he glanced around before continuing, “—in a...