Fractured Loyalties

The early morning chill bit through Aria’s coat as she stood at the edge of the school courtyard, watching the sunrise cast a pale golden glow over Maple High. Despite the serene scene, her mind churned with unease. The events of the previous night—the kiss with Liam, Julian’s cryptic words, and the echo of shattered glass—refused to settle. Every piece of the puzzle she had so far seemed to lead her deeper into a labyrinth of secrets.

Her phone buzzed, snapping her from her thoughts. Pulling it out, she frowned at the screen. It was a message from an unknown number.

“Meet me by the clock tower. Come alone. - J”

Aria stared at the words, her heart sinking. Julian. What could she want now? She glanced around the courtyard, spotting Liam near his car, his expression distant as he scrolled through his phone. For a fleeting moment, she considered showing him the message. But Julian’s warning from the previous night echoed in her mind "The truth has a way of tearing things apart.”