Bloodlines and Betrayals

The courtyard hummed with the usual morning chatter, students bundled in scarves and jackets against the crisp winter air. Clusters of laughter and whispers filled the space, the buzz of youthful energy masking the brewing storm. Aria weaved through the throng, her mind clouded with Julian's cryptic revelations. The weight of what she knew gnawed at her, a secret too heavy to bear alone.

She hadn't told anyone yet—not even Liam. How could she? But something about today felt wrong, like the calm before a thunderclap.

Before she could reach the greenhouse, a sharp, raised voice sliced through the air.

"What did you just say?"

Aria's steps faltered, her breath catching. She turned toward the sound, her gaze locking on a scene at the far end of the courtyard. Liam and Samuel stood in the center of a growing crowd, their stances rigid, tension crackling between them.