Torn Allegiances

The school was a cauldron of tension after the morning’s explosive confrontation between Liam and Samuel. The fight was all anyone could talk about—whispered rumors, speculation, and fragments of shaky phone footage stitched into a patchwork narrative.

But for Aria, the day felt like an uphill climb. The weight of Liam’s simmering anger, Samuel’s vulnerability, and Julian’s ever-tightening web threatened to break her resolve.

Aria met Kai and Anya in the cafeteria, the pair sitting close together at a table tucked into the corner. Anya’s hand rested on Kai’s, her expression troubled as they whispered to each other. They looked up as Aria approached, their faces shifting from concern to cautious relief.

“I saw it,” Anya said before Aria could speak. “I mean... everyone did. Are you okay?”

Aria hesitated before nodding. “I’m fine, but I’m worried about Liam and Samuel. That wasn’t just a fight—it was like they were tearing each other apart.”