Chapter 23: Crossing the Line

Ariana's heart pounded.

Leila was close. Too close.

The air between them was charged, electric, dangerous.

Ariana could feel the heat of Leila's body, the unspoken tension wrapping around them like a coil ready to snap.

She should move.

She should step back.

But she didn't.

Leila's gaze dropped to her lips for a fraction of a second.

Ariana saw it. Felt it.

Her breath hitched.

Leila swallowed, her voice low, rough. "Say it."

Ariana blinked. "Say what?"

Leila's jaw clenched. "That you don't care."

Ariana's stomach twisted.

Leila was calling her bluff.

Daring her to lie.

To pretend this was still a game.

Ariana wanted to say it.

She needed to say it.

But the words—they wouldn't come.

Leila's fingers brushed against Ariana's wrist, light, barely there, but it burned.

Ariana sucked in a breath. "Leila…"

Leila closed her eyes for a second. Like she was fighting something.

Then—

She took a step back.

The warmth between them shattered into cold air.

Ariana almost reached for her.

Almost.

Leila let out a soft, bitter laugh. "That's what I thought."

Ariana's chest tightened. "Leila—"

But Leila was already turning away.

Already leaving.

Already slipping through her fingers.

Ariana wanted to stop her.

Wanted to grab her wrist and pull her back.

Wanted to say something—anything.

But she didn't.

And just like that, the moment was gone.

Leila disappeared down the hallway.

Leaving Ariana standing there—with a battle she had just lost.