Chapter 7: The Circle

Rule #7: When someone says "Don't freak out," it means you absolutely should.

"So, where are we going?" I asked, already regretting everything.

Killian didn't answer.

He just kept walking—quiet, fast, hoodie up, hands jammed in his pockets like he was hiding something. Maybe himself.

It was after nine. Ridgeview's halls were supposed to be locked. We were supposed to be home. Sleeping. Pretending to be normal.

Instead, I was sneaking through a private school basement like I was in a spy movie with the worst co-star ever.

"I followed your note," I whispered. "You said to meet you."

He finally stopped.

Turned.

"I didn't leave a note," he said flatly.

My stomach dropped. "What?"

"I didn't ask you to come."

"…Then who did?"

He didn't answer.

The door beside him creaked open.

And I saw them.

Five students. All older. All watching me like I was the punchline to a joke they hadn't told yet.

A girl with platinum braids and a bored expression. A tall guy with silver rings on every finger. One in a Ridgeview football jacket, lounging like this was his house.

And in the center—her.

Briar.

"What the hell is going on?" I asked.

Killian sighed. "Welcome to the Circle."

"What circle?"

Briar smiled, sharp as broken glass. "The only one that matters."

Killian looked at me, jaw tense. "You weren't supposed to be part of this."

"Then maybe someone should stop dragging me into things," I snapped.

"Too late now," the guy with the rings muttered. "She's seen us."

"Not us," Briar corrected. "You."

She walked toward me, heels echoing in the quiet.

"There's more going on at Ridgeview than just GPA and gossip, Ava. People disappear. Secrets get buried. And some of us? We don't like being left in the dark."

"Let me guess," I said, heart pounding. "You're the heroes in this story?"

Briar laughed. "God, no. We're the ones who survive it."

The lights flickered above us.

The football guy stood up. "We need to show her."

"Show me what?" I asked.

Killian looked at me—really looked at me—and for the first time, he didn't look smug.

He looked scared.

"I think someone's setting you up," he said.

I swallowed hard. "For what?"

Briar leaned in.

"For something that already happened."

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