Chapter Two: Old Ghosts and New Games

Aria walked quickly, her heart hammering in her chest.

Welcome back, Aria.

The words echoed like a ghost in her ears. His voice—Ares' voice—was rough, familiar in a way that made no sense. She didn't know him. Couldn't. And yet... her fingers trembled.

Vammy caught up, slipping her arm through Aria's. "What did he say to you?"

Aria shook her head. "Nothing. Just… welcomed me, I guess."

Vammy raised a brow. "Huh. That's weird. Ares Knight doesn't talk to new people. He barely talks to anyone."

Aria frowned. "Is he always that intense?"

Vammy snorted. "Intense? Girl, he's terrifying. Gorgeous, but emotionally constipated and broody. That guy could murder someone with a stare."

Aria gave a nervous laugh. But her mind stayed stuck on his eyes—how they looked like he had known her, once.

---

The Cafeteria – Lunchtime

Evercrest's cafeteria was nothing like she'd seen before. Long glass chandeliers. Velvet-lined booths. A central stage used for announcements. And a social hierarchy that screamed watch your step.

Vammy dragged her toward a table near the windows. "We sit here. That's Leo's table too. You'll love him."

At the far end, four boys were seated like gods on thrones—The Elite Four.

Ares sat silently, sipping his coffee like he was trying not to throw the cup. Kael was flipping through a comic book. Zephyr was tossing grapes into his mouth with dramatic flair. Rowan scrolled through his tablet, calm and calculating.

At the table next to them were Leo Quinn, the school's charming troublemaker with golden brown curls and flirty eyes, and his best friends: Xander Hale, Evercrest's star athlete with a killer smile, and Troy Rivers, the sarcastic music prodigy.

As Aria and Vammy sat, the boys looked over. Leo grinned wide.

"Well, well, if it isn't the mystery girl," Leo said, leaning his chin on his palm. "I'm Leo. Evercrest's local heartbreaker. And this is Xander and Troy. We bite, but only if invited."

Xander winked. "New girl, huh? You've already got Ares acting like a ghost saw him."

Aria blinked. "What does that mean?"

Troy chuckled. "Means he hasn't blinked since he saw you."

Behind them, Kael leaned forward across his table, looking Aria dead in the eyes. "Do you seriously not remember us?"

Aria tilted her head. "Excuse me?"

Zephyr gave her a slow smile. "We've met before, sunshine. You just forgot."

Her chest tightened. "I think you're mistaking me for someone else."

Ares said nothing. He just stared. Every muscle in his body rigid.

Kael leaned back, clearly annoyed. "She really doesn't remember."

Rowan, ever the quiet observer, simply muttered, "Interesting."

---

The Disruption: Liana and Cassie

Before Aria could breathe, a voice rang through the air like nails on a chalkboard.

"Well, well, if it isn't our precious new charity case."

Liana Cross, Aria's cousin—or rather, her stepmother's niece—walked over with her usual posse. Her voice was sugar-laced poison, her smirk cruel.

Aria stiffened.

"Didn't know Evercrest let just anyone in," Liana continued, flipping her caramel hair. "Must be nice getting in through connections and pity."

Aria tried to ignore her, but the whole cafeteria had quieted.

"Go away, Liana," Vammy snapped.

Liana pouted. "Aww, defensive already? That's cute."

Then—heels clicked.

Enter: Cassie Montgomery. Queen Bee. Evercrest's reigning diva. Dressed in designer, every hair perfect, lips painted blood red. Her presence commanded attention. Even silence bowed to her.

"Ares, baby," she purred, sauntering to his side and slipping her arms around his shoulders, eyes never leaving Aria. "Who's the new girl?"

Ares didn't respond.

Cassie followed his gaze—right at Aria.

The smile slipped for just a second.

"Oh," she said lightly. "She's… adorable."

Kael muttered under his breath. "Here we go."

Cassie walked up to Aria, her eyes gleaming. "I'm Cassie. Student body president. Cheer captain. Ares' girlfriend. You?"

Aria stood slowly, not liking the tone.

"Aria Vale," she said evenly.

Cassie's smile turned sharp. "Vale? Hmm. Sounds familiar."

Zephyr rolled his eyes. "You'd know if you had a heart."

Cassie ignored him. "Well, welcome, Aria. But fair warning—Evercrest isn't for the weak. Some people get… crushed."

Aria didn't flinch.

"I'm not as fragile as I look."

Cassie arched a brow, impressed—and annoyed.

Liana scoffed. "We'll see."

Vammy grabbed Aria's arm. "Let's go before I throw a milk carton."

---

Back in the hallway...

As the bell rang, Aria's phone buzzed with a message from Reign.

> "First day surviving?"

She smiled weakly, typing:

> "Barely. Evercrest is insane. And I think people know me here."

> "Just be careful. Not everyone is your friend."

She looked back down the hallway.

At Ares.

Who was still watching her with the weight of a thousand memories she didn't have.