Chapter Four: Glass Walls and Ghost Eyes

Aria stepped through the golden gates of Evercrest as the final bell echoed behind her, the sun slipping down the horizon like melted fire. Vammy had walked with her to the edge, teasing and talking about the upcoming poetry contest. But now she was alone.

Or… she thought she was.

From across the street, behind the shadow of a tall oak, stood Damien Cross.

He didn't move. Didn't speak. Just watched.

Aria's laughter had faded the moment she left the safety of school walls. Now she felt it—that strange, prickling awareness that settled on her skin like static.

Damien's eyes followed her every step toward the black car of Reign waiting to drive her home.

His jaw clenched.

His fist curled.

He said nothing.

But his silence screamed louder than any words ever could.

---

Celeste Mansion – A House of Echoes

The Celeste Mansion looked beautiful on the outside—pillars of ivory, grand chandeliers, sprawling marble floors. But to Aria, it felt like a cage with glass walls. You could see the world, but never reach it.

The moment she stepped inside, Liana was waiting.

Leaning against the stair rail like a queen in her court.

"You think being smart makes you special?" she sneered. "You think just because people are talking about you, it'll last?"

Aria sighed and walked past her.

Liana's heels clicked sharply as she followed. "You don't belong here, Aria. You never did. You're just a pity project. Everyone knows it."

Aria stopped.

Not because the words hurt—they did—but because silence was no longer enough.

She turned slightly, voice soft but sharp. "And yet, here I am. Earning my place. Something you'll never understand."

Liana's face twisted with fury.

Aria climbed the stairs, ignoring her muttered insults behind her.

---

Later That Night – The Dining Hall

Dinner was always a quiet war.

Damien sat at the head of the table, silent as ever. Liana chattered, pretending to be sweet in front of Reign and their grandmother. Aria sat near the edge, her fork moving slowly through untouched food.

Reign was the only one who tried.

"So… heard you're the new top scorer?" he said with a proud smile.

Aria looked up, surprised. "You heard?"

"Of course I did. Evercrest is a goldmine of gossip."

She smiled genuinely. "Thank you."

Their grandmother, the only true light in this mansion, nodded approvingly. "We always knew you had brilliance in you, dear. Your mother would've been proud."

The table fell into stillness at the mention of her mother.

Damien's knife froze mid-cut.

Aria's smile vanished.

The air turned cold.

"I'm done," Damien said suddenly, rising from his chair. He left without another word, the doors slamming shut behind him.

---

Reign & Aria – The Balcony

Later, Reign found her on the balcony, arms folded against the breeze.

"You okay?" he asked.

She nodded. "I don't know what I did to make him hate me."

Reign sighed. "He doesn't hate you, Aria. He hates himself."

She turned toward him, confused.

"He doesn't know how to deal with you," he continued. "You remind him of the past. Of things we all try to forget."

Aria looked down. "But I don't even remember most of it."

Reign hesitated, then placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Sometimes forgetting is a mercy."

She didn't respond.

Her heart whispered otherwise.

---

Damien – Alone in His Room

Damien stood before the old bookshelf in his room, staring at a photo hidden in the drawer. A summer camp photo—old, faded... two boys and two girls

Back when smiles were real.

Back before everything broke.

His fingers trembled.

He had promised to protect her.

And now… he didn't even know how to face her.