A Coffee Shop Meeting and a Lurking Suspicion

The newfound attention was both exhilarating and terrifying. As I walked through the hallway toward my afternoon class, whispers followed me like a persistent shadow.

"That's her—Rhys Knight's girl."

"Did you see them this morning on his bike?"

"I heard she completely destroyed Maya in front of everyone."

Part of me wanted to duck my head and hide behind my hair—old habits die hard—but I forced myself to stand tall. This was what I wanted, right? To be seen. To be Elara, not just the nerdy omega everyone overlooked.

My phone buzzed in my pocket—a new one Seraphina had insisted I get after my old one went missing. Probably Rhys checking in. He'd been unusually attentive since our morning display, texting between classes like a normal boyfriend might. The thought made me smile.

"Someone's happy," a voice said beside me.