The Crestwood library was a fortress of silence and shadows. It was massive—three stories tall, lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves and glass windows that spilled sunlight onto mahogany tables. Riley hadn't expected to find comfort there, but it was quickly becoming her escape from the chaos of Crestwood.
And, more importantly, from Zayden Adrian.
After their strange exchange in class, he hadn't spoken to her again. Not in the hallways, not during lunch, not even a smug glance her way. It was unsettling. For someone who lived to annoy her, his absence was suspicious.
Riley sank into her usual corner by the window, tucking her knees to her chest as she flipped open her notebook. It was full of sketches and unfinished poems. Her escape. Her armor. She was halfway through a scribbled verse when a shadow fell across the page.
"You missed a killer lunch," a voice said.
She looked up, startled. It wasn't Zayden—it was a girl. Petite, with fierce green eyes and streaks of blue in her hair.
"I'm Aria. I sit two rows behind you in English."
Riley blinked. "Oh… hey."
Aria plopped down across from her without asking. "You know, people are saying you told Zayden Adrian off in science class."
Riley grimaced. "I didn't tell him off. I just… responded."
"Trust me, that counts." Aria grinned. "He usually chews people up and spits them out. But you? You made him shut up."
Riley didn't know how to respond to that.
"So what's your deal?" Aria asked, kicking her boots up on the edge of the table. "You don't act like the scholarship kids. You're not scared."
"I am," Riley admitted quietly. "Just... too stubborn to show it."
Aria smiled wider. "Good. You'll need that stubbornness."
They talked. About school. About how Aria's dad was a famous tech CEO who barely remembered her birthday. About how Riley's mom worked two jobs to keep food on the table. Somehow, their different worlds felt less like a wall and more like a bridge.
By the time Riley packed her things, her chest felt lighter.
Until she walked out of the library—and right into Zayden.
Literally.
He caught her by the waist, steadying her before she hit the floor. His hands were firm, and for a heartbeat too long, neither of them moved.
"You're stalking me now?" she quipped, brushing his hands away.
"I was here first," he said, eyes scanning hers. "Who's your new friend?"
Riley stiffened. "Why do you care?"
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Because everyone who gets close to me ends up burned. Be careful, Morgan."
And just like that, he was gone again.
Leaving Riley standing there, heart hammering, wondering why a warning from Zayden Adrian felt less like a threat…
And more like a promise.