Chapter 26
Friday morning carried a restless energy that Liana could feel from the moment she stepped into school. The hallway buzzed with the usual chatter, but her attention was immediately drawn to Brianna, who leaned casually against the lockers, smirk in place, arms crossed like a queen surveying her territory. Today, Brianna's interference felt heavier, more deliberate, as if she had been plotting all week for a single, perfect moment.
Liana's chest tightened, but she squared her shoulders. She had grown braver, stronger, and she refused to let fear dictate her actions. The lessons of the past weeks—the quiet victories, the moments with Aiden—had taught her that courage was about standing firm, even when every nerve screamed to shrink away.
"Morning, shadow girl," Brianna said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Ready for a challenge today?"
"I'm ready," Liana replied steadily. She met Brianna's sharp gaze with calm, measured confidence. "Whatever you have planned, I'll handle it."
Brianna tilted her head, intrigued, and gave a slow, deliberate smirk. "We'll see," she said before striding off, leaving a faint ripple of tension in her wake.
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By second period, Liana's nerves buzzed with anticipation. The morning had been a quiet battle of glances and subtle threats, and she knew Brianna was only building up to something bigger. Aiden noticed her tension immediately.
"You okay?" he whispered, leaning closer.
"I think so," Liana replied, forcing herself to breathe steadily. "She's… up to something."
He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his touch grounding her. "Then we face it together," he said softly. "You don't have to do this alone."
Liana's chest warmed. Every small gesture from him was a reminder of the bond growing between them—a shield against Brianna's interference.
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Lunch brought its usual chaos, but today the cafeteria seemed like a minefield. Liana spotted Aiden at their corner table, holding their usual juice bottles and snacks, and her shoulders relaxed slightly.
But before she could reach him, Brianna appeared, gliding through the crowd with a deliberate grace that sent a ripple of unease through Liana.
"Mind if I join?" Brianna asked, her voice silky yet sharp.
Liana froze for a fraction of a second, but Aiden's hand found hers, giving a subtle squeeze of reassurance. "She doesn't get to decide that," he whispered, calm and protective.
Liana drew in a deep breath. "No, you don't need to," she said firmly, meeting Brianna's gaze.
Brianna leaned closer, smirk curling her lips. "Oh, I just want to make sure everything's… fair. Can't have you enjoying yourself too much."
Aiden's gray eyes hardened slightly, a protective fire flashing in them. "We're fine," he said quietly, tone leaving no room for argument.
Liana felt warmth and courage rise in her chest. "We're just talking," she said, smiling calmly. "Nothing more."
Brianna's smirk faltered for the first time that day, and after a tense beat, she stepped back, clearly annoyed that her interference had failed to rattle them. "Enjoy your little bubble," she said, finally retreating.
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As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Liana exhaled, a thrill of triumph flooding through her. Brianna's challenge had been bold, but Liana had survived—and more than that, she had stood her ground, supported by Aiden's quiet presence.
Walking toward their next class, Liana felt exhilaration and relief. The hallway was noisy, crowded, and chaotic, but she no longer shrank. Her shoulders were squared, her head high, and her heart thrummed with the thrill of small victories and growing courage.
The space between Liana and Aiden had become a quiet sanctuary—untouchable, despite Brianna's interference. In that safe space, trust, courage, and connection thrived. And Liana realized something vital: no matter what came next, she could face it—with Aiden by her side and her own strength guiding her steps.
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