Airam fastened the crescent moon-shaped earring into her left ear, the delicate silver catching the morning light. The soft buzz of her phone on the nightstand caught her attention. Glancing over, she saw a text from Dahlia: “We’re outside.”
Her fingers flew across the screen as she replied, “OMW.”
In a flurry of motion, Airam grabbed her bag and slipped on a delicate silver necklace, the charm cool against her skin. As she descended the grand staircase, the quiet of the house was interrupted by a blur of motion. Something darted behind her, quick and shadowy, just at the edge of her vision.
Startled, Airam froze mid-step, her heart quickening. She turned sharply, her eyes scanning the dim hallway. There—she caught it again, vanishing around the corner toward the basement. Her pulse thudded in her ears as unease crept over her. Whatever it was, it moved with an unsettling speed.
Airam stepped outside, the crisp morning air brushing against her skin as she closed the door behind her. Freya’s pastel pink car gleamed in the sunlight, its sleek design standing out against the muted tones of the neighborhood. Airam hurried toward it, her heart still racing from the unsettling moment inside.
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She opened the passenger door and slid in quickly. “Sorry for taking so long,” she said, forcing a calmness into her voice as she buckled her seatbelt.
“No worries,” Freya replied, her warm smile as polished as her appearance.
Dahlia leaned forward from the backseat, her expression soft with concern. “Are you okay? You seem... tense.”
“I’m fine,” Airam said, offering a smile she hoped looked reassuring. “I was just rushing myself, that’s all.” Her voice was steady, but inside, fear thudded relentlessly against her ribcage. She gripped her bag a little tighter, hoping the others wouldn’t notice the tremor in her hands.
As the car began to glide through the streets, Freya fiddled with the stereo, landing on a soft pop playlist. “So, Airam,” she said, glancing at her in the rearview mirror, “how are you settling in at Crestwood? Still feels overwhelming?”
Airam smiled faintly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “A little. The school’s so... big. And intense.” She hesitated, then added, “I’m getting used to it, though. Thanks for helping me catch up, Dahlia.”
Dahlia beamed from the backseat. “Of course! It’s always tough at first, but you’re doing great. Plus, it helps that Jericho’s been keeping an eye on you.”
Freya smirked, her eyes flicking briefly to Airam. “Yeah, he doesn’t exactly go out of his way for just anyone. You must’ve caught his attention.”
Airam laughed softly, though the comment made her cheeks flush. “I don’t know about that. He’s been nice, though.”
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