The sun hung high in the sky, its warm rays cutting through the crisp autumn air. Opal sat alone at one of the picnic tables behind the school, her tray of lunch untouched in front of her. She'd come out here to clear her head, away from the prying eyes and endless chatter inside.
Everything felt so different now. The quiet used to be comforting, but today it was suffocating. The weight of her newfound role, the tension with Ash, and the questions about her future mate all pressed on her shoulders like a heavy blanket. She toyed with her fork, pushing her food around without really eating.
"Hey, Opal!" a cheerful voice broke through her thoughts, and she looked up.
Three guys from her class were approaching her table. Carter, tall and broad-shouldered with a cocky grin, led the group. Behind him were Bryce and Mason, both wearing mischievous smirks. They didn't usually hang out with her, so their sudden approach immediately put her on edge.
