After the declaration of war—because that's what it felt like—by Seraphina and Rachel, the situation had somehow escalated further. Naturally, Cecilia and Rose had thrown their hats into the ring as well, because of course they had. And so, the four of them had spent the following days locked in a silent, unspoken cold war, each one ensuring the others didn't get an unfair advantage.
The result?
I didn't technically have a date to the Sophomore Ball.
'I should not be worried, right?' I thought, adjusting my tie in the mirror. 'They probably have a plan. A terrifying, complex plan.'
A sharp knock at my door shattered that train of thought.
I finished the knot, checked my reflection one last time, and opened the door.
"Coming," I said, stepping into the hallway light.
Clara Lopez stood there, her hand raised to knock again. She froze.
