{Elira}
~**^**~
Tamryn frowned. "Sounds like they've got nothing better to do."
"Power-drunk, the lot of them," Nari said, rolling her eyes. "Jobless tyrants with too much free time and zero soul."
Juniper gave a dry laugh. "Sounds to me like they're looking for their next plaything."
Cambria stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Well, then they're looking in the wrong direction."
I looked at her—at all of them.
These girls — who weren't even my friends when I first arrived — now stood like a wall around me. And something about that made my throat tighten in the best, most fragile way.
"Thanks," I said softly. "Really."
Juniper shrugged. "Just don't let them rattle you."
"Easier said than done," I muttered.
"But doable," Cambria replied, her eyes warm. "Especially for you."
I gave her a small, genuine smile.
Their support made my chest feel warm and full. I blinked back a sudden rush of gratitude.
