The afternoon sun hung low above the university courtyard, casting long ribbons of amber light across stone pathways crowded with restless students, yet beneath the ordinary rhythm of conversation and laughter, another atmosphere lingered quietly, sharper and far less innocent, and near the far side of the cafeteria terrace a small circle of girls remained gathered around one table with expressions far too tense for casual gossip.
Crystal Hayes sat at the center of them with rigid posture and crossed arms, her manicured nails pressing lightly against her sleeve while irritation darkened her features beneath carefully maintained beauty, and although she laughed whenever someone else spoke, the sound lacked warmth entirely, edged instead with wounded pride she refused to name aloud.
