The ballroom was dead silent, but Seraphina's thoughts were screaming.
The intercom crackled again "Tick tock, Princess."
She shoved her phone into her clutch and turned around slowly, her spine straight, her mask flawless. People were watching. Whispering. Judging.
"Was that about her?"
"Is she hiding something?"
"Her perfect little empire... crumbling?"
The silence shattered when Headmaster Graye stormed into the room, flanked by security. "Everyone remain calm! Just a technical glitch. Enjoy the gala."
Bullsh*t.
Seraphina moved like a statue in silk, slipping past guests as if nothing had happened. But her hands were trembling, her lungs tight. She ducked into the corridor, heels echoing against the marble like warning shots.
Then she saw him.
Levi Voss.
Leaning against the wall like he'd been there all along, half-shadowed, all attitude. Leather jacket, silver chain, and those sharp, mocking eyes like he could see through every inch of her perfect act.
"You look like a queen about to lose her crown," he said, voice low and dry.
She froze. "Were you following me?"
He pushed off the wall and walked toward her, slow and deliberate, like a wolf circling its prey. "I saw the message. You're not as untouchable as you think."
Her eyes narrowed. "You hacked my phone?"
He gave her a look. "Please. You think you're the only one who gets anonymous threats around here?"
There was something in his tone. Something bitter. Familiar.
"What do you know about Lila Carter?" she asked.
He stopped walking. Just stared.
Bingo.
Before he could answer, another voice cut in. Cold, clipped, perfect.
Kai Valen.
Her official escort. Her not-quite boyfriend. Her father's golden heir.
"What the hell are you doing with him, Sera?"
Levi didn't flinch. "Chill, Prince Perfect. We were just bonding over secrets and dead girls."
Kai's eyes darkened. "You don't get to talk to her."
Seraphina stepped between them. "Both of you, stop. This isn't about you."
Kai's gaze locked onto hers. "If you're in danger, I deserve to know."
"No, Kai. You deserve to do what you're told."
His jaw clenched. "You're not just anyone, Seraphina. You're mine."
She blinked. He'd never said that before—not out loud.
Levi scoffed. "Wow. Possessive much?"
Before anyone could throw a punch or worse her phone buzzed again.
Another message.
"Next time, I won't be so polite. You have 72 hours."