𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐎𝐒 | SPINOFF

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

LILIANA
ROSELINE

Jaxon and I sat in class, the buzz of morning chatter surrounding us, each conversation blending into the next. I glanced over, noticing how Jaxon had practically forced Alessio to switch seats, making sure I was next to him instead. Alessio didn't seem to mind; he'd found his place beside Avery and Marcella, though only Marcella was here today. Avery and Damon's seats were empty. Alessio had mentioned earlier that Damon had decided to stay behind at the cabin; apparently, he just hadn't felt like coming to school. Avery, on the other hand, was a mystery—she hadn't answered any of our calls last night.

My thoughts shifted as Stella and Grayson finally walked into class. They'd been away on a trip for a few days, and seeing them again made me feel a strange mix of relief and excitement. Mr. Lincoln acknowledged them with a nod, welcoming them back, and Stella's gaze immediately landed on us. Her smile widened as she started walking in our direction. But just then, Ace stood up, unintentionally stepping right into her path, and they collided, their eyes meeting in a moment that seemed to stretch on longer than it probably should have.

Sophie, who sat nearby, gave Molly a pointed look, as if silently commenting on the situation, while Molly averted her gaze, slumping her head onto the desk. Ace had his arm around Stella's waist to steady her, and she smiled at him, seemingly unfazed by the close encounter. They exchanged a few quiet words, their smiles warm, but then Grayson cut in, bumping into them just enough to make Ace take a step back, breaking the moment.

Grayson sat down with us, rolling his eyes as if it was all a big joke. "Hey, losers. Missed the sex god?" He shot us his signature grin, but it faltered as he scanned the room, his brow furrowing. "Where's Avery?"

"She hasn't been answering our calls since yesterday," I said, feeling the weight of it settle on us all. Grayson's smile faded entirely.

"You guys didn't go look for her?" he asked, concern flashing in his eyes.

"Look for who?" Stella's voice cut in, cheerful as ever as she joined us, offering Marcella and me quick hugs.

"Avery," Marcella explained, dark circles visible under her eyes. She looked drained. "She hasn't been answering any of us since last night, and Astor's absent, too. I'm guessing they're together, but it's just weird."

Stella's expression shifted subtly, a curious look crossing her face as if she was already planning her next move. "And who are these new kids?" she asked, pulling out her laptop, her eyes scanning the unfamiliar faces.

"Sophie, Molly, and Ace," I said. "They're exchange students, supposed to be staying for a few months."

"And Molly's a bit of a psychopath," Jaxon added, smirking. "She stabbed Alessio." His tone was light, but Stella's eyes widened, her hand covering her mouth as she laughed.

"Oh wow, that's good," she joked, raising an eyebrow. Grayson turned, intrigued by the gossip.

"Where is she?" he asked, a curious glint in his eye. "She must be hot if she's causing that much trouble."

I pointed discreetly toward Molly, the girl with jet-black hair sitting beside a blonde. "That's her. And next to her is Sophie, who's basically Avery's twin but louder. Molly's apparently off-limits, though, because she has a thing for her friend Ace, even though he doesn't seem interested."

Stella chuckled. "Yeah, I wouldn't want her either. She looks like she could kill me in my sleep."

Marcella, who had been typing quietly at the front desk, spoke up. "I don't know... I think she's cute. She has this intense, mysterious vibe."