Whispered Shadows

Chapter Ten

A New Friend

Noa

It's been a week since the night in Ryder's hotel room. A week since I've stared at the haunting collage of my sister's life and learned more about her secrets than I ever thought possible. A week of silence.

I should feel relieved that the texts from Shadow have stopped, but instead, the quiet feels ominous, like the calm before the storm. My phone stays close, always in the corner of my vision, a constant reminder of the last taunt they sent.

But the silence doesn't stop me from living. It can't. Ryder was right—I need to keep up my normal schedule, to not let whoever this is dictate my every move. So, I've gone to class, studied in the library, and even walked around campus with Piper perched in her carrier, glaring at passing students like a feline queen surveying her kingdom. She likes our walks in the morning when I go get my daily coffee.

"Noa!" Lila's voice is a warm lilt as she jogs up to me, her long, curly black hair bouncing with each step. The streetlights cast a bronze sheen on her skin, her warm brown eyes sparkling with excitement. "You have to come with me."

"Where?" I ask, raising an eyebrow as I shift my bag higher on my shoulder.

"The bar up the street," she says, tugging at my arm. "It's open mic night, and I swear it's going to be amazing. Please don't say no."

I hesitate. It's been a while since I've let myself do something as simple as going out for fun. But Lila's infectious energy is hard to resist, and I find myself nodding despite my initial reservations.

"Fine," I say, pretending to sigh dramatically. "But if it's terrible, I'm blaming you."

She laughs, looping her arm through mine. "Deal. But trust me, you'll love it."

I'm tired of going to the same places. I need a change. I'm not sure an open mic is my thing. I am pretty sure it is the last place I would want to be, but Gia would want me to have fun. She would love this even though she couldn't sing if anything depended on it.

The bar is cozy, its interior lit with strings of warm fairy lights and candles flickering on tables. The air buzzes with conversation, laughter, and the faint strumming of a guitar as someone sets up on stage.

Lila drags me to a table near the back, and we squeeze into the small booth. She waves at the waitress and orders for both of us—two mojitos for us.

"I come here all the time," she says, leaning forward with a grin. "It's like my second home. You'll see what I mean when the performances start."

I'll have to trust her because I have never been here before. Honestly, I could use a drink after this last week. I'm just glad that they didn't card us.

Lila's presence is calming, her confidence easy and unforced. There's something magnetic about her, the way she talks and smiles like the world is hers to conquer. For the first time in what feels like forever, I'm enjoying myself.

"Do you perform?" I ask, sipping my mojito.

She laughs, shaking her head. "Oh, no. I'm strictly an observer. But I do know some of the regulars who are amazing."

As the first performer takes the stage, I let myself relax. The singer's voice is smooth and soulful, and the crowd sways along with the rhythm.

Lila leans closer, her bronze skin catching the light. "See? Told you it's amazing."

I laugh, nodding. "You were right."

We spend the next hour talking between performances, sharing stories about classes, professors, and our lives before Graceland.