Beneath the Mask

Red has spent her whole life pretending pain is something to conquer alone. On the fencing strip at Auradon Prep, she's sharp, fearless, and impossible to read-even when the arthritis in her hands threatens to betray her at the worst possible moments. Asking for help has never been an option.

Chloe notices anyway.

Every missed strike. Every clenched jaw. Every second Red hides behind stubborn pride and a practiced glare. What begins as concern quickly becomes something far more dangerous: feelings Chloe can't seem to ignore.

As training grows harder and Red's carefully built walls begin to crack, both girls are forced to face what scares them most-being vulnerable, losing control, and wanting someone more than they know how to admit.

Because some battles aren't won with swords.

And some masks are hardest to remove.