NOVA–AGE SIXTEEN
“Move. You’re in my way.”
My lip curled as I took in the sight of Jayesh Attwood standing in the centre of the school corridor, raven hair falling over his eyes and his dark gaze trained on me. “No, you’re in my way. You move.”
He stepped forwards, his chest brushing against my school shirt. “I said, move.”
The hallway was empty, so there was no one else to witness our standoff. Even if there had been an audience, I’d still hold my ground. “And I said, no. Don’t push me, Attwood. Or do you want my brother to hear about this?”
He scoffed. “Your brother is my best friend.”
“Yes, and he’s my twin. Family comes first. You should know that. It’s why you keep quiet about your dad’s little sideline, isn’t it?”
“A sideline that benefits your family.”
“Mmm. My family. The Thorpe Syndicate. Should I bring up our alliance with the Volkvos, or is our name enough of a reminder?”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “The Thorpe ice princess. You think you’re—”
“Nova?”
We both turned at the sound of the new, timid voice. My best friend, Aleksi, was standing behind me, a pile of textbooks clutched in his hands. He shifted on his feet, biting down on his lip as he stared at the floor.
The fact he’d even addressed me in public when our friendship was basically a secret spoke volumes, and I immediately moved to shield him from Jay’s glare. “Sorry. I lost track of time. Did Professor Stewart send you to find me?” We shared an art class, and it was the excuse we used if anyone caught us talking.
He nodded, still staring at the floor, and I pasted on the smile I’d perfected. False. Empty. Jay responded with a sneer, and my smile widened.
“It’s been a pleasure, but I have to go.” I went to brush past him, but his fingers wrapped around my wrist, dragging me into him. His touch was a hot brand as he dipped his head to my ear.
“This isn’t over. Your little ghost won’t always be around.”
“Your threats don’t scare me,” I hissed, yanking my arm out of his grip.
Asshole.
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©️2026 Becca Steele (unedited & subject to change)