The bustling crowd around the airship faded into the background as Valerie's sudden embrace tightened around Zane. Her grip was warm, familiar—too familiar. Sera's heart sank, a sharp pang of jealousy curling in her chest.
Zane froze, caught between surprise and confusion. Valerie's eyes glittered with something more than gratitude. She was holding his hand now, fingers lacing effortlessly through his. Nyx, invisible to everyone but anomalies, was practically cackling inside his mind.
"Oh, this is rich. Look at you, short-circuiting like a rookie." Nyx teased, voice dripping with mischief.
Sera's jaw clenched, but she forced a smile. "Valerie, right? You really like to make an entrance."
Valerie's grin was mischievous. "What can I say? When I want something, I go all in."
Zane swallowed hard, trying to find words. "Uh, Valerie, maybe... can I get a little space?"
Sera stepped forward, voice steady but cold. "Zane's right. Boundaries."
Valerie shrugged, still holding his hand. "Relax, I'm just happy to see a friendly face. Besides," she gave Sera a sly look, "I think Zane likes me just fine."
Sera's eyes narrowed, heat rising in her cheeks. The sisters' silent rivalry hung thick in the air as the other students watched the awkward scene unfold.
"Well, well, well," Nyx mused from his usual perch inside Zane's mind. "If it isn't the classic love triangle—or should I say, sister vs. sister showdown. Honestly, this is better than most reality shows."
"Sera's trying so hard to play it cool, but I can smell the jealousy a mile away. And Valerie? She's not just playing for fun—she's here to win."
"Meanwhile, our dear Zane's circuits are fried. Between the awkward hugs, the hand-holding, and the dramatic tension, the poor guy might actually need a reboot."
"I'm just here for the popcorn. This is going to be fun."