Chapter 4 Mistaken identity

Zara's POV

The hallway is quieter now, most students already in their rooms or out at training grounds. I'm headed back to my dorm, my mind heavy with everything that's happened today. I just want to shut the door behind me, curl up, and block out the world.

But apparently, the world isn't done with me yet.

I don't see them at first, not until I turn the corner and nearly walk right into them. Three girls. The same ones at the sidelines.

They're stunning. The kind of stunning that looks effortless, like they were born for the spotlight. Perfect hair, perfect skin, perfect sneers. They block my path, arms folded, eyes glittering with something sharp and unkind.

For a heartbeat, I consider turning around, pretending I took the wrong turn. But I know better. Predators don't let prey go that easy.

"Well, well," the tallest one says, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "Look who's back."

Back? The word echoes in my head like a slap. My brow furrows, but I say nothing. There's no point. I try to step around them, but they move as one, cutting me off. The air feels stuffy, as if their presence alone is enough to suck the oxygen from the corridor.

"Thought you were done," another girl sneers, tilting her head like she's trying to figure me out. "Why even come back at all?"

I blink at them, my pulse stuttering. What the hell are they talking about? My throat tightens. I can feel my heart beating hard against my ribs, like it's trying to break free.

I part my lips to speak, to tell them they're mistaken, but they don't give me a chance.

"And really?" The third one, a blonde with ice in her eyes, steps closer. Her perfume is sharp, floral, and cloying. "You're seriously going after Atlas again? After everything? Have you no shame?"

Again? My stomach twists, the weight of their words sinking in fast. The floor beneath me feels like it's tilting.

Are they mistaking me for someone else?

I manage to force words out, my voice quieter than I intend but steady. "I-I think you've got the wrong person." My gaze shifts between them, hoping, praying, they'll realize their mistake.

But their expressions don't change. If anything, they look more convinced. Like my denial is just another lie.

The first girl lets out a laugh, sharp and bitter. It rings down the hall, making my skin prickle. "Oh, that's rich. You even went as far as changing your name?"

My breath catches. The words hit harder than they should.

What is going on?

I shake my head, heart pounding in my ears. "I'm not who you think I am," I say again, but doubt creeps into my voice. Because what if... what if there's something I don't know?

They exchange glances, smirks playing on their lips, like they're sharing a secret I'm too stupid to understand.

"Stay away from Atlas," the blonde says, voice low, dangerous. "You'll regret it if you don't."

And just like that, they're gone, their laughter trailing behind them that clings to my skin.

I stand frozen. The hallway feels colder, emptier now. My legs feel weak, but I force myself to move, back pressed against the wall until I slide down to sit on the cold floor. My hands tremble as I hug my knees to my chest, trying to slow the wild beating of my heart.

What just happened?

I came here thinking I could start over. Thinking that pretty privilege, being the girl people usually smiled at, the one adults called "well-mannered," the one boys tried to impress, would shield me.

But I was wrong.

The stares. The whispers. The cold shoulders. The accusations.

None of it's because they're jealous of the new girl.

All this because they think I'm someone else. Someone who left. Someone who hurt him. Someone who... changed their name?

I stare down at my hands, fingers clenching my skirt so tight my knuckles turn white.

I thought coming here was the fresh start I needed. After everything, after losing my mom, after being betrayed by my mate, well whom I thought was my mate, after being forgotten by a stepfather who barely remembers I exist, this was supposed to be my escape.

But it feels more like a trap.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block out the echo of their voices. I'm not here for Atlas. I don't care about mates anymore. That bond? That stupid magical bond everyone craves? I don't want it. Not after what my so-called mate did to me.

All I want is to keep my head down, finish school, figure out who I am without all the grief and betrayal. But now? Now it feels like that won't be possible.

Because no one here sees me. They see whoever they think I am.

And the worst part? I don't even know who that girl is supposed to be.

A chill runs down my spine. I glance up and down the hallway, half-expecting someone else to appear, to throw more accusations my way.

I pull myself to my feet, legs shaking but determined. I have to keep going. I have to figure this out. I can't let them break me.

As I walk, their words replay in my head, each one slicing deeper.

And beneath it all, that cold, sharp warning: Stay away from Atlas.

I let out a shaky breath. I didn't come here for anyone. But it looks like that won't matter.

Because no matter what I do, no matter how much I try to stay out of the way...

They've already decided I'm the enemy.