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CHAPTER 264
~Author's POV~
The bonfire crackled in the middle of the clearing, its golden flames licking the night air like they were alive.
The logs snapped and spit embers into the sky as students settled around in loose circles—some standing, others lounging on blankets or folding chairs dragged from the common halls.
The scent of roasted snacks, burned wood, and someone's terrible cologne filled the air.
I kept to the edge at first, hands shoved deep in my hoodie pocket. The hidden dye was still nestled there like a secret.
But then Isla appeared with two glow sticks—one green, one red—dangling from her fingers.
"Don't pretend you're invisible, Val. Pick one," she said, shoving them at me.
I stared at the glowing colours before reluctantly taking the green one.
"Ohhh," Emerald smirked from behind her. "Green means you have to make someone laugh. Better think fast."
