I turned away from Julian's threatening stance, refusing to give him the satisfaction of my fear. With my head held high, I walked toward the exit, clutching my certificate like a shield. Five years of being ignored, and suddenly he wanted to talk about boundaries?
The cool evening air hit my face as I pushed through the venue's doors. Behind me, the sounds of the competition celebration faded, replaced by the distant hum of traffic and my own racing heartbeat.
"Running away already, Luna?"
I stiffened at Seraphina Valois's mocking voice. Julian's younger sister leaned against a marble column, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against her champagne glass. Beside her stood Natalie Beaumont, wearing a triumphant smile that made my stomach churn.
"Not running," I replied coolly. "Just leaving."
Natalie laughed, the sound like breaking glass. "Second place must sting. But then again, you're used to being second choice, aren't you?"
