XANIYAH was halfway out of her clothes, tossing her polo onto the bed, when a sharp, hard knock thundered on the door.

“Who is it?” she called out, startled.

But before her voice had even faded, the door pushed open and in stormed her aunt.

Xaniyah froze, her mouth falling open. ‘Did she just— without waiting?’ Her hands hovered awkwardly at her sides, too shocked to even move.

“Aunt Dimitra?” she muttered, her brows furrowed.

“Yes, me. Why are you staring as though you have ...