*Roanne’s POV*

The clatter of silverware and the murmur of voices created a familiar comfort in the university's dining hall, a backdrop to my own swirling thoughts. I was picking at my salad when Lila slid into the seat opposite me, her eyes wide with the kind of excitement that usually heralded some juicy piece of campus news.

"Roanne, you won't believe what I read today," Lila said, barely containing her glee as she leaned in closer. The scent of her peach ...