Elena’s POV

If Prescott High had a sense of humor, it would be the kind that laughs at you while you’re already down.

The day started normal. Too normal, actually. The kind of calm that feels suspicious, like the quiet before something goes wrong. I got to school early, slipped into science class before most people arrived, and sat at my usual table near the window. No Victoria. No Joey. No whispering behind my back yet.

I lined up my notebook, my pen, and my bag the way I always did. Neat. ...