Chapter 29

Freya’s POV

Unfortunately, despite his promise, we don’t make it back before Xena finishes her bath. By the time I return, she’s in full panic mode, already on the verge of reporting me missing.

After an hour of intense chiding, she finally calms down. We laugh about it and eventually drift off to sleep.

The rest of the week rushes by with me taking extra care to stay invisible. I do my best to keep a low profile, avoiding unnecessary attention. Still, the rumors about my performance continue to spread like wildfire throughout the school. I try hard to ignore them, to keep my head down and stay focused.

Xena stays glued to me, acting like my personal bodyguard. She glares at anyone who dares to whisper my name, sending them silent threats with just a look. Her presence creates this bubble of silence wherever we go, but honestly, I don’t mind it. In fact, it’s exactly what I need.

And then, the first day of the solstice event finally arrives.