---
They say betrayal doesn't come from enemies.
It comes from the ones who smile first.
---
🕊️ The Setup
It started with a note — but not like the others.
This one was tucked under her dorm room door, folded into the shape of a swan. Smooth, white, delicate.
It read:
> "Midnight. West garden. Come alone. I'll tell you what Sade told me before she died."
There was no name.
But Sharon recognized the handwriting.
Nora.
For the first time, Sharon felt something like hope.
If Nora had heard something, anything — it might give her what she needed.
What Sade wanted her to find.
---
🌙 Midnight – West Garden
Sharon moved silently through the dark, her steps soft against the gravel path.
The garden was empty. Wind rustled the trees.
She waited.
A shadow shifted near the benches.
But it wasn't Nora.
It was Bianca.
Wearing silk. Red lips. No mask.
Alone.
"I thought you said come alone," Sharon said coldly.
"I never said anything," Bianca replied. "But I knew you'd show up."
Sharon didn't move.
"What is this?"
Bianca stepped forward. "I wanted to see it. The face of the girl who thinks she's stronger than grief."
"You don't know me."
"I knew your sister."
Sharon's breath caught.
"She was brave," Bianca continued. "Too brave. That's what got her killed. She thought she could expose the Circle. She thought truth was louder than power."
"And you helped silence her."
Bianca's smile dropped. "No. I tried to stop her. But by the time I realized what she'd uncovered, it was too late."
Sharon took a step forward. "Then help me now."
Bianca hesitated.
Then… footsteps.
More shadows.
A flashlight beam cut across the garden — then another.
Security.
"Student outside after curfew!" someone shouted. "What's your name?!"
Bianca turned fast, grabbed Sharon's wrist. "Run."
But it was too late.
They were surrounded.
---
🧊 The Fallout
Back in the headmistress's office, Sharon stood stiff, soaked from night dew, arms crossed.
Bianca sat beside her — calm, perfect.
"I invited her out," Bianca said sweetly. "We lost track of time. I take full responsibility."
The headmistress nodded. "Bianca, I expect better from you."
But then… her eyes slid to Sharon.
"You, Miss Adegoke, will be under observation. You've attracted far too much attention since arriving."
Sharon didn't speak. Just stared straight ahead.
Inside, her fury burned cold.
She'd been set up.
---
💥 The Reveal
Later, back in the dorm, Sharon slammed the door shut.
Nora looked up from her bed. "Hey. You okay?"
"Why did you send the note?" Sharon demanded.
Nora's eyes widened. "What note?"
"The swan. The one that told me to meet you in the west garden."
Nora shook her head slowly. "I didn't send you anything."
Sharon's stomach turned.
Then who did?
She crossed to her drawer, opened it slowly.
The paper swan was still there.
Untouched.
Unfolded.
She opened it.
The writing was different.
Imitation.
Someone had forged Nora's script.
And used it to lure her out.
---
🐍 The Snake in Silk
That night, a message appeared on her mirror in red lipstick:
> You learn fast. But not fast enough.
Sharon wiped it off without a word.
Then picked up the queen chess piece.
"Fine," she whispered.
"If you want war… you'll get it."
---
📌 End of Chapter Ten