His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 192

Chapter 192

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Chapter 192

Claire’s POV

The relay ended just after two o’clock. The auditorium slowly emptied, people chatting about weekend plans or heading out for lunch.

My team packed up our notes and buzzers, still talking about the close calls and what we could have done better.

I smiled and nodded in the right places, but everything felt a bit disconnected, like I was watching it all through glass.

Mom and Ethan wanted to take me out for a quick celebratory lunch, saying that “Second place is still amazing!”, but I told them I needed to get to the gym early to help Jessica with the final showcase setup.

They understood, kissed my cheek, and promised to be back in plenty of time for the opening.

I walked across campus alone, the cold winter air sharp against my face.

The fight with Elijah still echoed in my head-his accusations, my defenses, the way we had both said things we could not take back. It hurt to think about, so I pushed it down deep.

We would talk later. Much later. After tonight. Right now, I had to focus on the showcase. One thing at a time.

The gym was already transformed when I got there. Dim lights, spotlights on pedestals and walls, soft music playing from hidden speakers.

Jessica was on a ladder adjusting a projector when I walked in.

“There you are!” she called, climbing down. “I was starting to wory.”

“Sorry. The last celebrations ran long.” I dropped my bag and shrugged off my coat. “What needs doing?”

“Everything and nothing,” she laughed. “Mostly moral support and last-minute decisions.”

We spent the next hour walking the space. My series took up the far wall-five large pieces, charcoal and ink, shadows deep

and beautiful.

The projections we had programmed would layer moving light across them when the event started: slow shifts of gold and silver, like eyes opening in the dark.

Jessica stood back, arms crossed, studying them. “They’re incredible, Claire. Honestly. People are going to stop and stare.”

I managed a small smile. “Hope so.”

She glanced at me. “You sure you’re okay? You’ve been… quiet since the relay. Not too sad about the whole second place thing now are we?”

“A little bit, but I’m fine,” I said. “And nervous about tonight.”

She nodded, accepting it. “Well, when they ask us to speak-five minutes max-we’ll keep it simple. I’ll intro the concept, you talk about your series and inspiration. Something like ‘expling hidden strength and quiet longing-vague enough to sound deep, specific enough to fit.”

I laughed despite myself. “You make it sound so easy.”

“It is easy,” she said, bumping my shoulder. “We’ve got this.”

We grabbed bottled water from the refreshment table and sat on the bleachers for a few minutes, legs dangling.

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10:34 Tue, Dec 30 DA

Chapter 192

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“Remember early this semester,” Jessica said, “when my sculptu fell over during critique and the head rolled across the floor?”

I snorted. “How could I forget? Mr. Harlan chased it like it was a unaway bowling ball.”

We both cracked up, the sound echoing in the empty gym. For moment, the weight lifted. It felt good to laugh.

After that, I wandered the exhibit alone, checking labels and angles. Parents and a few early guests started trickling in.

I needed a minute to breathe, so I headed toward the side hallway that led to the bathrooms.

Felix was coming the other way, hands in his pockets, wearing a ice button-down instead of his usual hoodie.

“Hey,” he said, stopping when he saw me. “Saw the relay. You were insane out there-until that last one. Tough break.”

“Yeah,” I said. “Close one.”

He studied my face. “You okay? You look… I don’t know. Like you’re carrying the whole school on your shoulders.”

I leaned against the wall. “Long day. Long week.”

“Tell me about it.” He smiled gently. “Playoffs start Tuesday. Coach has us running suicide drills in our sleep and we literally just finished a big game”

I laughed softly. “Sounds brutal.”

“It is.” He paused. “But tonight’s your night. These pieces-” He nodded toward the gym. “They’re something else, Claire. Seriously.”

“Thanks, Felix.” The kindness in his voice loosened something tight in my chest. “Means a lot.”

“Anytime.” He hesitated, then added, “If you need a break later, save me a spot by the snacks. I make a mean fake-art-critic voice.”

I smiled, real this time. “Deal.”

He headed into the gym, and I continued to the bathroom. As I turned the corner, I caught sight of Elijah across the hall, leaning against a trophy case, watching us.

His expression was closed, unreadable. Our eyes met for a secon. Then he pushed off the wall and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

I did not react. Just kept walking.

Back in the gym, Jessica waved me over. “One more thing, surprise element. The student council got permission for a small fireworks send-off at the end. Nothing huge, just a few shells ove the football field to close the night. Thought it’d be dramatic.”

My stomach dipped. My wolf, who had been sulking since, suddenly got scared. “Fireworks?”

“Yeah. Cool, right? They’ll cue us when it’s time.”

I nodded, forcing enthusiasm. “Really cool.”

Somehow I knew this was a bad idea.

The gym filled gradually over the next few minutes. Guests arrived, music swelled, lights dimmed further for effect. I stood near my wall in the black dress I had chosen weeks ago, greeting people, answering questions.

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10:34 Tue, Dec 30 DRD

Chapter 192

Everything felt almost normal.

Almost.

The program began-principal’s welcome, short speeches, awards for different categories.

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