The Luna Queen's Rebirth (Ellie and Dominic) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7 
Vivian walked beside me, looking slightly uncomfortable as Marcus and Jake exchanged polite but distant greetings with her. She smiled brightly and tried to engage them in conversation, but their responses remained courteous yet cool. 
It was interesting to watch, and a little concerning. My friends had always been warm with Ellie, despite everything. They’d tease her, include her in their jokes, treat her like she belonged. 
But with Vivian, they were cordial but reserved. She was still an outsider, and it showed. 
My gang also felt uncomfortable, but they thought I liked Vivian and were trying to be supportive. I could see the confusion in their eyes–they didn’t understand this sudden change any more than I did. 
“So,” Marcus said, his tone carefully neutral, “you’re going to the mating ceremony together.” 
Vivian smiled brightly. “Yes! I’m so excited. Dominic’s been so kind to accept my invitation.” 
Jake nodded but didn’t say much. I noticed how my friends‘ expressions remained polite yet cool. They weren’t being rude, exactly, but there was none of the easy familiarity they’d always shown Ellie. 
When I spotted Ellie entering the training hall, I said something sharp to Marcus and Jake. “Be nicer to Vivian. She’s my guest.” They straightened up and gave Vivian warmer smiles. 
In the past, Ellie would have rushed over immediately, claiming her spot at my side. The thought of me being close to another girl would have been unbearable for her. 
But now she simply found an empty space along the wall and began stretching. She didn’t even glance in our direction. 
“Ellie!” one of our classmates called out. “Aren’t you going to say hi to Dominic?” 
She shrugged without looking up. “Why would I?” 
The question seemed to ripple through the nearby students. Whispers started up again. 
I could feel my jaw clench as I watched her. She was ignoring me completely, acting like I didn’t even exist. 
“Maybe she’s still upset about this morning,” someone murmured. 
“I heard she told Vivian ‘good luck‘ though. That doesn’t sound upset.” 
“Ellie’s probably just being dramatic. She always comes crawling back eventually.” 
The speculation continued, but Ellie tuned it out. She shifted slightly further away from where I stood with my 
group. 
From the corner of my eye, I saw my own expression darken in the reflection of the training hall mirrors. I looked frustrated, like I was waiting for something that wasn’t happening. 
The instructor entered and called for attention. “Alright, everyone! Today we’re doing partner combat drills. I’ll read out the assignments.” 
My stomach tightened slightly. In previous classes, Ellie and I had always been paired together for these exercises. 
Sure enough: “Ellie and Dominic.” 
My body lit up with a sense of satisfaction. I felt smug, like I’d just proven a point. Like this was evidence that she couldn’t stay away from me. 
Vivian looked anxious, glancing between Ellie and me. But I felt confident as I waited for Ellie to approach. Marcus and Jake were already grinning. 
“Here we go,” Marcus whispered. “Watch her apologize for this morning.” 
Jake chuckled. “Think she’ll cry? She looks like she might cry.” 
But instead of walking toward us, Ellie walked over to the instructor. 
“Excuse me,” she said politely. “Would it be possible for me to switch partners with Vivian?” 
The instructor looked surprised. “Switch? But you and Dominic have always worked well together.” 
“I’d prefer to work with someone new today,” she said. “If that’s alright.” 
I felt something cold settle in my stomach. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Ellie was supposed to come to me. She was supposed to apologize and admit that she’d been acting foolish. 
The instructor frowned, clearly confused. “I suppose… if Vivian doesn’t mind…” 
I watched as Ellie turned to look at us. At me. Her expression was calm, almost neutral. There was no desperation in her eyes. No longing. Just… nothing. 
“The teacher agreed to my request,” she announced to the group. “I’m switching partners with Vivian.” 
The training hall went dead quiet. Everyone was staring now.