Trapped by Seven Mafia Wolves novel Chapter 71

**Chapter 71: First Day Jitters**

**Aurora’s POV**

Time has a way of slipping through my fingers, and before I could fully grasp it, two days had passed in a blur. Now, here I am, standing on the precipice of a new beginning—the first day of school. The very thought sends a flutter of anxiety through my stomach. I hurry to get dressed in my crisp uniform, each piece a reminder of the fresh start awaiting me.

As I make my way downstairs, I grab a small piece of bread, barely more than a bite. My appetite has dwindled to almost nothing, a consequence of the emotional turmoil I’ve been through. The thought of school, however, completely quashes any lingering hunger. It’s as if the anticipation has swallowed my appetite whole.

Outside, I watch as the twins climb into their own vehicles, eager to head off to practice. Nico is picked up by a friend, and I can’t help but feel a pang of hurt as I see him refuse to ride with me, his keys taken away. It stings more than I’d like to admit, a small wound in the tapestry of my heart.

I slip into Jace’s sleek red sports car, the engine rumbling to life beneath us.

“So, ready for this?” he asks, his voice light yet laced with genuine concern as he pulls out of the driveway.

“Not really,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper, my gaze fixed on the world outside the window. The scenery blurs past, a reflection of my racing thoughts. He glances over, his eyes searching mine.

“It’s not so bad. You’ll find your people,” he reassures me, his tone warm and encouraging.

I nod, but inside, the knot in my stomach tightens, a reminder of the uncertainty that looms ahead.

Arriving at school, Jace parks the car, and we step out into the bustling atmosphere. As we walk toward the office, the chatter around us fades into an eerie silence upon our entrance. The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with a hint of trepidation in her eyes, looks up at me, her voice trembling slightly. “N-name?”

“Aurora Russo,” I reply, hoping my voice carries a semblance of confidence.

She quickly scribbles something on a piece of paper, her hands shaking as she hands it to me. Jace gives my shoulder a reassuring pat. “I gotta get to practice, but if anything comes up, just find me at the field,” he says, his concern evident.

“Thanks, Jace,” I reply, watching him walk away, his figure disappearing into the throng of students.

The receptionist manages a weak smile and gestures toward a teacher’s assistant nearby. “She’ll show you to your class.”

“Hey! First day jitters?” the assistant introduces herself, her smile brightening the atmosphere.

“A little,” I respond, my voice soft.

Zoe beams at me. “So what’s your name?”

“Aurora,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

They eagerly grab my schedule, playfully jostling each other over who gets to see my classes first.

“Oh, you have Mr. Harrison for history? Ugh, my friend said he’s super strict. He never lets us use our phones,” Mia complains, her face scrunching up in mock horror as Zoe playfully pushes her away.

“Yeah, and Mrs. Kensington in math? So annoying,” Zoe adds, rolling her eyes. “My sister warned me she’s all about homework and quizzes.”

I can’t help but chuckle quietly. This school seems so different from my old one, but I remind myself that it’s far too early to make any judgments. They could turn out to be just like Tiffany—overbearing and judgmental—or they could be genuine friends. But for now, they seem nice, and I decide to trust my instincts.

“Ooh! We also have gym together too,” Mia exclaims, her excitement palpable. “At least that one will be fun!”

As they continue to chatter about the teachers, their siblings’ warnings, and the classes we share, I feel a weight lift off my shoulders. Maybe, just maybe, this day won’t be as daunting as I had feared after all.