Trapped by Seven Mafia Wolves novel Chapter 72

**TITLE: Stars Refuse To Blink by Asa River Knox**
**Chapter 72**

**My Place**

**Aurora’s POV**

After what felt like an eternity spent navigating the maze of unfamiliar faces and bewildering hallways, I finally find a moment to breathe. Perhaps this place isn’t as intimidating as I initially imagined. A flicker of optimism dances in my chest, but it quickly dims when I realize I haven’t seen Leon or Jace since this morning. A twinge of sadness washes over me at the thought of their absence. They must be engulfed in their own worlds, being a couple of grades ahead of me. And as for Nico and Luka, thankfully, I haven’t crossed paths with them either. Just as I’m beginning to feel a sense of relief, I unexpectedly collide with Luka while strolling past the lockers.

He halts abruptly, his gaze pinning me with an intensity that could freeze the very lava from a volcano.

“Don’t act like you’re my sister,” he snaps, his voice low and laced with contempt. “And don’t go around telling people you are.”

A chill runs down my spine, and my stomach plummets at his words. I freeze, blinking in disbelief as I attempt to respond. “I wasn’t—” I manage to utter, my voice barely a whisper, but he cuts me off with a derisive scoff, turning away as though I repulse him. His friends trail behind him, casting puzzled glances in my direction, clearly unaware that Luka has a sister.

The sting of his words settles in my chest like a bruise, a painful reminder of my outsider status.

Just as I’m about to pivot and head to class, I feel a sudden grip on my wrist. Before I can react, I’m yanked into the girls’ bathroom, the door slamming shut behind me with a resounding thud.

Standing before me is a girl—taller than me, with cascading blonde hair and piercing eyes that seem to scrutinize my very soul. She appears slightly older, perhaps around the twins’ age.

“You think you’re cute, don’t you?” she snaps, her arms crossed defiantly. “Hanging around Luka like you belong here?”

“W-what?” I stammer, confusion flooding my mind.

Before I can even gather my thoughts, she delivers a sharp slap to my cheek—hard enough to make my head spin.

Tears threaten to spill from my eyes, but I fight to hold them back, refusing to let her see my vulnerability.

“Stay away from him. He’s mine,” she declares icily. “Don’t talk to him. Don’t even look at him.”

With a forceful shove, she nudges me toward the door and storms out, flipping her hair over her shoulder as if to dismiss me entirely.

“Trash,” she mutters without glancing back, her words echoing in the small space.

Laughter erupts around the table, lifting my spirits just a little.

“You can sit with us,” Zoe says, pulling a spot open beside her, her invitation genuine and warm. “Forever, if you want.”

“Thanks,” I reply, feeling my cheeks heat up at the unexpected kindness. “That means a lot.”

They quickly exchange numbers, creating a group chat titled “Game of Phones,” inspired by our shared love for the *Game of Thrones* books and movies. Kira leans across the table, her expression turning serious. “Okay, we have to tell you who to avoid. Mrs. Kensington? She’s scary nice. Like, fake nice. She gives pop quizzes just to ruin your life.”

“And Mr. Harrison?” Liam groans, rolling his eyes. “He says, ‘You’re sixth graders now’ every five seconds. We get it already!”

“Coach Donnelly’s gym class is fine,” Jade adds, her tone lightening. “But don’t call dodgeball ‘fun’ unless you want to run laps.”

I can’t help but chuckle at their playful banter, the tension from earlier gradually dissipating.

As I sit with them, the harsh reality of the bathroom confrontation and Luka’s biting words begin to fade into the background. Perhaps, just maybe… I can find my place here after all.