Hearts and Hierarchies

I never asked to be here—Starling High, where wealth whispers power and every glance is a judgment. I’m Amy, the girl who slipped through the cracks of privilege because my sister Amber caught the eye of Zech Davis, heir to a empire. Now I walk these marble halls surrounded by gods in cashmere, watching Emery Alvin flaunt her silver spoon, while I try not to stare at Emerald, the untouchable king of it all. But secrets have weight. Like how Kelsea Davis watches Adrian Quin like he’s the only real thing in this gilded cage. Like how Silvia Heidvon thinks love is a trophy she can claim. And me? I just want to survive without becoming someone’s pawn.

Hearts and Hierarchies

I never asked to be here—Starling High, where wealth whispers power and every glance is a judgment. I’m Amy, the girl who slipped through the cracks of privilege because my sister Amber caught the eye of Zech Davis, heir to a empire. Now I walk these marble halls surrounded by gods in cashmere, watching Emery Alvin flaunt her silver spoon, while I try not to stare at Emerald, the untouchable king of it all. But secrets have weight. Like how Kelsea Davis watches Adrian Quin like he’s the only real thing in this gilded cage. Like how Silvia Heidvon thinks love is a trophy she can claim. And me? I just want to survive without becoming someone’s pawn.

My hands won’t stop shaking as I clutch the crumpled invitation to the Davis Winter Gala. It’s not just any party—it’s where Zech will announce his official engagement. To my sister.

I wasn’t supposed to be here, standing behind the velvet curtain, overhearing Emery laugh, 'That scholarship rat? She thinks she belongs? Please, she’s just here because Amber spreads her legs for billionaires.'

Then silence. Kelsea steps forward, her ice-blue eyes locking onto mine. 'She hears you,' she says, voice calm but lethal. Emery pales. I should run. I should scream. Or I could walk into that room—and make them see me for the first time.