The sun cast a golden glow over the school grounds as Vaelis stepped through the gates, her presence turning more than a few heads. It had been weeks since she started focusing on her future—applying for scholarships, building her business, and ensuring that no one, not even fate itself, could control her again. But high school was still high school.

Whispers followed her like shadows.

"Did you hear? She’s different lately." "She used to be invisible, and now she’s stealing the top spot in rankings." "Maybe she’s trying to impress someone."

Idiots.

Vaelis didn’t acknowledge their murmurs, didn’t slow her steps. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone—she was proving a point.

And yet, just as she reached the main hallway, an unwelcome voice cut through the air.

"Vaelis?"

She stopped.

That voice.

Slowly, she turned.

Standing a few feet away, gripping the strap of his bag, was Elias Moreau.

---

A Ghost from Her Past

Elias Moreau.

A forgettable side character in Eclipsed by Summer. In the original novel, he had been just another background extra—a classmate, a passing friend, a footnote in someone else’s story.

But in her past life, he had been the final straw.

Vaelis tilted her head, her expression unreadable. She had never expected to see him again, let alone standing in front of her like this, staring as if he actually had the right to speak to her.

"You’ve changed," he said, his tone hesitant.

She let out a slow breath, lips curving into something sharp. "Have I?"

Elias shifted uncomfortably. "I mean… you never used to—"

"Exist?" she cut in, tone cool. "Funny, I thought the same about you."

He flinched. "That’s not what I meant."

Vaelis only raised a brow. "Then get to the point, Elias. If there is one."

His throat bobbed. "I… I wanted to check on you."

She almost laughed. Check on her? The same Elias who had been part of the reason her past self had fallen apart?

"How considerate," she murmured, stepping closer. "Tell me, Elias—do you even remember what you did?"

His brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

Ah. So he had forgotten.

Of course he had. It had been nothing to him. A careless slip of the tongue. A conversation he shouldn’t have had. A few harmless words, repeated in the wrong company.

And just like that, she had been exposed.

Her weaknesses, her secrets—twisted into mockery, turned into weapons against her. She had learned, then, that people like Elias were the most dangerous of all. Not cruel enough to be enemies, not loyal enough to be allies.

Just weak.

She smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Never mind."

Elias hesitated, as if sensing something was off. "Vaelis, I—"

"You what?" she interrupted, tilting her head. "Feel bad? Regret not speaking to me sooner? Don’t bother. I don’t need apologies from people who don’t matter."

He stiffened. "That’s harsh."

Vaelis chuckled. "So is life. You’ll survive."

The school bell rang, breaking the moment. Without another glance, she turned on her heel and walked away.

Elias didn’t call after her.

Because he had already lost his chance.

---

Cutting Ties with the Past

The classroom was already half-filled when Vaelis arrived, the usual hum of conversation surrounding her. She took her seat by the window, her expression calm, but beneath the surface, irritation coiled tight.

Elias Moreau.

She had cut him out of her life long ago. She had no use for ghosts.

And yet, he had looked at her today like she was still the same girl he once knew.

She tapped her pen against the desk, her thoughts sharp.

She had no interest in rekindling old ties.

People like Elias? They were stepping stones.

And Vaelis Cara didn’t look back.