Ultima's Bite!

Monday dragged on, and by the time lunch arrived, April was already predicting some sort of nonsense.

Sure enough, as she entered the cafeteria, the air felt charged—students whispering, eyes darting toward her, subtle smirks exchanged between cliques.

April didn't need enhanced senses to know Tessa Lane had done something.

She calmly grabbed her tray and made her way to an empty table. Michelangelo appeared a moment later, dropping into the seat across from her.

He sighed. "You're trending again."

April didn't even look up. "Let me guess—Tessa?"

"Obviously." He leaned back, crossing his arms. "She's spreading something about you cheating on a mystery boyfriend."

April paused mid-bite. "…What?"

Mickey smirked. "Yep. Apparently, you've been 'leading on' some poor guy and toying with his feelings."

April let out a slow breath. "Does this poor guy have a name?"

"Nope. That's the genius of it. It's all vague—no proof, no real details. Just enough to make people talk."

April set her fork down. "And you're telling me this because…?"

Mickey shrugged. "I find it entertaining."

April shook her head. "I don't even talk to people."

"Exactly. Which is why this is so funny."

April rested her chin on her hand. "And people are actually buying this?"

Mickey grinned. "Oh, they want to. It's Tessa. She has influence." He tapped his fingers against the table. "She's smart. She doesn't need people to believe it—she just needs them to wonder."

April exhaled through her nose. "Annoying."

Mickey snorted. "Welcome to high school."

April considered her options. She could ignore it, let it die out… but where was the fun in that?

A slow smirk curled her lips.

"Mickey," she said smoothly.

He raised a brow. "Yeah?"

"Feel like playing a game?"

His grin widened. "I love games."

April leaned in slightly. "Good. Let's make Tessa regret starting this one."

Mickey's laugh was low and amused. "Oh, this I gotta see."

April just smiled.

Tessa wanted a game?

Fine.

Let's play.