Across the lake, a small group of people approached, and Timothy was among them. Even from afar, he could see Madelyn, deep in conversation with a guy in a wheelchair. He noticed her occasional bright smiles, showing she was genuinely enjoying their talk.

Jadie and her roommate, Claire Yelton, were also part of the group. The two girls chatted, with Claire taking in the beauty of Ventrocloud High's environment. "This place is stunning! That swan lake might be bigger than our entire football fie