Scars from the past

around Tolu. She groaned, burying her face deeper into her pillow, willing t

he irritation in her mother's voice was unmistakable, and To

S1 at a new school. Her stomach tightened at the thought. The ghosts of her past lingered at the edge of her mind, whispering reminders of why she had to leav

olu!" her mother's voice sna

oved mechanically-brushing her teeth, showering, dressing in the stiff new uniform that felt foreign on her skin. The mirror re

ready by the door, arms folded, eyes narrowed. Tolu knew what wa

ave to be smart. Focus on your studies, choose your friends wisely, and-" her moth

r backpack, nodding even though her mother's word

s,

for a moment before sig

gates of Royal Crest Academy. Unlike her former school, which had been plain and rigid, this one was breathtaking. Tall trees lined the walkways, flowers bloomed in manicured garde

arply. This was

er pulled the car to a stop. "Go on," she said, nod

d towards the gates, the whispers of the past tried to cling to her,

oyal Crest Academy, she felt it-the heavy w

dn't know wh