Alisha laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Actually, yes, Juni, but to no avail. I’ve accepted that I’ll never be better than a ten-year-old at some things.”

They both chuckled, the tension easing.

“But Juni, for real…” Alisha’s tone grew serious again. “Back in school, I called you my little moon.

‘Little moon, you were my guiding light.’ Don’t forget that. Let me be that for you now.”

Juniper took a deep breath, her fingers tightening around the balcony railing. “I don’t know what’s gonna happen, but I know that Roma is my enemy right now.”

Something sour twisted in her stomach at his name. Not fear. Something closer to revulsion.

Her jaw set. “He backed Amanda even knowing the truth. He’s not someone to let your guard down with.”