A Gamble of High Stakes

The whispers were insidious, slithering around corners and echoing in the hallways. My name was on every tongue, paired with Sylus Thorn's in a scandalous fashion that made my stomach churn. Contestants threw sidelong glances at me, their expressions a mix of disdain, curiosity, and veiled jealousy. It wasn't just annoying—it was suffocating.

Avery plopped down beside me, her energy as boundless as ever. She leaned in close, her eyes wide with excitement and mischief. "Okay, Freya, spill it," she demanded in a dramatic whisper. "Is it true? Are you, like, actually in a relationship with Sylus Thorn?"