Rose's POV:
As the massive house came into view, Aria finally—mercifully—eased up on the gas, slowing the car to a normal speed. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
For a moment, I'd genuinely thought she was about to pull a full-blown Fast and Furious stunt and skid us into the driveway like we were escaping a high-speed chase.
With the way she was driving—manic energy and all—I had to wonder if she'd already pre-gamed before the party even started.
She pulled up across the street from the house, finding a parking spot among the sea of other cars packed along the curb.
The place was exactly what you'd expect a college party to look like—the kind you see in every movie about wild nights, reckless decisions, and at least one person passing out in a bathtub.
A ridiculous number of cars cluttered the front, cramming into every available space.
The house itself was lit up like a damn Christmas tree, glowing with warm, golden lights that made it look even more expensive than it already was.
It had to be huge—because hosting a college party in a three-bedroom rental is just asking for both property damage and complete social annihilation.
Let's be real. College kids need way too much space for the kind of things they get up to at these parties. If you know, you know.
Red plastic cups were strewn across the porch, dotting the long driveway and even littering the front lawn. It was like a battleground for every poor environmentalist's worst nightmare.
Someone should seriously consider making an Environmental Studies course mandatory for these people.
Aria and I exchanged one last glance before fixing our appearances in the rearview mirror.
I smoothed down my hair while she adjusted her lipstick, giving herself a final, approving nod.
"Hey," she said suddenly, her eyes catching on something. "What's that around your neck?"
I glanced down instinctively, my fingers brushing against the pendant resting just above my collarbone.
"Oh, this? You probably don't remember, but I used to wear this all the time when we were kids."
Aria squinted, as if trying to recall. "Was it always that… shiny?"
I laughed lightly. "It's been through some things. Jake found it in the rubble after the fire. He kept it all these years and finally gave it back to me tonight."
A small smile tugged at my lips. "I'm not taking it off again."
She leaned in to inspect it more closely, her expression unreadable. "Yeah… You're right." she drawled.
I grinned. Aww, my best friend remembers even the tiniest things about me! That's so sweet.
Then, she pulled back, "Never seen it before in my life."
Wow. Never mind her tact.
"But it is kinda pretty," she admitted, nodding in approval.
"I know, right? Thank God it doesn't look weird, or this would be awkward as hell."
"You dodged that bullet," she agreed, linking our arms as we made our way up the driveway, chuckling.
But as we neared the house, something felt… off.
The lights were on. The cars were here. The plastic cups were scattered like a party had already begun.
But there was no music.
No thumping bass rattling the walls. No drunken laughter spilling out onto the lawn.
No people.
I was about to mention it to Aria when she suddenly perked up. "Oh! I have to meet someone real quick—poolside, around back. I'll catch up with you inside, 'kay?"
I frowned. "Wait, you're not coming in with me?"
Aria waved a dismissive hand. "It's just for a sec. I'll meet you inside in, like, five minutes."
I hesitated. Walking into a party alone—especially one where I barely knew anyone—felt painfully awkward. It screamed 'crashing someone else's event' vibes, and I wasn't exactly keen on feeling like an outsider.
But if she wanted some private time with whoever she was meeting, I didn't want to be the clingy best friend who hovered.
Aria had been an amazing friend, sticking by me through everything. She deserved to have her own moments, too.
So, taking a deep breath, I nodded. "Alright. Don't take forever."
"Wouldn't dream of it," she winked before disappearing around the side of the house.
Bracing myself, I stepped up to the front door and entered.
Silence.
It was eerily quiet inside.
The house looked exactly how I expected—spacious, stylish, and fully prepped for a party.
I frowned, stepping further inside.
Were we late?
Did the party somehow end before it even started?
My eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of life.
The stillness of it all sent a prickle down my spine. It felt like I had just walked into the aftermath of something—not a party, but… something else.