Saoirse’s POV

  I knew I was in trouble the second I stepped into the Byrne mansion.

  Not because I regretted what happened today—because, hell no, I definitely did not. Aoife had it coming. But because I wasn’t sure how Fiona Byrne would react.

  She was already seated in the lounge, sipping on a gss of wine, looking far too amused when I walked in.

  Cian followed right behind me, groaning loudly. "Mom, please do not encourage this insanity—"

  Fiona held up a hand to silence him, her sharp blue eyes locked on me.

  "Saoirse, darling," she began, tilting her head. "Is it true that you single-handedly took down Aoife Galgher in front of half the school?"

  I hesitated, gncing at Cian. He was already face-palming so hard it looked painful.

  "Um… yes?" I answered carefully.

  Fiona’s lips twitched—then, to my absolute shock, she threw her head back and ughed.

  "That’s my girl!" she decred proudly, setting down her wine gss and standing up. "I always knew you had fire, but this? This is something else!"

  Cian groaned, dropping onto the couch and rubbing his temples. "For the love of God, do not encourage her!"

  But Fiona was already striding toward me, hands on my shoulders, eyes gleaming. "Tell me, did you at least nd a good punch?"

  I grinned. "Better. I shoved grass in her mouth."

  Fiona gasped, pcing a hand over her chest like she might swoon. "Brilliant."

  Cian whined into his hands. "I am in hell."

  At that moment, Kathleen walked in, raising an eyebrow at all of us. "What’s going on here?"

  Fiona turned to her, beaming. "Your granddaughter defended her honor today! She fought Aoife Galgher in front of the entire school."

  Kathleen sighed, giving me the look. "Saoirse…"

  I winced. "She started it?"

  She shook her head, muttering something under her breath about teenagers before walking off.

  Meanwhile, Fiona was still beaming at me. "Honestly, I never liked that girl. A little scuffle was long overdue."

  "Mom," Cian practically begged, "stop rewarding violence!"

  She waved him off. "Oh, hush. You should be proud of Saoirse. She stood her ground!"

  Cian muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "I need a drink."

  I flopped down onto the couch beside him, smirking.

  "You know, for someone who’s always compining about my recklessness, I didn’t see you trying to stop me today," I teased.

  Cian shot me a deadpan look. "I was on the other side of the field. By the time I got there, you were already on top of Aoife like some kind of feral animal!"

  Fiona snorted. "Good reflexes."

  "Mom!"

  "Just saying!"

  I let out a ugh, stretching my arms over my head. "Well, whatever. School’s almost over anyway. Just a few more months until graduation."

  Cian exhaled. "Thank God."

  Fiona sighed dramatically. "Oh, I’ll miss seeing you two in your uniforms. You’ve grown up so much."

  Cian nudged my knee with his. "Yeah. Just a little longer, and then we’ll be off to college."

  A strange feeling settled in my chest at that.

  College. A new chapter.

  For the first time in forever, things were about to change.