All Chapters of Rising from the ash: Chapter 91 - Chapter 96

Chapter 92Sophia felt good as she followed Ryan’s lead on the dance floor. The music was slow and appealing, and with each step, she became more attuned to the rhythm. She let herself relax, focusing on the way Ryan moved. It felt effortless. But what really caught her off guard was the way she kept looking into his eyes. It was almost instinctual, like she couldn’t help but be drawn in. The soft glow of the party lights reflected in his gaze, and for a moment, everything else faded. Ryan smirked. “You’re actually keeping up. I’m impressed.” Sophia rolled her eyes playfully. “I *can* dance, you know.” “I didn’t say you couldn’t,” he teased. “But I had my doubts.” She laughed, shaking her head, but her heart was racing. Being this close to him, feeling the warmth of his hand on her waist, the way his other hand gently held hers—it was… nice. Too nice. *Dangerously* nice. Meanwhile, across the room, Lana was leaning against the bar, talking to Taylor. She had already downed

Chapter 94It was evening, and Justine was surprised at how fast time had flown. She stretched lazily on Matt’s couch, her body sinking deeper into the cushions. The movie credits rolled across the screen, but neither of them had really been paying attention for the last half hour.The whole weekend had been nothing short of eventful, especially with the rounds of kisses she and Matt had shared. She still couldn't believe it had happened, yet at the same time, it felt so natural—almost inevitable.Matt leaned back, arms stretched behind his head, looking at her with that playful glint in his eyes. "You know," he said, smirking, "if I didn't know any better, I’d say you’re stalling. Could it be that you actually don’t want to leave?"Justine scoffed, giving him a pointed look. "Stalling? Me? Please. I was just trying to be polite before running out of here."Matt chuckled. "Right. And that’s why you’re still curled up on my couch like you live here?"She sighed dramatically. "At this p

Chapter 96He leaned in, his voice playful but smooth. “I don’t know... the way you took that down? I think you’ve been secretly preparing for this moment.”She laughed, shaking her head. “Not at all. But I do feel a little… I don’t know, different. More awake.”“That’s the magic of alcohol,” Ryan mused, taking a sip from his own drink. “Welcome to the dark side.”Before Sophia could respond, a familiar voice called out, “There you guys are!”She turned to see Olivia and Mia making their way toward the bar, their faces flushed from dancing. Mia was slightly breathless as she fanned herself. “I was looking for you, Soph! Oh, and Ryan,” she added with a knowing smile.Olivia gave them a pointed look. “What are you two doing over here all alone?”Ryan smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. “Just showing Sophia the true party experience.”Mia’s eyes darted to the cup in front of Sophia, then widened in delight. “Wait—did you drink?”Sophia nodded, feeling a little bashful now. “I did.”