The Threat

Bella didn’t sleep much.

She burrowed beneath the comforter, looking into the blackness of the room as the same tormenting pictures flashed through her mind: the sound of Dave Stark’s voice, his eyes, and the sensation of having him in the room, which once surrounded her like a promise.

Now, the bodily feeling of being separated from him seemed to be like a progressive twist in her chest.

This pain was worse than when he had left for royal duties.

Back then, distance had softened the ache. Now, she saw him every day. Close enough to touch. Far enough to hurt.

By morning, exhaustion clung to her bones. She woke late, hair tangled, emotions raw. When Eve offered her a ride to school, Bella refused with a forced smile. She needed to move. She needed the burn in her muscles, the freedom of speed.

Running in her hybrid form calmed the storm.

When Bella finally appeared in the classroom, the whole class looked up in surprise at her flushed face and labored breathing.

“Go to your seat, Bella