BiancaLet me set the scene.The cafeteria was too bright. Like, migraine bright. Like, who-approved-these-light-fixtures bright. The tables were buzzing with chatter, metal trays clattered every five seconds, and the air smelled like perfectly cooked meat and desperation.I sat in my usual seat—the
“I mean,” he said, shrugging, “apologizing for my parents trying to expel you feels like a decent reason.”I crossed my arms. “You have that look.”“What look? You don’t know my looks?”“Oh, I so do. It’s one that says you’re holding back questions. Get it out already—I’m getting cold.”His lips pre
Liora I wasn’t sure when I’d passed out. But when I woke, it wasn’t morning yet.The rain had stopped. The wind no longer rattled the windows. The dorm had settled into silence, except for the horror movie still murmuring from the forgotten TV.Mia was curled beside me on the narrow couch, one arm
“You didn’t have to do this,” I said quietly.“I wanted to. I know you act like you don’t care. But we see you, Liora. We all do.”The lump in my throat didn’t make it all the way up. I swallowed it down, hard.“Happy whatever-this-is,” she added, grabbing the cracked candle with both hands and ligh
LioraThe hallway to our dorm was quiet, too quiet. Late afternoon sunlight had dipped into a rainy night, the once long, golden streaks, replaced by suspended memories in the air.I tossed my braid over to my other shoulder, my clothes suddenly feeling too tight. I hadn’t expected to see him, not r
The hallway was dead silent for a beat.Then—“CALLUM.”My father’s voice made the air snap.He yanked me by the elbow and marched me outside the faculty wing before I could process what was happening. His grip was bruising, his eyes sharp.“What the hell was that?” he hissed.“I’m... still trying t