CHAPTER 7 EZRA’S POVThe bell rang, sharp and loud, snapping everyone out of their fake attention. Bags unzipped, chairs scraped, chatter exploded, and feet rushed toward the door like freedom was waiting outside. My heartbeat wasn’t excited like theirs. It thudded slowly, dreadfully, because I knew what came after the bell was never freedom for me.It was exposure.I took my time packing my books, hoping to stay invisible long enough for the crowd to empty. If I walked out with everyone, I’d be in the middle of the wolves. If I waited, I’d be prey alone in the hallway. There was no safe time. Just different styles of danger.Ivan stood too, swinging his backpack over one shoulder casually. Like the day hadn’t turned strange, like he hadn’t just sat with the most hated girl in school. He didn’t seem scared, bothered, or even aware of the social suicide he had committed.“You ready?” he asked.No one had ever asked me that after class. Usually, I hurried out alone or stayed back unti
Last Updated : 2025-11-06 Read more